The Linux Distribution HOWTO Eric S. Raymond v6.8, 8 February 2000 This document is intended to help new users choose a Linux distribu- tion, and to help experienced users track the state of the Linux mar- ket. It does not aim to be a complete list of Linux distributions for all platforms, but instead focuses on leading English-language Intel distributions available on CD-ROM and accessible to Linux novices. ______________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 New versions of this document 1.2 Recent Changes 1.3 Overview of the Linux Market 1.4 Editorial Recommendations 2. Distributions 2.1 Caldera OpenLinux 2.2 Debian Linux Distribution 2.3 Linux Pro 2.4 Red Hat Linux 2.5 Trans-Ameritech Linuxware 2.6 Slackware 2.7 S.u.S.E. 2.8 LinuxGT 2.9 KRUD - Kevin's Red Hat Uber Distribution 2.10 Linux-Mandrake 2.11 Linux by Libranet 3. Submissions To This Document 3.1 Types of Submissions 3.2 How to submit 3.3 Submission Guidelines 4. Administrivia 4.1 Terms of Use 4.2 Acknowledgements ______________________________________________________________________ 11.. IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn There is no single distribution of the Linux software. Instead, there are many such distributions, available both via anonymous FTP and by mail order on CD-ROM. The purpose of this document is to provide short summaries of the English-language Linux CD-ROM distributions, and to provide pointers for the reader to find more information. A German Distributions HOWTO was formerly maintained by Marco Budde but seems to have disappeared. We are not aware of any distributions in languages other than English and German. The information presented here is not complete; there are other Linux distributions than are listed here. By the nature of open source software, anyone that changes anything in their Linux installation and makes it available to others somehow is `a distribution'. A document such as this has to pick somewhere to draw the line. I have picked `available on CD'. This is by no means the definition of a Linux distribution. There are numerous small distributions that offer things the big distros don't, not the least of which is smallness itself. The information presented here is not complete; there are other Linux distributions than are listed here. If you are associated with a CD- ROM distribution we don't list, please see ``Submissions To This Document'' near the end of this document for information on making a submission. It's easy and should take less then five minutes. For a more complete list of distributions (albeit with sparser information on each) see the Linux HQ Distributions List . DDiissccllaaiimmeerr:: We make absolutely _n_o guarantee as to the correctness of the information, prices, and ordering details given in this document. Check the last-modified field of each to get an idea of its currency, then go to the vendor's web page for up-to-date information. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated the Linux software comes with _A_B_S_O_L_U_T_E_L_Y _N_O _W_A_R_R_A_N_T_Y. Your editor tries to stick to facts in most of this HOWTO, but he has some opinions on the state of the Linux market. If you care what they are, you can read them under ``Editorial Recommendations''. DDiisscclloossuurree:: I (esr) have no financial connection to any Linux vendor, nor have I accepted any renumeration or perquisites from any vendor other than free product for review (and one T-shirt from Red Hat). 11..11.. NNeeww vveerrssiioonnss ooff tthhiiss ddooccuummeenntt This document will be posted monthly to the newsgroups comp.os.linux.answers . The document is archived on a number of Linux FTP sites, including metalab.unc.edu in pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO. You can also view the latest version of this HOWTO on the World Wide Web via the URL . Feel free to mail any questions or comments about this HOWTO to Eric S. Raymond, esr@snark.thyrsus.com. Please do _n_o_t send me general Linux questions or requests for help in choosing a distribution unless you're willing to hire me at normal consulting rates; I don't have time to deal with them, and I try to put everything I know about choosing a distribution in this document. 11..22.. RReecceenntt CChhaannggeess Yggdrasil Plug-And-Play and Craftworks Linux seem no longer to be available for sale, and have been dropped. DOSLINUX has also been dropped due to its specialist nature. KRUD, Linux-Mandrake, and LinuxGT have been added. 