Purchasing Linux

team bbl


The easiest way to obtain Linux is to purchase it. In fact, the very easiest way to obtain Linux is to purchase a computer with Linux already installed. Although it's certainly not as easy to buy a computer with Linux installed as to buy one with Windows installed, it's possible. Some companies that sell Linux workstations are Monarch Computer Systems (www.monarchcomputer.com) and Penguin Computing (www.penguincomputing.com). Laptops can also be purchased with Linux installed at these companies and at Emperor Linux (www.EmperorLinux.com), which specializes in selling laptops.

More often, you want to install Linux on a computer you already ownone with no operating system or with Windows already installed. To purchase Linux, order it from the distribution Web site or from a Web site that distributes Linux software CDs. You can purchase Linux in two varieties:

  • Boxed sets: Some Linux distributions are available in boxed sets, similar to Windows software, that can be purchased from the distribution company, usually on the company Web site. The CDs are packaged in a nice box, along with their manuals and other documentation. When you purchase a boxed set, you usually receive technical support as part of the purchase. Prices begin around $30. The following are some Linux distributions available in a boxed set:

    • Mandrake (www.mandrakesoft.com/products), starting at $49.90

    • SuSE (www.suse.com/us/private/index.html), starting at $29.95

    • Slackware (store.slackware.com), $39.95

  • CDs: You can order just CDs, the same CDs you would have if you downloaded the CD image (ISO image) files and copied them onto CD yourself. For a reasonable price, you can purchase the CDs and save yourself the trouble. If your Internet connection is dial-up, downloading can be a long and painful process. A 650MB ISO image can take 27 hours to download. The Fedora distribution is only available this way; a boxed set is not available. Some distributions available in boxed sets are also available as CDs only. Two places where you can purchase Linux CDs are as follows:

    • www.cheapbytes.com: Sells many Linux distribution CDs. Also sells other products.

    • www.easylinuxcds.com: Offers many different Linux distributions. Also sells training CDs.

    team bbl



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

    flylib.com © 2008-2017.
    If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net