Part Two: Linux Distributions

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Chapter 3: The Nature of a Distribution

Chapter 4: Red Hat Linux 7.3

Chapter 5: Slackware Linux 8.0

Chapter 6: Debian GNU/Linux 3.0

Welcome to Part Two of Tuning and Customizing a Linux System! Part Two introduces the concept of a distribution of Linux software and then explains three such distributions in detail. After reading Part Two, you'll have a generalized understanding of what a Linux distribution actually is, which in turn will enable you to work with any distribution you encounter and figure it out. Additionally, you'll come away with a basic functional knowledge of the three distributions discussed.

The three distributions studied in detail are Red Hat Linux 7.3 (in Chapter 4), Slackware Linux 8.0 (in Chapter 5), and Debian GNU/Linux (in Chapter 6). The distributions are compared to one another, and both their similarities and their differences are highlighted. The ultimate goal is to provide you a basic mastery of three different Linux distributions and by extension all distributions. After reading Part Two, you'll be able to either use these distributions themselves or draw upon your knowledge to learn some other distribution not directly covered in this book.

Part Three builds on the material discussed in this part. That is, where Part Two teaches you everything you would want to know about the workings of a distribution, Part Three will show you how to customize a distribution by installing and configuring software on it. Finally, Part Four will put it all together and demonstrate some real-world case studies. For these reasons, Part Two is an absolutely crucial part of this book, since it's the foundation of so much else.

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