Distribution Contents

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Linux distributions can include the following components:

  • Linux kernel: The core of Linux. The kernel interacts with the hardware to perform the tasks you require of your computer, such as save text in a file, display text or graphics on the screen, or send text or graphics to the printer. There is no operating system without the kernel.

  • Shell: A program that interfaces between the computer user and the kernel. The most common shell used on Linux is the Bash (Born again shell) shell, so named because it is derived from an earlier shell called the Bourne shell. The interfaces for Linux are described further in Chapter 5.

  • Linux commands, utilities, and applications: Programs that perform tasks. The task may be simple, such as displaying the contents of a file on the screen. Or the task may be quite complex, such as word processing with its complex functionality. Whenever you type a Linux command or start an application, you run a program that provides the functionality you need.

  • Compilers: Compilers translate the language that humans understand into language that the computer understands. That is, humans write programs in languages, such as C or Java, similar to human languages. Compilers convert the C or Java code into machine language so that the computer can run the program.

  • Desktops: Applications that provide a graphical interface to Linux. Several desktops are available, allowing you to select the one that best fits your needs. Some desktops provide an interface that is similar to the Windows interface. The interfaces for Linux are described further in Chapter 5.

Some components are required to provide a usable Linux system, such as the kernel, a shell, and many Linux commands and utilities. All distributions provide the minimum requirements. However, most distributions provide more than the bare minimum. Distributions differ on the following characteristics:

  • More or fewer applications: Distributions provide different applications. For instance, almost all distributions provide word processing applications. In fact, most distributions include OpenOffice, an office application similar to Microsoft Office. However, not all distributions include it. Other word processing applications are available, such as KOffice, an office suite developed for use with the KDE desktop. Some distributions offer more than one office application.

    A distribution can include hundreds or thousands of applications. You can see which applications are included at the distribution Web site. In addition, DistroWatch reports on a list of applications, showing whether a distribution includes the applications. For instance, the list of applications for Fedora is provided at www.distrowatch.org/table.php?distribution=fedora.

    The presence or absence of any single application is not a sufficient reason for choosing a distribution. Any application can be added after Linux is installed. However, if a distribution includes all the applications you need and installs them during the installation procedure, it's easier than downloading and adding applications separately later.

  • More or less up-to-date versions of their components: Linux software is updated frequently. Some distributions include the newest releases, striving to be the most cutting-edge. Other distributions emphasize stability, not including new software releases until the version has proven stable. Some distributions provide procedures to keep your Linux current after it's installed. For instance, Fedora includes a utility called up2date that keeps track of your current versions and automatically gets and installs updates for you when they become available. Installing and updating software is discussed in Chapter 10.

  • Different desktops: Most distributions provide a desktop. The two main desktops are KDE and GNOME, but more are available. Most distributions provide KDE, GNOME, or both.

  • Utilities developed specifically for the distribution: Some companies develop utilities specifically for their distributions, making maintenance and administration easier for users. For instance, SuSE has developed YaST (Yet Another Setup Tool) to simplify installing and configuring their distribution.

  • Different installation procedures: In the past, Linux had a reputation for difficult installation. In response, several distributions developed procedures to make installation simpler. Mandrake, for instance, has focused on developing an installation procedure that detects hardware efficiently and is easy to use. Mandrake's popularity has increased since its reputation for easy installation and use has spread.

  • Varying levels of support: Some Linux distributions provide official support, equivalent to proprietary software support. For instance, Mandrake provides 30 days of telephone support, with more available for purchase, and SuSE provides free installation support, with other support provided for a fee. Other distributions expect users to solve their own problems.

Each distribution has a Web site providing information about the distribution. You can generally download the distribution at the Web site. The files you download are usually CD images (ISO images) that you write to CD; then you install from the CDs. Some distributions are also sold in a boxed set, with CDs and perhaps a manual.

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    Spring Into Linux
    Spring Into Linux
    ISBN: 0131853546
    EAN: 2147483647
    Year: 2005
    Pages: 362
    Authors: Janet Valade

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