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Getting Linux:
To get Linux, you need to choose a distribution of Linux. There any many thousands of distros, both
for free and also for sale.
Which distro you choose is not too important, but it is recommended that you choose
an easy distro designed for new users (this page lists them), and it is also recommended that you try and
use the distro that your friends use, so you can help support each other.
Distros can be downloaded off the internet, brought at certain stores or online, or if you ask the wellylug mailing list,
someone will quite likely be able to make you a copy, which is perfectly legal and wanted with Linux.
Unsure what distro suits you? A large amount of reviews of various Linux distros can be found distrowatch.com and
there are a number of websites such as linuxlinks.com and
linuxbasis.com which have large lists of different distributions.
Also, if you are switching from windows to Linux, this article
and this article may be helpful.
(thanks to pcreso for these links)
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Newbie Distros:These distros are suitable for users who are new to Linux. They typically are
very easy to install and have easy configuration tools. They are by no means less powerful than anyother distro.
Knoppix is a Linux distro that runs directly from the CD/DVD. This allows you to try out Linux without installing a single thing to your hard drive. It's also great as a repair utility or for running Linux at your work/school. Download Locations: |
Orginally based on RedHat, Mandriva (formally known as Mandrake) has become very popular due to it being very user friendly and easy to install/configure. Download Locations: |
SuSE is a popular distro, which is being developed by Novell for both the personal and business desktop, which has simple configuration and installation tools. Download Locations: |
Ubuntu is a new, and fast growing distro based on the very popular Debian distro. Ubuntu has the aim of making a simple distro that works well in all languages and is always free to all. It is quickly gaining popularity and respect. Download Locations: |
Popular Distros:These distros are some of the more widely used distros (not counting the distros above).
Debian is a old Linux distro, with a huge following, especially with Linux developers. It is often the base for many other distros (such as Ubuntu) and is well known for the stability and quality of it's releases, causing it to be often used in server installations. Download Locations: |
Fedora Core is a well-known and widely used Linux distro developed by both the community and RedHat. RedHat then bases their Enterprise Linux product on this distro. Download Locations: |
Gentoo Linux is a distro aimed at power users who enjoy tweaking things and compiling programs from source. It is very powerful, fast, and easy to change, but does not have simplified configuration or installation tools. Download Locations: |
Slackware is the oldest Linux distro still existing. It aims to be the "most UNIX like Linux distro out there", and to be stable & reliable, making it a popular distro. Download Locations: |
Special Distros:These distros have been listed because they are special in some way.
FreeBSD is not actually a Linux distro, but it is listed here, as it is a popular open source operating system for servers. Download Locations: |
Whilst not really a distro, Linux From Scratch (LFS) is listed here because it is a series of books that tell you exactly how you can make your own Linux system. Download Locations: |
Information on many other distributions may be found at Linux Online.
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Upcoming Meetings: Wellington:
Mon 13 September 10
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