~ LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM ~
BY:
PATRICIA DEELEN
INTRODUCTION:
Linux is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance
of developers around the world. He began his work in 1991 when he released version 0.02 and
worked steadily until 1994 when version 1.0 of the Linux Kernel was released. The current full-
featured version is 2.4 (released in January 2001) and development continues.
Linux Operating systems can have many different versions, up to 600. They are in direct
competition with Microsoft, but most of their operations systems are free.
Linux is developed under the “GNU General Public License” and its source code is freely available
to everyone. Linux may be used for a variety of purposes including networking, software development,
and as an end-user platform. Linux is often considered an excellent, low-cost alternative to other
more expensive operating systems.
My research of the Linux Operating System will include seven of its Distros, or versions, as outlined
on the following pages.
1. Redhat -- Overview
Red Hat Linux is based on the expensive, proprietary UNIX Operating Systems.
Red Hat Linux often found its way into server rooms because it was cheaper to deploy, but stayed
because of its reputation as a stable, reliable operating system.
Red Hats’ Specialties:
Red Hat engineers assemble the Linux kernel and other elements of the Linux operating system,
compile it, and test it for performance and reliability. The added features are:
Performance. Red Hat Linux simply works! From the start it became popular among system
administrators for its reliability – running months, even years without needing to reboot.
Flexibility. Red Hat Linux is based on open standards so it’s more easily integrated with other
enterprise systems. One of its most unique characteristics: It runs on everything from a small
embedded device to large mainframe systems. This lowers management costs because there’s
only one code base to maintain.
Cost. A January 2002 IDC study found companies that migrated to Linux from RISC/UNIX
could save as much as 45%-80% on their infrastructure costs. Amazon.com saved $17 million
in infrastructure costs in one quarter alone, due in part to their migration to Red Hat Linux.
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Additional Advantages:
Red Hat is the only financially viable Linux company. We are cash-flow positive, public
(NASDAQ:RHAT), and have $290 million in the bank.
Red Hat is the only Linux company to gain widespread ISV support from top software
vendors you already use.
Red Hat has partnerships with companies such as Compaq, Dell, IBM and Intel.
Red Hat has a 52% marketshare among Linux operating systems according to Deutsche
Bank Alex.
Red Hat has 22 locations spanning 13 countries and has a presence in all major markets.
Summary:
Red Hats Mission is to bring Linux and open source technology into the enterprise. You see
it happening in financial firms on Wall Street and companies like Amazon.com, BP, and
www.redhat.com/about/why_redhat.html
2.
Caldera -- Overview
Caldera International Inc. enables the development, deployment and management and unifies
Linux and UNIX platforms solutions for business through its OpenLinux, OpenUNIX and SCO
OpenServer product lines and services. Caldera has a worldwide presence with 20 offices in
18 countries, including the
and all over
McDonald’s the Worlds Largest Food Chain is Planning the Migration to the latest OpenServer
Platform in over 4,000 stores. Caldera Operating System increases Networking capabilities and
Reduces Costs.
(McDonalds Restaurant)
McDonald’s Corporation will reduce costs by allowing the use of less expensive hardware and
enabling the networking and speed provided by newer hardware.
This is 24/7 business, and they need a reliable operating system. John Doty, Director of US
Information Technology of McDonald’s Corporation’s Store Systems say. “We are very pleased
with the performance of OpenServer. Caldera’s platform has provided us with a very stable and
reliable system. Calera OpenServer has been a dependable platform for thousands of McDonald’s
restaurants over the past 10 years and we’re looking forward to migrating our restaurants to the
current version.”
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Customer Benefits:
Calderas’ Specialties of OpenServer:
It is scalable. Integrated support for electronic mail and Internet services ensures that your business
can leverage the World-Wide-Web.
Built-in support for Windows File/Print services means that a single multifunctional server platform
can be utilized to run your entire operation, while the filed-proven reliability of OpenServer keeps
you in business.
OpenServer Product Family:
exceptionally reliable platform. It is tailored to fit the needs of your business, by providing a
range of services such as network backups, interoperability with many other operating
systems, and common productivity tools.
Desktop System. OpenServer excels at running client-side, transaction-based applications,
accessing data-bases and networked information, and providing file/resource sharing and
communications across the range of peer, server and host environments.
Host System. OpenServer is an excellent platform for delivering highly reliable, non-networked
multi-user solutions.
Development System. Provides a key set of development tools that can be augmented
with over 200 third-party products to create the most robust and efficient development
environment.
Optional products:
Merge. OpenServer can run DOS and Windows applications.
Advanced File and Print Server. You can use UNIX server as a file and print server for your Windows
workstations.
Virtual Disk Manager. Allows you to configure multiple physical drives into large virtual drive
volumes.
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Hardware Requirements:
mass storage devices.
server supports TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI, NetBIOS, SMB, NFS, PPP and serial
line products.
www.caldera.com/products/server/
www.caldera.com/company/success/story
www.caldera.com/products/openserver/System_Requirements.html
Mandrake –- Overview
Mandrake Linux was created in 1998 with the goal of making Linux easier to use for everyone.
Mandrake wanted to integrate the best graphical desktop environments and contribute its own
graphical configuration utilities and quickly became famous for setting the standard in ease-of-use
and functionality.
The GPL license governs the development and redistribution of Mandrake Linux. In other words
everyone has the right to copy, distribute, examine and modify and improve the system as long
as the results of these modifications are returned to the community.
Mandrake Linux’s Strong Points:
A computer running Mandrake Linux operating system can be as easy to use a computer which
uses Windows or Mac OS.
