Welcome to RedHat Linux

RH033
 Hardware Requirements

Pentium Pro or better with 256 MB RAM

Or

64-bit Intel/AMD with 512 MB RAM

2-6 GB disk space

Bootable CD

Other processor architectures supported
 Itanium 2, IBM Power, IBM Mainframe

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 Lesson 1 Fundamentals of Linux

Introduction
Linux is an open source operating system with highly
advanced features.

Topics
 Brief History of Linux
 Why is Linux?
 Linux Distributions

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 Brief History of Linux

Linux was originally developed by Linus Torvald in

1991.

Linux is distributed under the GNU licenses.

GNU stands for Gnu Not UNIX, it is an open source

movement started by Richard Stallman in the year
1984.

The main aim of GNU is to provide the O.S and its

source code freely.
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 Why Linux?

Linux is an Open Source Software

Multi-user and multi-tasking

Supports most of modern PC hardware

Fully supported distribution

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 Linux Distributions

To install Linux, choose a Linux Distribution

A distribution is the Linux kernel, plus an

installation program, plus some set of applications

There are four general distributions

 RedHat
 SuSE
 Mandriva Linux
 Debian
Contd
…
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 Linux Distributions

The Red Hat and SuSE distributions are produced by
companies by the same names.

They aim at providing an easy installation procedure, and

for a pleasant desktop experience. They are also good as
servers, sold in boxes, with an installation CD and printed
manual. Both can also be downloaded via the network.

Mandriva Linux (also known as Mandrake Linux) was

originated by Gael Duval.

Mandriva Linux is also notable for compiling its packages

with optimizations for Pentium-class and more advanced
processors which are incompatible with older CPU versions
such as 386 and 486. Contd
…
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 Linux Distributions

The Debian distribution is produced by a volunteer

organization.

Its installation is less easy: You have to answer questions

during the installation the other distributions deduce
automatically. Nothing complicated as such, but requiring
understanding of and information about hardware most
PC users don't want to worry about.

On the other hand, after installation, Debian can be

upgraded to each new release without re-installing
anything.

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