Networking For Dummies

Because the kernel (that is, the core operating functions) of the Linux operating system is free, several companies have created their own distributions of Linux, which include the Linux operating system along with a bundle of packages to go along with it, such as administration tools, Web servers, and other useful utilities, as well as printed documentation. These distributions are inexpensive-ranging from $25–$100-and are well worth the small cost.

The following are some of the more popular Linux distributions:

• Fedora is one of the popular Linux distributions. At one time, Fedora was an inexpensive distribution offered by Red Hat. But Red Hat recently changed its distribution strategy by announcing that its inexpensive distribution would become a community project known as Fedora so that it could focus on its more expensive Enterprise editions. You can't purchase Fedora, but you can download it free from http://www.fedora.redhat.com. You can also obtain it by buying a book that includes the Fedora distribution on DVD or CD-ROM.

  All the examples in this book are based on Fedora Core 3.

• Linux-Mandriva is another popular Linux distribution, one that's often recommended as the easiest for first-time Linux users to install. Go to http://www.mandriva.com for more information.

• SuSE (pronounced "Soo-zuh," like the famous composer of marches) is a popular Linux distribution that comes on six CD-ROMs and includes more than 1,500 Linux application programs and utilities, including everything you need to set up a network, Web, e-mail, or electronic commerce server. You can find more information at http://www.suse.com.

• Slackware, one of the oldest Linux distributions, is still popular-especially among Linux old-timers. A full installation of Slackware gives you all the tools you need to set up a network or Internet server. See http://www.slackware.com for more information.

All distributions of Linux include the same core components-the Linux kernel, an X server, popular windows managers (such as GNOME and KDE), compilers, and Internet programs (such as Apache and Sendmail). However, not all Linux distributions are created equal. The manufacturer of each distribution creates its own installation and configuration programs to install and configure Linux.

The installation program is what makes or breaks a Linux distribution. All the distributions I list in this section have easy-to-use installation programs that automatically detect the hardware present on your computer and configure Linux to work with that hardware, eliminating most (if not all) manual configuration chores. The installation programs also let you select the Linux packages you want to install and let you set up one or more user accounts besides the root account.