Mandrake Linux PowerPack contains more than 2300 high-quality applications including a
complete Office Suite of programs, plus installation support for approximately $69.00 U.S. Vs
Microsofts Windows + MS Office
costs $685.00
Mandrake Linux requires little maintenance and its software management system automatically
handles dependency issues and avoids conflicts between applications. Mandrake Linux system can
run for months without a reboot. Linux has inherited a great deal from UNIX which has 30 years
of experience.
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In over ten years of widespread use, only a few rumored viruses have been recorded that affect
Linux. This strong immunity can be explained by the fundamental architecture of the system
which consists of independent layers that have specific features and strict permissions.
The administrator role is the “root” and all other uses have strict and limited access to the system.
www.mandrakelinux.com/en/concept.php3
4. SuSE Linux 8.0 – Overview
SuSE Linux is one of the world’s leading providers of complete solutions based on the Open
Source operating system Linux. In addition to operating systems and application software for
private customers, SuSE offers software solutions and complete systems for the deployment of
Linux in companies.
SuSe Highlights:
SuSE Linux 8.0 comes with a host of improvements and new features. The good old YaST1
has disappeared, all functions are now included in YaST2. In addition, YaST2 was revised and
enhanced with newly developed modules. The hardware detection was improved and automated
to a more advanced degree.
New Versions of
Important System Components:
· Kernel 2.4.18
· Glibc 2.2.5
· KDE 3.0
· GNOME 1.4.1 RC1
· SuSE Firewall 2
· YaST Improvements and New Features:
· Choice of mouse type
· Module for activating DMA for hard disks and CD-ROM drives
· Backup module
· Improved firewall setup
· Improved network and mail setup
· Improved YaST2 in text mode
Some Linux SuSE Prices:
SuSE Linux 8.0 IA32 Professional. For Intel/AMD compatible
computers. $79.95
Business Solutions SuSE Linux email Server 3.1 with improved MS Exchange Compatibility.
$999.00
5. Slackware – Overview
Patrick Volkerding is the main founder of Slackware. He has worked for many years and
continues on this popular and extremely stable distribution.
The Official Release of Slackware Linux by Patrick Volkerding is an advanced Linux operating
system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use and stability as top priorities.
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Since its first release in April of 1993, the Slackware Linux Project has aimed at producing the
most “UNIX-like” Linux distribution out there. We have always considered simplicity and
stability, and as a result Slackware has become one of the most popular, stable, and friendly
distributors available.
Slackware Specialities:
Slackware complies with the Linux File System standard. The Root Directory has a list of
DOS like commands.
PPPsetup is similar to the netconfig programs.
X Window System. The X Windows environment in Slackware is provided by Xfree 86.
X is responsible for providing a graphical user interface. It is independent from the operating
system, unlike Windows or the MacOS.
The two main components are the server and the window manager. The server provides the
lowlevel functions for interacting with your video hardware, thus it is system specific. The
window manager sits on top of the server and provides the user interface. The advantage to
this is you can have many graphical interfaces by simply changing the window manager to see
you.
MSC.Linux
– Overview
MSC.Linux is a distribution with all the tools necessary to manage a computer cluster. It
includes computer cluster management tools, graphical interface and fast-installation with an
easy-to-use, web-based installation and system administration.
MSC Special Features:
Turnkey Solutions. This advanced MSC.Linux operating system and clustering technology
offer extremely cost effective solutions. Typically we have a system up and running production
problems within 3 hours of delivery to your facility. Support is always just a phone call away
at one of our 50 offices worldwide.
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Hardware Partners. Hewlett Packard is the leader in high-performance computing systems
for scientific, engineering and technical computing customers. Working with MSC’s
Supercomputing Division, HP provides complete end-to-end turn-key solutions for customers
in these application spaces. HP is a leader in bringing the latest clustering technologies to the
market with MSC which enable customers to get unmatched price/performance value.
Applications supported. MSC.Nastran; MSC.Dytran; MSC.Marc; MSC.Patran; BLAST;
HMMer; ClustalW.
Success Story: DataCorporation’s Spicer Axle Division
This is the worlds leading independent axle and component manufacturer.
For cars and their components, a product development process must maximize product
performance and still be cost effective.
“The immediate benefits we have realized from this system are stability and raw computing power,”
said Jun Yoshioka, Chief of Engineering, Advanced Engineering, Spicer Light Axle Group. “We
are better able to simulate complex systems on a cost-effective, high-performance system that just
keeps running.”
The cluster, running two key applications on Linux, MSC.Nastran and MSC.Patran, links multiple
Intel processors working simultaneously to replicate the output of a much more expensive
supercomputer. With this structure, MSC.Software’s Linux cluster runs approximately three times
faster and at half the cost of other simulation environments considered, a strong example of why the
enterprise is turning to the reliable, stable and inexpensive Linux Operating system.
Armedlinux --
Overview
Lindows is an optimized Linux-based Operating System that runs Windows applications.
LindowsOS, due out later in 2002, will have the unique ability to run Linux software title as well
as many popular Microsoft Windows software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint,
giving computer owners and organizations of all sizes new options on the desktop.
LindowsOS
SPX – the first “Broadband OS”
An operating system – built to take full advantage of broadband technology.
LindowsOS SPX is designed to fully utilize the world of tomorrow, where the Internet connectivity
is bountiful and cheap, and computers are ubiquitous.
Computer needs to be effortless, so people can spend less time working on computers and more
time having computers work for them; LindowsOS SPX, the broadband operating system, does
all this.
LindowsOS provides an advanced digital experience at an affordable price. Applications can be
digitally downloaded and installed at the click of a mouse.
P.S. I hope you enjoyed reading this, I really enjoyed learning about other Operating
Systems.