# Linux Software Distributions

This section describes complete distributions of Linux software, available either via anonymous FTP or from mail order.

In each of the following entries, my own comments are followed by the information from the distributors themselves. You may safely disregard anything I say. :)

An oft-recurring question in the Linux world is, ``What distribution should I choose?'' This is not an easy question to answer: It depends greatly on your needs and available resources.

The current de facto standard distribution is the Slackware release. Slackware is easy to install and fairly complete. It's also more or less up-to-date with current versions of Linux software. The Linux Installation HOWTO documents installation of Slackware. I personally recommend Slackware for most new Linux users.

However, if you have a CD-ROM drive, you have more distributions to choose from. I haven't personally reviewed most of them, and you're more likely to get help from people on the Net for distributions such as Slackware (which is available freely on the Net, as well as on CD-ROM). On the other hand, some CD-ROM distributions come with documentation and support of their own. All I can say is that a good number of people have had success installing and using the Slackware distribution.

The Debian distribution is currently under development. I have had a chance to play with the beta versions of Debian and it looks very promising. It is being developed and maintained in a semi-closed team of people (instead of by a single individual), so we hope that once Debian matures it will grow into the "standard" Linux distribution, and the matter will be closed.

The bottom line is that there's no easy way to pick a distribution out of the air. My own suggestion is to use Slackware. Other people will suggest MCC-Interim, TAMU, and others based on their own experience. By way of disclaimer, I don't use Slackware myself (in fact, I don't use any standard Linux distribution), but I have installed it for testing purposes.

### Slackware Linux Distribution

Distributor:
  Patrick Volkerding, `volkerdi@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu`.
Description:
  Slackware Linux is a full featured distribution of the Linux operating system designed for 386/486 computers with a 3.5" floppy. Slackware changes rapidly, but here's a current (partial) feature list:
  A series (14 disks):
    Base Linux 1.0 kernel OS and utilities. Networking, UUCP, gcc/g++ 2.5.8, libc 4.5.24, and more.
  E series (5 disks):
    Emacs 19.22.
  F series (1 disk):
    FAQs, HOWTOs, and other documentation.
  OI series (3 disks):
    ObjectBuilder 2.0 for X.
  X series (5 disks):
    Base XFree86 2.1 X windows system with fvwm.
  XAP series (2 disks):
    X windows applications such as seyon and ghostview.
  XD series (3 disks):
    X windows program/server development.
  XV series (2 disks):
    XView 3.2 release 5, Open Look Window Manager.
  Y series (1 disk):
    Games from BSD, such as "hunt".
Availability:
  The home site is `ftp.cdrom.com`, where the latest distribution can be found in `/pub/linux/slackware`. To make it easy to download, the disks can also be found pre-zooed in `/pub/linux/zooed_slackware`. (Zoo is just a compression utility for MS-DOS).
Ordering:
  FTP only, although various independent distributors provide it on disk, floppy, and CD.
Entry last modified:
  5 Nov 93.

### MCC Interim Linux

The current MCC-Interim release is based on 0.99.pl10, which is quite robust. If you are one of those people who demands to be on top of the current release, you'll need to upgrade your kernel (easy to do) and possibly your version of GCC and libraries. However, I see no reason why 0.99.pl10 shouldn't be good enough, at least to get you started.

Distributor:
  Dr. A. V. Le Blanc, `LeBlanc@mcc.ac.uk`.
Description:
  Base Linux installation. Complete sources and patches for all included software are available. Full details vary from release to release; see `/pub/linux/mcc-interim/*/Acknowledgements` at `ftp.mcc.ac.uk`. Roughly: this includes the kernel (with source), C, C++, groff, man pages, basic utilities, networking. The binaries fit on 6 or 7 floppies. It is also possible to have them on a DOS or Linux partition on a hard drive (plus one floppy) or on an NFS-mountable partition (plus two floppies). New versions appear at 2-3 month intervals, depending on various factors.
Availability:
  By anonymous ftp from `ftp.mcc.ac.uk`; mirrored at `tsx-11.mit.edu`, `nic.funet.fi`, and elsewhere. At `ftp.mcc.ac.uk`, in `/pub/linux/mcc-interim`.
Miscellaneous:
  Suggestions and contributions are welcome.
Entry last modified:
  31 Oct 93.

