Web site developers - 244Part IIIChoosing and Installing a Linux DistributionChoosing a
244Part IIIChoosing and Installing a Linux DistributionChoosing a Linux DistributionThere are literally hundreds of Linux distributions available today. Some are gener- alized distributions that you can use as a desktop, server, or workstation system; others are specialized for business or computer enthusiasts. Part of the intention ofthis book is to help you choose which one (or ones) will suit you best. Using the DVD that comes with this book, you can boot directly to KNOPPIX (to tryout Linux without installing it on your hard disk) or to Fedora Core 3 (to installLinux on your computer s hard disk). Because the Fedora Core 3 included with thebook is the complete FC3 distribution, you can install a full range of desktop inter- faces and applications, programming tools, and server features. So after you vetried out KNOPPIX and are ready to install Linux on your hard disk, I recommendyou try Fedora. The CD that comes with this book boot directly to either Damn Small Linux (a compact KNOPPIX derivative) or to a Devian GNU/Linux network install (to install a customized Debian system over the network). Damn Small Linux runs well onlower-memory machines, while te Debian install we describe works well for thesample web (LAMP) and mail servers described in chapters 23 and 24. Other Linux distributions included on the DVD are stored there in ISO images thatfit on CDs, or, in some cases, mini-CDs or bootable business card-sized CDs (shapedlike business cards but can be read by most CD drives). Because of space limitationson the DVD, some of the distributions contained there are intended for networkinstalls, which means you need an Internet connection to get some of the softwareto complete a full install. Linux at WorkBecause I know a lot of people who use Linux, both informally and at work, I wantto share my general impressions of how different Linux distributions are being usedin the U.S. Most consultants I know who set up small office servers used to use RedHat Linux but now have mostly split off to using Fedora Core or Debian GNU/Linux. Mandrakelinux has been popular with people wanting a friendly Linux desktop, butFedora and SUSE are also well liked. The more technically inclined like to play withGentoo (highly tunable) or Slackware (Linux in a more basic form). For people who are transitioning to Linux with Mac hardware, Yellow Dog Linux letsthem install on a PowerPC and learn skills that are useful to expand later to Red HatLinux systems (Yellow Dog is based on Red Hat). As for the bootable Linuxes, every- one I know thinks they are great fun to try out and a good way to learn about Linux. For a bootable Linux containing desktop software that fits on a full CD (or DVD), KNOPPIX is a good choice; for a bootable mini-CD-size Linux, Damn Small Linuxworks well.