11..33.. OOvveerrvviieeww ooff tthhee LLiinnuuxx MMaarrkkeett In the beginning (say, 1993), a Linux distribution was something you downloaded off the Internet onto floppies. Installation was a laborious process and repeated frustrations due to bad media were common. Then came cheap CD-ROM drives and the CD-ROM, a medium ideally suited for shipping large volumes of operating-system software cheaply. There's a whole mini-industry now built around commercial CD-ROM Linuxes, and (because the vendors have actual cash flow to fund support and marketing) they increasingly dominate the Linux world. Debian is now the only significant non-commercial release, and even it seems to be propagated largely by shovelware CD-ROMs. Most of the CD-ROM distributions (including Slackware, Yggdrasil and Red Hat) are still available for FTP from the home sites of their developers. But if you have a CD-ROM drive and a few dollars, you will have many more distributions and more support options to choose from (and you'll usually get some useful paper documentation). For more on the details of installation, see the Linux Installation HOWTO, . Prices for CD-ROM distributions of Intel Linuxes start at $20 and top out at a whole $50 (and the extra few dollars can buy real value). Many vendors sell subscription deals that will lower your cost-per-CD for regular updates over the subscription period. Price correlates with features and quality pretty well (as one would expect in a very competitive market). Your editor recommends paying the few extra dollars for a top-drawer original CD-ROM distribution; this will pay off in fewer installation and administration hassles down the road. Making good choices is much simpler than it used to be. In 1995-96 the Linux market underwent a serious shakeout, with a very few commercial distributions emerging as leaders while weaker ones disappeared or stagnated. The toll among general-purpose non- commercial distributions has been even fiercer; essentially, only Debian survives in this role. As a result, the three-tier structure of primary distribution builders, value-added repackagers, and bottom-feeding CD shovellers that used to define the market has nearly collapsed. To be competitive in 1997, a Linux outfit (whether commercial or noncommercial) has to offer reasonable support and behave like a primary distribution builder, whether it's really one or not. So as long as you look for a recent freeze date, it is pretty hard to get stuck with a dud distribution these days. 11..44.. EEddiittoorriiaall RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonnss Last section, the facts. In this section, my opinions (for whatever they're worth -- and remember the caveat about free advice). There is no substitute for doing your own evaluation based on experience and the data in this guide, and these are intended more to illuminate my possible biases than as a guide to what you should do. From the beginnings of the Linux CD-ROM industry in 1993 to Fall 1995, Yggdrasil was the king of the hill -- it essentially founded the CD- ROM market and then set the standard for everybody else. I used Yggdrasil, and I recommended it over commercial System V versions for its superior documentation, large collection of applications, and enlightened policy of sending free releases to freeware authors and dedicating part of the price of each CD-ROM to financially supporting free software. But Yggdrasil hasn't issued a new release since 1995 and they've been left behind by the market. I now run Red Hat Linux and am quite satisfied with it. Red Hat's RPM technology currently gives it, IMO, a technical edge over any other vendor. They've made most of the right moves at the right times and I consider them the current market leader. If you're ideologically wedded to using a non-commercial distribution, Debian seems to me to be the clear choice, the only one left with a serious support team behind it. These opinions should certainly not be interpreted as an unconditional endorsement; different Linux distributions are optimized for different needs, and yours may well be best served by some other distribution (especially if, unlike me, you're mainly a DOS user and are looking for a distribution tuned for dual-boot systems and being launched from DOS). Furthermore, industry standing is volatile. By the time you read this, Red Hat or Debian may well have fallen off their games and been displaced by hungrier newcomers. 22.. DDiissttrriibbuuttiioonnss All these distributions are available on CD-ROM (some of the non- commercial ones only show up on network-archive snapshots). Most of these are available for free over the network (but the commercial ones won't support you if you buy this way). They are custom-assembled, rather than just being re-packagings of a pre-existing network release. They are listed in alphabetical order. 