Summary

The Linux operating system that's installed on your computer is a collection of many programs, called a distribution, put together by a group or a company. All distributions contain a core set of essential components, necessary for Linux to run your computer. However, most distributions include more than the bare essentials. They can differ on the number of applications included, installation procedures, system utilities, levels of support, and other factors.

Distributions are available via a download from Web sites or on CDs. The downloadable software consists of CD images that you write to CD. You then install Linux from the CDs you created. Some distributions provide boxed sets with CDs and manuals.

Fedora Core, the successor to the very popular Red Hat Linux, is the main distribution discussed in this book. Its strengths are strong support, graphical installation procedures and administrative utilities, and easy software updates. Fedora is not available in a boxed set. You must download it yourself or purchase it from vendors that download and create CDs for you. No manuals, but documentation is available on your system and at the Web site.

In addition, the Mandrake and SuSE distributions are described in this book. Both emphasize ease of installation and use. These three distributions are oriented toward desktop computer users and provide installation procedures similar to Windows installation procedures. Other popular distributions are Slackware, Debian, MEPIS, Xandros, Linspire, and Gentoo, described briefly in this chapter. Live CDs that enable you to run your computer from the CD are also available. Many, many distributions are available. More complete coverage of distributions is available at www.distrowatch.org, which maintains a database of 320 distributions.

Choosing a distribution is your first step. Next, you need to get ready to install your chosen Linux. You need to be sure you have the necessary computer resources, obtain the Linux software, and decide on the type of installation you want. Chapter 3 provides the information you need to prepare for installation.