Welcome to RedHat Linux

RH033

Welcome to RedHat Linux

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

Welcome to RedHat Linux

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

Welcome to RedHat Linux

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.