22..11.. CCaallddeerraa OOppeennLLiinnuuxx DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: Caldera, Inc. 633 South 550 East Provo, Utah 84606 Net: info@caldera.com WWW: FTP: Vox: (801)-377-7678 Fax: (801)-377-8752 PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: Caldera is shipping OpenLinux 1.2 in a three-tiered family of products: OpenLinux Lite, OpenLinux Base, and OpenLinux Standard. OpenLinux Lite is a freely available evaluation of the OpenLinux product (it includes a 90-day evalutation of the Caldera integrated Desttop--the full licensed version of the desktop is included in the Base and Standard products). OpenLinxu Lite can be downloaded from Caldera's ftp site, or obtainded on CD for the cost of shipping. It is also designed for use by book and software publishers to provide a commercially stable Linux offering with their books and software products. OpenLinux Base contains everything that is in Lite plus it is a complete, easy-to-install Linux operating system, with integrated Desktop, Internet client and server components, and Intranet connectivity. OpenLinux Base includes Netscape Navigator and full documentation. OpenLinux Standard includes what is in Base plus more high-end, name brand, commercial software components (such as Netscape FastTrack Web Server, Netscape Navigator Gold Web browser and authoring tools, ADABAS D database, StarOffice productivity suite, Caldera OpenDOS, and NetWare client and administration tools). All three tiers of the OpenLinux 1.2 release are currently available. With Caldera OpenLinux, you can see a whole world of powerful new computing, even the power of a UNIX workstation on your PC! By using a Linux kernel, OpenLinux gives you speed and stability that compare to systems costing thousands of dollars. Open Linux also gives you: +o Real multi-tasking runs many text or graphical applications at once; no application can cause another to crash, unlike less robust systems. +o The Linux 2.0 kernel gives super-fast TCP/IP access to the Internet, plus loadable device drivers, for the most efficient use of your system resources. +o Easy-to-follow, quick installation with menu-based choices and auto-detection of your hardware make installation a snap on most systems. The Getting Started Guide (included) provides a step- by-step illustrated procedure, with troubleshooting tips. No other Linux system includes a complete, integrated desktop interface with configuration tools and graphical editor. Its powerful drag-and-drop capabilities come pre-configured with thousands of icons and application settings. The Desktop provides a convenient place where you can store your favorite programs and data files for instant access. The Desktop gives you: +o Drag-and-drop launching of programs with data files. +o An integrated graphical text editor. +o Easy access to an array of powerful system configuration tools. +o A configurable icon bar, custom layouts, and preference settings. +o Powerful file management using drag-and-drop or graphical dialogs. OOrrddeerriinngg:: By email with PGP key, by phone, by fax, or by conventional mail. Full ordering details are at . SSuuppppoorrtt:: Caldera is one of the only Linux distributers to offer E-mail and telephone support. OpenLinux Base (E-mail only) and Standard (Telephone and E-mail) users are fully supported (Standard users receive 5 free incident calls during the first 30 days). There is no technical support for the Lite product. OpenLinux Base and Standard ship with full licensed versions of the Caldera Desktop, which do not expire. OpenLinux Lite ships with a 90-day evaluation version of the Desktop. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: May 1998 (?) EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 13 August 1998 22..22.. DDeebbiiaann LLiinnuuxx DDiissttrriibbuuttiioonn DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: Software in the Public Interest, Inc. PO Box 1326 Boston, Ma. 02117 USA Net: info@debian.org WWW: FTP: PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: Debian Linux is the result of a volunteer effort to create a high-quality non-commercial Linux distribution. Debian Linux 2.0 is a complete and fully-functional Unix-compatible operating system for the personal computer. The system uses ELF executables and libc6 (unlikeprevious Debian versions, which used libc5). At present, Debian Linux is available for the IBM PC architecture (386/486/Pentium) and m68k, with versions for Sparc and Alpha promised for 2.1. ARM, PPC, and UltraSparc ports are underway. Debian Linux is an easy-to-upgrade distribution that mostly consists of freely redistributable software from a number of different sources and systems. Support for shadow passwords is available, although it should be considered experimental in the 1.1 release. Non-free packages may also obtained, making Debian a well-rounded system. The benefits of Debian Linux are its upgradability, well-defined dependencies between packages, and its open development. It is the only distribution of Linux that is being developed co- operatively by many individuals through the Internet, in the same spirit as Linux and other open-source operating systems. More than 400 package maintainers are working on over 1500 packages and improving Debian Linux. A sophisticated bug tracking system allows users to easily report bugs and security concerns which are quickly dealt with by the Debian community. A new release of the package will soon occur on well-known ftp archives. Debian Linux is a very dynamic distribution. Snap-shot releases are made about every three months, the ftp archives are updated daily. For more information about Debian Linux, please refer to the files at or visit our World Wide Web page at . If you're interested in joining this project you are invited to subscribe to either debian-user@lists.debian.org or debian- devel@lists.debian.org by sending a mail to debian-user- request@lists.debian.org (or debian-devel-request respectively) with the word "help" in the subject line. IInntteerrnneett AAcccceessss:: Debian Linux is available via anonymous FTP from and on a mirror near to you. