A Short Introduction to the

Interesting WWW Links

by Heikki Kantola

Chapter VIIa: Linux

What is Linux?

Linux is free UNIX®-like operating system originally designed for Intel x86-systems by Linus Torvalds. Later it has been ported to various other CPU architectures (m68k, Alpha, Sparc, ARM, PA-RISC).

Distributions

There's various software distributions, which have been bundled around the Linux kernel. These include (but are not limited to):

Debian GNU/Linux

Very flexible distribution compiled on volunteer work and concentration on open source software.
My favourite distribution.

Redhat Linux

Perhaps the most popular of all distributions.

SuSE Linux

Polished Linux distribution from Germany.

Mandrake

Desktop-orinted distribution for Pentium PCs with the most uptodate software.

Turbolinux

Server oriented, commercial Linux distribution

Slackware

The old-fashioned distribution for hardcore hackers.

Gentoo Linux

Customizable distribution where most software is installed by compiling from the source.

Knoppix

Popular Debian-based live-CD distribution with KDE.

Gnoppix

Knoppix-derivate with GNOME desktop.

Morphix

Modular live-CD distribution based on Debian.

Hardware support

When trying to decide what hardware to get for a Linux box, checking out these documents should help...

• Linux Hardware Database
• Linux USB
• Un*x printer compability listing
• Scanner Access Now Easy (SANE)

Documentation

Linux Documentation Project

Guides, HOWTOs, FAQs and other useful information.

sfnet.atk.linux FAQ

Answers on Linux questions in Finnish.

Learning Debian GNU/Linux

Online version of Debian book from O'Reilly

Linux Portals

Following sites will provide you with even more Linux than this page of mine.

• Linux Online!
• linux.com
• UK.Linux.org
• Linux International

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