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Linux@WHOI: Distributions
![[DISK]](../../../images/services/desktop_disk.png)
The name "Linux" does not refer to a single operating system. It
refers to the kernel, or central core of an operating system.
Various organizations have built operating systems around the Linux
kernel; these are generally called Linux distributions. Each
distribution contains the kernel, function libraries, other necessary
system software, Unix-like utilities (such as shells and text editors),
and various applications.
These distributions are more or less compatible -- they can
run the same software, provided that the right libraries are installed.
However, their installation procedures, general configuration,
default set of installed software, and user-interface appearance
can vary widely. So, too, can the quality of their available support
and the speed and reliability with which they release security
and bug-fix upgrades.
(For old Unix hands who recognize the concept of a distribution,
it may be useful to know that mainstream Linux distributions are
actually very similar. The fact that Linux software is largely
freely redistributable largely prevents the kind of industry fragmentation
which has plagued proprietary Unix.)
The two most popular Linux distributions in the English-speaking
world are Red
Hat Linux and Debian
GNU/Linux. CIS offers support for both of them. They are not
quite as different as night and day, but sufficiently so that
the differences bear pointing out.
![[RED HAT]](../../../images/services/desktop_redhat.gif)
Red Hat Linux is known for simple installation and
commercially available technical support. As Red Hat's is the
most widely distributed Linux-based OS, commercial software for
Linux is sometimes packaged for Red Hat first and foremost. (It
is usually possible to make it work on other Linux systems, however.)
Red Hat developed the RPM (Redhat Package Management) software-distribution
system, which many other Linux distributions use. Red Hat's installation
procedures are generally straightforward enough for the new user
and the Windows PC user; however, some of its defaults tend to
install more software than you need.
The Red Hat 7.2 release is a major improvement over earlier
releases in terms of compatibility and security. Notably, it adds
an easy-to-use host firewall which protects your system from unauthorized
network connections.
You can request Red Hat 7.2 installation CD-ROMs from the CIS
Help Desk, or order or download Red Hat Linux from Red
Hat's Web site.
![[DEBIAN]](../../../images/services/desktop_debian.jpg)
Debian GNU/Linux is produced by Software
in the Public Interest, a non-profit organization. There are
few people at WHOI using Debian currently, but CIS expects this
to change as time goes on. Debian is oriented more towards advanced
users and system administrators, and tends to be concerned more
with stability and ease of maintenance than with desktop use.
(Its installation procedure is notorious in some circles; it tends
not to autodetect hardware as Red Hat's does.) CIS uses Debian
for some of WHOI's Internet services.
The Debian developers spend a long time ensuring the security
and compatibility of the software that goes into Debian; as a
result, Debian releases come out slower than Red Hat or other
commercial Linux releases. However, when they finally do release,
there tend to be fewer conflicts between software components.
Debian uses a more comprehensive package-management system than
RPM, but also supports RPM packages.
You can download Debian GNU/Linux from Debian's
FTP site.
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