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: 24 July 1998 (2.0) EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 13 Aug 1998 22..33.. LLiinnuuxx PPrroo DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: WorkGroup Solutions, Inc. P.O. Box 460190 Aurora, CO 80046-0190 Vox: (303)-699-7470 Fax: (303)-699-2793 Net: info@wgs.com (orders) FTP: PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: The charter of the WGS Linux Pro CD is different from all other distributions currently on the market. We are actively pursuing penetration into the commercial marketplace for Linux. Everything we do is aimed at increasing the size of the Linux community, and helping Linux to become THE one true operating system, not just an operating system. WGS Linux Pro consists of our Main "Stable" Linux CD, for which we select what we consider to be the best Linux distribution available. Then we make bug fixes & minor enhancements. This CD often contains software older than the latest, under the theory that "the latest is not always the greatest". Together with this approach we provide technical support as well as support agreements. For this reason WGS Linux Pro is considered a primary Linux distribution. Optionally, and in addition to our primary CD, we supply supplemental CDs containing all the latest Linux software (including current archives of the tsx-11, metalab, and Red Hat sites). Virtually anything you will get with anyone's Linux product can be found on these supplemental CDs. We continually add more to these supplemental CDs as software becomes available. Even with all this, pricing on our product line is very favorable when correctly compared to other Linux distributions. Also optional (included with Linux Pro+) is a professionally produced and printed manual containing the Linux documentation project and more! Current version is 4.0a; kernel is 1.2.13 with installable 2.0.x on the CD. IInntteerrnneett AAcccceessss:: Look in for a list of WGS products, and latest information on the CD-ROM. OOrrddeerriinngg:: WGS Linux Pro is available on CD from dealers and distributors worldwide, and soon from our FTP site. You may call, fax, email, or mail us, to purchase, or request additional information. We will be happy to respond to any question you have. We accept American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard, or purchase orders with approval of credit. MMiisscceellllaanneeoouuss:: Complete information is available on our FTP site. WGS publishes a free E-Mail newsletter on Linux and FlagShip to which you may subscribe by just emailing us your request. In addition we carry Motif, FlagShip, A line of books, and other products to make your experience with Linux more complete and fulfilling. Check us out! LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: 1 October 1996. EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 13 March 1997 EEddiittoorr''ss ccoommmmeenntt:: They describe their current distribution as "Red Hat 3.03 plus". 22..44.. RReedd HHaatt LLiinnuuxx DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: Red Hat Software 3201 Yorktown Rd, Suite 123 DeKalb Center Durham, NC 27713 Vox: (800) 546-7274 or (919) 572-6500 Fax: (919) 572-6726 Net: redhat@redhat.com WWW: FTP: PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: Red Hat 6.1 is based on the 2.2 kernel and is available for Intel, Sparc and Alpha platforms. Four installation innovations make Red Hat the easiest Linux to install ever. Our graphical installation mode brings you straight up into X for most of the installation. Our boot disk creation script eases selection of the proper boot disk, and it saves your existing network configuration information and XF86Config so you don't have to configure TCP/IP or X! Our FTP install allows you to install simply by downloading 3 floppy disk images -- the rest is done automatically! And finally, the installation includes seamless support for PCMCIA devices -- install Red Hat on your laptop as easily as on your desktop machine! After installing Red Hat Linux once, you will never need to reinstall Linux again! The new RPM packaging system is sophisticated enough to allow upgrading to new Red Hat releases without reinstalling your system - no partitioning, no backing up all your files, no headaches. OOrrddeerriinngg:: Available directly from Red Hat Software and most distributors of Linux related products. Please contact Red Hat Software for ordering details (on-line ordering is available through Red Hat's Web). Suggested retail price for the Standard version is $29.95; for the Professional (server) version $149.95; for the Deluxe version $79.95. