If you haven’t chosen a distribution yet, now is the time to do so—but be aware that not all Linux distributions are the same or stress the same features. This can be difficult for first-time users to understand. After all, Linux is Linux, isn’t it? Yes and no. As I’ve already mentioned, the installation procedures vary greatly among the different Linux distributions. Additionally, the feature sets vary—some versions are focused on the user experience, whereas others are aimed at creating a brick wall in terms of security. Unfortunately, many Linux distributions try to be everything to everyone and come up short.
The following is a short look at some of the current distributions and what sets each one apart from the pack:
Stampede Linux—Available for Intel and Alpha processors, Stampede provides a hardware- optimized port of Linux. This is not a good beginner distribution, but would work nicely for a network administrator or seasoned Unix professional. http://www.stampede.org/
Phat Linux—The Phat distribution is an excellent starting place for users who have been working with Microsoft Windows and are unwilling to give up their Windows installation
Installation Issues CHAPTER3 63
3
I NST ALLA TION I SSUES 05 0672321343 CH03 5/25/01 3:30 PM Page 63completely. Phat installs on an existing Windows partition and offers a full complete KDE- based Linux desktop environment. Installation is painless and extremely quick.
http://www.phatlinux.org/
SuSE—Available for Alpha, PowerPC, Intel, and Sparc platforms, SuSE offers a simple instal- lation process, large collection of included applications, and power features for the advanced user. One of the big SuSE advantages is out of the box support for a journaling file system. This can be used to create a very stable and fault-tolerant desktop or server. http:// www.suse.org/
Yellow Dog—The Yellow Dog distribution is for PowerPC computers and is mainly intended to provide a secure and optimized Linux distribution for the Macintosh G3 and G4 series as well as IBM RS/6000 machines. If you’re a Mac user looking for a simple transition from Mac OS, you’re better suited running the standard LinuxPPC distribution. http://
www.yellowdoglinux.com/
OpenLinux—OpenLinux originally described a single Linux distribution. Today it describes a family of distributions from Caldera. If you know what your Linux application will be, Caldera is the place to go. From ASP solutions to a secure desktop environment, Caldera offers distrib- utions targeted to different applications, all with easy installation and excellent support. http://www.calderasystems.com/
Linux Mandrake—Based on the Red Hat distribution, Linux Mandrake is a Pentium-opti- mized distribution with graphical administration add-ons that make installation, updates, and file management a breeze. Although the Mandrake distribution is relatively new, it is quickly becoming a favorite of many users. In fact, PC Data ranked Mandrake as the number one selling Linux distribution in December 2000. http://www.linux-mandrake.com/
Red Hat—Red Hat is the powerhouse of Linux distributions. It has led the Linux charge into the workplace and, in many respects, is single-handedly responsible for making Linux a player in the enterprise workplace. Sporting a remarkably simple installer with auto-partitioning, RAID support, and desktop or server installations, it can create both secure desktop systems and powerful servers. Unfortunately, the introduction of Red Hat 7.0 alienated many longtime users with a restructured file system and other significant changes. If you’re a first-time user, however, you’ll be amazed at the polish given to the Red Hat distribution. Red Hat is available for Intel, Sparc, and Alpha systems. http://www.redhat.com/
Debian—Debian Linux is a popular distribution amongst advanced Linux/Unix users and sys- tem administrators. The installation process is not nearly as seamless as other distributions, but, at the same time, the quality of the included software and stability of the system as a whole are much greater. Debian does notbill itself as a Linux distribution, per se. Instead, it is a package of software and utilities that happens to run on the Linux kernel. Efforts are underway to port Debian to other kernels (BSD, and so on) as well. http://www.debian.org/
Linux Security Basics
PARTI
64
Slackware—The Slackware Linux distribution was the first popular distribution created. It enjoyed great success in the early and mid-1990s, but after a few years it started to lag behind the powerhouses such as Red Hat and SuSE. Recently, Slackware has been reborn and is now up-to-date with the latest applications and services. Although not as friendly as other distribu- tions, Slackware has been described as “a Linux user’s Linux” and offers hardcore users the tools and utilities they’ll need to create an Internet server or desktop platform.
http://www.slackware.com/
I’ve used most of the distributions in this list and have found them to be well constructed and useful. Your best bet, if you’re undecided, is to try out a few distributions and see what suits you best. After you decide on a route, stick with it. Switching between distributions can lead to confusion, as well as decreased efficiency in maintain your systems.