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Many perceive Unix (and Linux) as difficult to use because they think
the user interface is text based. While such an interface
does exist, there's also something called the X Window System, or
X for short.
In a networked environment, it's possible to have a program running on one computer (say a server), and have it's windows open under X on another workstation. |
On top of X sits one of a number of available
Window Managers which implement very
sophisticated Desktop Environments. Some of these are even able to
duplicate the look and feel of the more mainstream desktops.
What can I run on Linux and X?
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Below is an incomplete list of available software for the Linux with
X environment. A much more complete list can be found at
http://www.linux.org/apps/
Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.01 -
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Listed below are only four of over a dozen available distributions.
Additional information on these and others are available at
www.linux.org/dist/ and
www.linux.victoria.bc.ca/Files/where.html
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An introduction to Linux,
a free yet very powerful
operating system for personal computers of all types.
Linux in Victoria
Brought to you by the volunteer efforts of Victoria's Linux community.
Linux is an operating system initially created in 1991 as a hobby by a young student, Linus Torvalds, at the University of Helsinki in Finland.Since then thousands of programmers have contributed to make Linux one of the most stable and full featured operating systems available at any price.
The current full-featured version of the kernel is 2.0.31, and development continues with several updates that are available for public use.
www.vlug.org
www.linux.org
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Linux is a freely-distributable, independent UNIX-like operating system
for Intel x86, DEC Alpha, Sun SPARC, Mips, and Motorola PPC & 68K
machines. It is an implementation of the POSIX specification with
which all true versions of UNIX comply.
The Linux kernel uses no code from AT&T or any other proprietary source, and much of the software available for Linux is developed by the Free Software Foundation's GNU project. The result of efforts by thousands of programmers coordinating via the Internet, Linux is now recognized as one of the most stable and flexible operating systems available at any price.
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Why would I use Linux?
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Networking Linux can add great value at low cost to a new or existing network of Windows 3.1/95/NT, OS/2 or Macintosh machines. Linux supports just about every networking protocol in existence, and can provide network services such as being a file, printer or proxy server, or a router, gateway and/or firewall. Linux can also provide Internet and intranet services like HTTP, FTP, News and POP3 email with efficient and scalable solutions.
Software Education & Development
Network Computers & "Light Clients" |
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Many of the most valuable resources for Linux support are available
24 hours a day via the Internet.
CANLUG - Linux in Canada.
Newsgroups - sample list; please see http://www.linux.victoria.bc.ca/support.html
Mailing Lists - almost a hundred to choose from: http://summer.snu.ac.kr/~djshin/linux/mail-list/index.shtml |
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There is a fair amount of assistance available locally in Victoria.
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The following Victoria based companies provide Linux support at a
commercial level, and have contributed to the costs of the "Linux at VIEX"
booth.
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Recommended Reading
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