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: Unknown. EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 1 Nov 1999. EEddiittoorr''ss CCoommmmeennttss:: The big selling point of this distribution is RPM, the Red Hat Package Manager. This piece of software is a remarkable advance; it allows you to cleanly install and de-install applications and operating-system components, including the kernel and OS base itself. RPM is now used as well by essentially all other distributions except Debian. 22..55.. TTrraannss--AAmmeerriitteecchh LLiinnuuxxwwaarree DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: Trans-Ameritech 2342A Walsh Avenue Santa Clara, CA 95051 Net: info@trans-am.com WWW: http://www.trans-am.com Vox: (408)-727-3883 Fax: (408)-727-3882 BBS: (408)-980-9840 PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: Trans-Ameritech has published 10 releases of Linux by early 1997. Traditionally, Trans-Ameritech has set new standards for combining ease of use and straightforward installation, even for a first-time user, with its line of LinuxWare CD-ROMs. This is a flexible, easy-to-install operating system geared toward those interested in learning Unix as well as technical people, students and home PC users. +o New Linux users will appreciate a Windows-based set up program from the CD. +o To minimize the possibility of hardware conflicts many extra kernels are provided for different configurations. They are usable for installation and normal operation. +o Many on-line documents are provided for quick reference, including the Linux Documentation Project files in source, dvi and ps formats. Many applications are included: +o MS-Windows based X configuration program +o C/C++,Pascal and Ada compilers as well as converters fron Fortran +o TCP/IP networking, UUCP,SLIP,CSLIP,PPP +o Internet access with binaries and sources for FTP,Telnet,News and E-mail +o Multiple terminals and X-Windows environment +o Gnu and international versions of the ispell spell-cheker +o The communications apps:term,minicom,Seyon (X-Windows based) +o Editors:elvis(vi clone),joe,jove,Emacs +o PostScript clone ghostscript +o Object oriented GNU Smalltalk and the Smalltalk interface to X +o TCL/Tk (Powerful scripting language with Motif-like X interface) +o Programs for electrical engineers and ham enthusiasts +o Interviews libraries,include files and doc Word-processor and idraw drawing program +o Typesetting:TeX,LaTeX,xdvi,dvips,Metafont,groff +o Andrew multimedia word prodessor with hyperlinks +o FAX send and receive on either class 1 or class 2 fax modems +o DOOM for game enthusiasts All the sources are available on the CD-ROM. The often needed sources are uncompressed and can be used directly from the CD- ROM. An uncompressed Linux filesystem is available for references and disk space conversaion. You can run programs directly from the CD-ROM! There is a large info directory for on-line reference and many manpages. For hacker's reference, uncompressed FreeBSD and netBSD sources are provided. Our distribution is targeted for Windows and DOS users who want an easy migration path upwards, rather than for UNIX experts. OOrrddeerriinngg:: Email orders are taken at order@trans-am.com The price for our current release of LinuxWare 2.5 is $19.95 The price for a package order: LinuxWare 2.5,Supplement 5 and Supplement 4 (Ultimate LinuxWare Bundle) in one shipment is $30 If you order with a credit card (VISA, MC, AmEx, Discovery), please, indicate the card number, expiration date and your mailing address. Shipping and handling in US: single CD-ROM or Ultimate LinuxWare Bundle is $5(first class US mail). Overseas shipping is $8 for single CD-ROM , $12 for the bundle. COD is available in the US only for $4.50. California residents, please add 7.75% sales tax. Annual subscription (4 releases) is available for $80 plus S&H (note: there are 4 shipments in a subscription). Example: subscription in US is:$80+$5x4=$100. Subscription in Europe/Japan etc. $80 + $8x4 = $112. MMiisscceellllaanneeoouuss:: If you have any further questions,please contact us through E- mail: info@trans-am.com or order@trans-am.com. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: January 1997 (Supplement 5) EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 13 August 1998 22..66.. SSllaacckkwwaarree DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: Walnut Creek CDROM 4041 Pike Lane, Suite D Concord, CA 94520 Net: info@cdrom.com (information), order@cdrom.com (orders), support@cdrom.com (support). PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: Ftp.cdrom.com is the home of Slackware Linux. We are the publishers of the Official Slackware Linux CDROM. Our distribution is a 4-disc set with the current version being Slackware 96. The current disc is based on the 2.0.34 kernel. Slackware Linux is a full featured distribution of the Linux operating system designed for 386/486 computers with a 3.5" floppy and CD-ROM drive. IInntteerrnneett AAcccceessss:: WWW: FTP: OOrrddeerriinngg:: The cost of the CD-ROM set from Walnut Creek is $39.95. