Operating Systems. Written by Justin Browning. Linux / UNIX Distributions Report

Transcription

1 Operating Systems Written by Justin Browning Linux / UNIX Distributions Report 1

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents... 2 Chapter 1: A Linux Free Distribution... 3 A Brief Description:... 3 Chapter 2: Mandrake Commercial Linux Distribution... 4 A Brief Description:... 4 Minimum Hardware Requirements:... 4 Recommended Hardware Requirements:... 4 Chapter 3: A UNIX Distribution... 5 A Brief Description:... 5 Bibliography

3 Part 1: The Debian Linux Distribution A Brief Description: The Debian Linux distribution is a very well known free distribution which prides itself on being one of the most stable operating systems available. The Linux operating system in general mainly comprises of two key areas, the kernel and the software which make up the OS. Debian ensures stability in its operating system because all of the software that makes up the operating system has proven itself in testing to contain virtually no bugs, making most tasks undertaken under Debian are virtually crash proof. Debian is currently at version 9 of the OS and a v10 is due to be release quite soon (if it hasn t come out already). Lots of other Linux distributions are available with a software system for handling the installation of different applications, namely the RPM system (RedHat Package Manager). This is the standard for application installation under Linux these days as far as packages are concerned, but Debian has steered away from that system and has developed its own packaging system known simply as the Advanced Package Tool (APT). The major advantage APT has over RPM is that applications can be installed straight of the internet, meaning that you can install which ever parts of the program you wish, saving you space and time downloading entire programs. Once Debian is fully installed, you ll be looking at around 1GB of hard disk space, which is quite normal for today s various Linux Distributions. To obtain a copy of Debian is very simple, all you would have to do is to visit and find your way to the download section. There you will be able to download full.iso images of the CD s required to install Debian. Minimum Hardware Requirements: All X-86 based CPU s (Pentium, AMD K6 and up). Debian will not run on older 286 based CPU s. VESA / VGA compatible video card At least 32MB RAM (under GUI) Recommended Hardware Requirements: Intel Pentium, AMD Athlon / Duron CPU. 16MB Video Card (under GUI) 32MB RAM Obviously running the OS under the GUI will require a machine with the recommended specs but most Linux distributions run well on most machines under CLI (command line interface) on the minimum requirements. 3

4 Part 2: Mandrake Commercial Linux Distribution A Brief Description: The Mandrake Linux distribution is quite possibly one of the best known and high performing distributions in the market place. As a derivative of the popular Red Hat Linux distribution (also a commercial distro), it strives itself as being easy to use, intuitive, and high performing. The one distinct difference from its older brother however is that Mandrake comes compiled with full optimization for Pentium level systems. Taking full advantage of the newest, high end processors makes this distribution a favourite for the performance freak or tech head out there. Mandrake 10 is the newest version released to the general public by MandrakeSoft and is stocked with many features from the ever popular Mandrake 9.x series, as well as tons of new features to satisfy anyone. An easier and faster installation, new desktop environments (KDE 3.2, GNOME, etc), better driver and processor support than ever before and a highly revised and updated Linux Kernel make Mandrake 10 bigger than ever before. The Mandrake 9.x distro s were successful because of revised disk management and smaller installations. Mandrake 10 is no exception. A fully installed distribution of Mandrake 10 will take up just over 1GB of hard drive space, which is great considering the multitude of features and applications to boast about. Acquiring a copy of is as easy as anything these days, you can purchase a copy online at for around $30 OEM, or full retail will cost you about $150 for the home user and just over $250 for the corporate professional. You can also download a copy of this commercial distribution for free at Minimum Hardware Requirements: Intel Pentium / AMD Athlon, Duron CPU At least 32 MB RAM, 64 MB recommended The minimum hardware requirements for most Linux distributions are very small which is what makes Linux such as versatile operating system as most machines are capable of running some form of the OS or another. Recommended Hardware Requirements: Intel Pentium / AMD Athlon, Duron CPU At least 2GB free hard disk space 64 MB recommended 16MB NVIDIA / ATI equivalent video card (for detailed desktop environments) It is recommended that the system has at least 16MB GeForce2/TNT2 OpenGL video card or equivalent ATI card for elaborate desktop schemes and environments such as KDE 3.2 and for use with many 3-D games in Mandrake Linux which take full advantage of the OpenGL subsystem. 4

5 Part3 3: The Solaris UNIX Distribution A Brief Description: The Solaris UNIX distribution is developed under a company by the name of Sun Microsystems. They have been developing the Solaris OS for almost 10 years now and are up to version 9 with a release of version 10 due early next year. The Solaris UNIX OS is primarily aimed at the corporate market that is looking for stability in their operating system, without sacrificing performance and reliability. This OS can be run under either a workstation or a server environment, but it s muscles flex when it comes to its server capabilities. With support for multiple CPU s and larger capacity hard drives, this OS is one not to be messed with. Solaris can manage thousands of gigabytes of storage space and information and sort it into such a way so that its file system can quickly retrieve data and send it on its way. This technology is what allows Solaris to be as flexible and reliable as possible. The Solaris OS is developed for use under either 32-bit or 64-bit CPU architecture, taking full advantage of today s fastest CPU s like never before. You can obtain a copy of Sun s Solaris UNIX OS by visiting their website at then heading over to their shopping department for the latest prices. You can expect to pay as little as $ for the workstation build with tech support and minimal licenses, or for the fully fledged corporate business, a package with full support and over 1000 licenses will cost around $50, (Enterprise edition aptly named!). Minimum Hardware Requirements: x86 (32-bit) platforms & AMD Opteron platforms CD-ROM (for workstations) 600MB hard disk space (workstation installation) 64MB RAM Recommended Hardware Requirements: x86 (32-bit) platforms & AMD Opteron platforms CD-ROM (Server optional) 1000MB (1GB) hard disk space (Server installation, 1.5GB Server full install) 128MB RAM Sun Solaris 9 5

6 Bibliography 1. Australian PC Authority, October 2002 Pg 102 A Linux for Everyone article. 2. Sun Microsystems Official Website: wwws.sun.com 3. Debian Homepage : 4. Mandrake Linux 9.2 Installation CD s (Documentation, specs) 5. Mandrake Linux 9.2 retail box & printed documentation (My Personal Copy) 6