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: July 1998 (3.5) EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 13 August 1998. 22..77.. SS..uu..SS..EE.. DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: S.u.S.E., Inc. 458 Santa Clara Ave Oakland CA 94610 USA Net: info@suse.com WWW: FTP: Vox: +1-510-835-7873 Fax: +1-510-835-7875 fax PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: S.u.S.E. Linux offers users of all levels, from novice to expert, quick and easy entry into world of Linux and Unix. Resources such as a menu-driven installation from CD-ROM, a modular boot diskette, 400-page reference book and S.u.S.E.'s own system administration tool, YaST allow one to quickly get Linux installed and running, and to keep it running smoothly. Furthermore, S.u.S.E. offers a series of supported X servers, which support the newest graphics cards. These servers are created in cooperation with the XFree86 (tm) development team. See the following URL for more details: . New in S.u.S.E. Linux 5.3: +o Kernel 2.0.35 +o KDE 1.0 +o GIMP 1.0 +o SaX (SuSE advanced XF86 configuration tool) Quick overview of other features: +o The Linux OS, over 875 software packages, including complete sources and live file system on 4 CD-ROMs +o 400 page reference book +o Packages in RPM format; TGZ packages installable +o System V compatible boot concept, compliance with file system standard +o Installation and administration utility 'YaST' configures network, ISDN, e-mail, printer, X Window System +o S.u.S.E. X servers which support new graphics cards +o Administration of file systems, users, groups +o Automatic configuration of several window managers +o Online help system and documentation +o Demo mode, either directly from CD-ROM, or on DOS partition OOrrddeerriinngg:: You can download from . For the CD-ROM with support, order vphone, secure WWW order form, fax, or post. Price is $49.95, or $34.95 per edition by subscription. Use order code LSUE520 for the English version, LSUD520. Also available: OSF Motif 2.1 for $129.95 (price for update to be determined; order code: LMEA210 SSuuppppoorrtt:: 60 days of free installation support are included with each purchase of S.u.S.E. Linux. See the web page for contact info and conditions. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: Unknown. EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 13 Aug 1998 (5.3) 22..88.. LLiinnuuxxGGTT DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: Grey Technology PMB 205 2479 Murphreesboro Rd. Nashville, TN 37217 Net: rick@greysite.com (orders) WWW: FTP: PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: LinuxGT is based in the Linux 2.2 kernel, available for Intel only at this point, a PPC and SPARC are on the way! With a simple, to the point installation, we believe it is the easiest to get running server solutions available today! Creating a boot disk is a simple click of a button (from Windows), or running a simple script (DOS/Linux). Other installation methods are via ftp, http, NFS, or from your existing hard disk partition. By following the steps in the QuickStart Guide, you can't go wrong, most people won't NEED the Guide if they have ANY familiarity with Linux. Further product information can be found at our website (http://www.greysite.com) or via e-mail. OOrrddeerriinngg:: Available through Grey Technologies, GT Partners, and Distribution Vendors. Please contact Grey Technology for ordering details (on-line ordering is available through GreySite.Com). Suggested retail price is for the Intel Server version is $dollar;24.95. Other platforms will be priced at time of availability. MMiisscceellllaanneeoouuss:: Technical support is available via telephone, e-mail, chatroom, or online Web Forum. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: 24 Jun 1999 EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 24 Jun 1999 22..99.. KKRRUUDD -- KKeevviinn''ss RReedd HHaatt UUbbeerr DDiissttrriibbuuttiioonn DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: tummy.com, ltd. 5400 Fossil Court North Fort Collins CO 80525 Vox: (970) 223-8215 Net: krud@tummy.com Web: PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: The current Red Hat distribution with full errata available by subscription or as a single CD. Also included are a variety of useful packages for Linux, including a several security-related packages such as ssh and isinglass. Requires standard Red Hat compatible Hardware. Currently, KRUD is not for export because it contains crypto software. IInntteerrnneett AAcccceessss:: Available on CD-ROM only because of export restrictions. OOrrddeerriinngg:: (online) (by mail) $3/US each $36/US 12 issue subscription (monthy update) Visa/Mastercard/Discover/Amex credit cards accepted. University and large business purchase orders, Postal money orders are also accepted. SSuuppppoorrtt:: Support is available on an hourly or contract basis from tummy.com, ltd. Rates start at $120/hour. MMiisscceellllaanneeoouuss:: KRUD helps you keep up with the flood of errata and package upgrades by offering a monthly CD-ROM subscription delivered to you at a reasonable price. 22..1100.. LLiinnuuxx--MMaannddrraakkee DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: MandrakeSoft Daniel Morales - MandrakeSoft 818.834.9860 Caroline Carmagnol - Alize Public Relations 650.323.1607 mandrake@linux-mandrake.com Net: mandrake@linux-mandrake.com (orders) WWW: Vox: 818.834.9860 PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: Linux-Mandrake is inspired by Red Hat(tm) Linux, with many improvements and pre-configured applications which make it easier to use for beginners, and faster for everyone. Linux-Mandrake is available both in GPL Edition and in the PowerPack Edition which includes 5 CDs and commercials applications. The GPL Edition CD (base system and applications) is freely available from Internet as an iso image. Linux-Mandrake 6.0 won two LinuxWorld Editors' Choice Awards and was a runner up at LinuxWorld Expo, San Jose, CA in August 1999: 1. Best Linux Product of the Year. 2. Best Distribution/Server. 3. finalist for Best Distribution/Client. Mandrake 6.1 (Helios) features: 1. Linux-Kernel: 2.2.13 (pre4) 2. XFree86: 3.3.5 3. Glibc: 2.1.1 4. RPM: 3.0.3 5. Bash: 2.03 6. KDE: 1.1.2 (with Mandrake customization) 7. Gnome: built from 1.0.4->1.0.14 versions (with Mandrake customization) 8. Enlightenment 0.16-dev5, Windowmaker 0.60, AfterStep 1.7.111, XFCE 3.0.2, IceWM 0.9.48 and many applications such as Apache, MySQL etc. In Mandrake, packages have been compiled with CPU optimizations for pentium-class (intel, amd, cyrix, winchip...) and higher processors resulting in speed improvements up to 30%. IInntteerrnneell AAcccceessss:: OOrrddeerriinngg:: Free download available from Internet. The Linux-Mandrake PowerPack price is typically between $45 and $50. Payment method depends on the distributor. Distributor lists available at: . SSuuppppoorrtt:: The PowerPack is provided with 100 days of support by email. Several specialized mailling-lists and a USENET newsgroup (alt.os.linux.mandrake) are available for support between users. Bynari Systems Group and LinuxCare also provide complete support for Mandrake. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: Sep 17, 1999 for Mandrake 6.1 (Helios). Update frequency: about 4 months. EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 18 September 1999 22..1111.. LLiinnuuxx bbyy LLiibbrraanneett DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: Libra Computer Systems Ltd. 1860 Langworthy Street North Vancouver, BC V7K 1N8 Net: sales@libranet.com (orders) Net: support@libranet.com (support) Net: faq@libranet.com (faq) WWW: PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: Based on the Debian distribution, it allows users to start with an already configured desktop complete with the most commonly used applications. The simple installation gets the system up and running easily. This is a major benefit to those new to Linux and a great time-saver for the experienced. OOrrddeerriinngg:: Available on CD for intel i386 and higher compatibles. Order via the web at http://www.libranet.com or fax/mail order One year free support via email and fax. MMiisscceellllaanneeoouuss:: The Linux by Libranet Desktop brings Debian, traditionally the choice of developers, to the desktop user. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: Updated CD about every 4 months. EEnnttrryy llaasstt mmooddiiffiieedd:: 1 November 1999 33.. SSuubbmmiissssiioonnss TToo TThhiiss DDooccuummeenntt I encourage anyone and everyone who maintains a Linux distribution or mail order service, to submit information on their service to this HOWTO. It's easy and fun, and it's free advertising. This document is posted to many places and is archived (see the next section). 33..11.. TTyyppeess ooff SSuubbmmiissssiioonnss We are interested in submissions for: +o Complete distributions of Linux software available on CD-ROM. (We no longer carry FTP-only distributions, as this document is aimed primarily at new users for which they are not appropriate.) By `complete distribution' we mean any set of software which can be used to build a complete Linux system from scratch. +o Layered products or individual software packages available only via mail order. If your software package is available via anonymous FTP, chances are people can find it. Software products only available via mail-order include commercial things such as Motif, and any other commercial software ported to Linux. +o Any other _L_i_n_u_x_-_s_p_e_c_i_f_i_c goods available via mail order, such as Linux-specific books and documentation, T-shirts, and assorted paraphrenalia. Note: our interest in the latter categories is marginal -- this is a Linux Distributions HOWTO, not a catalogue of cutesy Linux junk. Whatever you're selling will have to be (a) very useful, (b) very original, or (c) very funny, to get listed here. If the number of submissions for services and layered products is large, I'll create a separate HOWTO for these items. 33..22.. HHooww ttoo ssuubbmmiitt To submit an entry to this HOWTO, please send mail to esr@snark.thyrsus.com with the following information. This format is not machine-parsable; any of the fields may be any length that you wish, but I'd like to keep each entry down to, say, 50 lines. NNaammee:: _N_a_m_e _o_f _s_e_r_v_i_c_e _o_r _d_i_s_t_r_i_b_u_t_i_o_n DDiissttrriibbuuttoorr:: _N_a_m_e _o_f _c_o_m_p_a_n_y_, _p_e_r_s_o_n_, _e_t_c_. _w_h_o _d_i_s_t_r_i_b_u_t_e_s_/_m_a_i_n_t_a_i_n_s _t_h_e _s_e_r_v_i_c_e _o_r _d_i_s_t_r_i_b_u_t_i_o_n_. _S_h_o_u_l_d _i_n_c_l_u_d_e _m_a_i_l_, _e_m_a_i_l_, _p_h_o_n_e _c_o_n_t_a_c_t _i_n_f_o_r_m_a_t_i_o_n_, _a_n_d _(_i_f _p_o_s_s_i_b_l_e_) _a _W_W_W _r_e_f_e_r_e_n_c_e_. PPrroovviiddeerr''ss DDeessccrriippttiioonn:: _D_e_s_c_r_i_p_t_i_o_n _o_f _t_h_e _d_i_s_t_r_i_b_u_t_i_o_n _o_r _s_e_r_v_i_c_e _t_h_a_t _y_o_u _p_r_o_v_i_d_e_. _I_f _t_h_i_s _i_s _a _s_o_f_t_w_a_r_e _d_i_s_t_r_i_b_u_t_i_o_n_, _p_l_e_a_s_e _i_n_c_l_u_d_e _i_n_f_o_r_m_a_t_i_o_n _s_u_c_h _a_s _w_h_a_t _s_o_f_t_w_a_r_e _i_s _i_n_c_l_u_d_e_d_, _v_e_r_s_i_o_n_s_, _g_e_n_e_r_a_l _o_v_e_r_v_i_e_w _o_f _i_n_s_t_a_l_l_a_t_i_o_n_, _r_e_q_u_i_r_e_m_e_n_t_s_, _a_n_d _s_o _o_n_. IInntteerrnneett AAcccceessss:: _W_h_e_r_e _y_o_u_r _s_e_r_v_i_c_e _o_r _d_i_s_t_r_i_b_u_t_i_o_n _i_s _a_v_a_i_l_a_b_l_e _o_v_e_r _t_h_e _I_n_t_e_r_n_e_t_; _t_y_p_i_c_a_l_l_y _a _W_W_W _o_r _F_T_P _a_d_d_r_e_s_s_. OOrrddeerriinngg:: _H_o_w _t_o _o_r_d_e_r _y_o_u_r _d_i_s_t_r_i_b_u_t_i_o_n _o_r _s_e_r_v_i_c_e_, _i_f _a_p_p_l_i_c_a_b_l_e_. _I_n_c_l_u_d_e _p_r_i_c_e_s_, _s_h_i_p_p_i_n_g _i_n_f_o_r_m_a_t_i_o_n_, _m_e_t_h_o_d_s _o_f _p_a_y_m_e_n_t_, _e_t_c_. SSuuppppoorrtt:: Information on support terms and support contracts. MMiisscceellllaanneeoouuss:: _A_n_y_t_h_i_n_g _e_l_s_e _t_h_a_t _y_o_u _f_i_n_d _r_e_l_e_v_a_n_t_. LLaasstt FFrreeeezzee DDaattee:: Last freeze date of the current version(s). Also, your estimated update frequency. 33..33.. SSuubbmmiissssiioonn GGuuiiddeelliinneess Please keep your entry as short as possible. If you need to include extensive information, please make a reference to where one can FTP or mail to get more information on your distribution; these entries are only meant to be _p_o_i_n_t_e_r_s to where one can find information on your service or distribution. If you provide more than one service or distribution, please use _s_e_p_a_r_a_t_e _e_n_t_r_i_e_s for each. I may edit your entries for conciseness and brevity, if I find any irrelevant information, or if the entry is overly verbose. Otherwise the content should remain the same. When making submissions to the Distribution-HOWTO, you grant implicit permission for me to use the entries in other materials, such as books from the LDP, and other online documents. For example, information from the Distribution-HOWTO may be included in a published Linux book. If you do not want me to include your entry in materials other than the Distribution-HOWTO, please say so. 44.. AAddmmiinniissttrriivviiaa 44..11.. TTeerrmmss ooff UUssee This document is copyright 1997 by Eric S. Raymond. You may use, disseminate, and reproduce it freely, provided you: +o Do not omit or alter this copyright notice. +o Do not omit or alter or omit the version number and date. +o Do not omit or alter the document's pointer to the current WWW version. +o Clearly mark any consdensed, altered or versions as such. These restrictions are intended to protect potential readers from stale or mangled versions. If you think you have a good case for an exception, ask me. 44..22.. AAcckknnoowwlleeddggeemmeennttss This document was originated by Bill Riemers. Matt Welsh maintained the second version. Erik Troan then maintained the document to release 3.0. In January 1995, Eric Raymond, while unaware of the existence of this document, began to develop a similar FAQ in the format of his now- discontinued "PC-clone UNIX Software Buyer's Guide", which had covered mainly System V UNIXes and BSD/OS. In March 1995, Eric approached Erik about cooperating on a merged version. In early April 1995, Erik went to work for Red Hat Software, and (wishing to avoid a conflict of interest) handed the document to Eric. Eric merged in a lot of new information and added several new fields to the distribution entries. Accordingly, this document has been a sort of serial collaboration. The editorial `we' generally tags observations by all the maintainers; `I' is Eric (the current one) speaking. We are delighted to acknowledge the contributions of all the Linux users and Internet hackers who have contributed information and feedback.