### TAMU Linux Distribution

Distributor:
  Dave Safford, Texas A&M University, `dave.safford@net.tamu.edu`.
Description:
  TAMU.99p12+ is the latest release in the TAMU linux series. Unlike previous releases, this one includes both integrated source and binary sets, with the entire binary set created from a single top level source make. This ensures that all programs are compiled and linked with the same current tools and libraries, and guarantees availability of working source for every program in the binary set. In addition, the new boot diskette fully automates the installation process, including partitioning, lilo bootstrapping, and network configuration. Installation requires no rebooting, and requires the user to know only the host's name and IP address. At every step of installation, the program provides intelligent defaults, making it a snap for novices, while allowing experts full flexibility in setting installation parameters. Reliability has been improved over past TAMU installation by the use of labels on all disk images, so that the program can detect and recover from bad or misordered diskettes. This release is a full featured package, including XFree86-1.3, emacs-19.18, net-2, bootutils, and sources for all installation programs (without any use restrictions :-).
Availability:
  The latest TAMU release is available by anonymous ftp `from net.tamu.edu:pub/linux`.
Entry last modified:
  31 Oct 93.

### Linux Support Team Erlangen Distribution (LST)

Distributor:
  The Linux Support Team Erlangen, a small group of students at the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg. Contact Stefan Probst (`snprobst@cip.informatik.uni-erlangen.de`) or Ralf Flaxa (`rfflaxa@informatik.uni-erlangen.de`). Probably, there will be a collective address soon.
Description:
  The LST distribution's goal is to provide a solid, reliable, easy to install (even for beginners) and well-documented system. We are not hunting for the newest kernel or gcc versions. We do updates when they are necessary or provide really new functionality, are well tested, integrated in the system and working smoothly with the rest of the system. The distribution consists of a base system and additional packages. Currently the following packages are available: doku (doc), text, tex, develop, xdevelop, xbasis, xappl, xemacs, tinyx, network, grafik, src, misc. The complete system is 50 HD disks and 1500 pages printed documentation including the LDP guides (IGS,KHG,NAG), HOWTOs, FAQs, the german Linuxhandbuch, install-guide and many other useful documents we collected over the time. Our distribution is preconfigured for german users and comes with a 50 page step by step installation guide that leads you through the menu-driven installation scripts (both in german). We started this distribution to help newcomers with their first steps into Linux. Therefore our scripts are smart enough to handle all of the ``dirty work'' like setting up system configuraton (including LILO, modem, mouse, mounts, mtools, access to DOS, users, X11) and network configuration (TCP/IP, Routing, Mail, News, UUCP, SLIP). Historically (and of course easier for us) most of the documentation for this distribution is written in german, sorry, but we are planning to translate those documents in english, but at the moment we don't have time for this. Any volunteers are welcome! Our scripts also accept to install SLS and Slackware packages, but with no warranty if they work well together with the rest of the system.
Availability:
  Via anonymous ftp: `ftp.uni-erlangen.de` under `pub/Linux/LST.Distribution`, or on 3.5" disks (also on one QIC-80 tape).
Ordering:
  order at following adress: Stefan Probst, In der Reuth 200, 91056 Erlangen, Germany.
  - complete documentation (IGS, LHB, KHG, GDB, NAG, HOWTOs, FAQs, Installguide) together over 1500 pages for DM 139,-- (plus shipping).
  - complete documentation plus complete distribution on QIC-80 tape (about 65 MB) for DM 199,-- (including shipping in Germany).
  - complete documentation plus complete distribution on about 50 3.5" disks for DM 269,-- (including shipping in Germany).
Entry last modified:
  21 Dec 93.

### Debian Linux Distribution

Distributor:
  Ian A. Murdock, `imurdock@gnu.ai.mit.edu`.
Description:
  For those of you who are not familiar with Debian, it is an effort to create a well thought-out, powerful, flexible yet complete Linux distribution. The motivations behind Debian are detailed in the Debian Manifesto, a copy of which can be acquired as described below. For up-to-date information, please look at the files in the directory `/pub/Linux/distributions/debian/info` at `sunsite.unc.edu`. If you do not have access to the Internet or FTP, you may obtain printed copies by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

      The Debian Linux Association
      Station 11
      P.O. Box 3121
      West Lafayette, IN  47906
      USA

  This information includes how Debian can be obtained (via FTP or mail-order), why Debian is being constructed (the Manifesto) and other general information (including how to join the Debian mailing lists).
Availability:
  Debian has not yet been "officially" released, but BETA releases are available to the general public at `sunsite.unc.edu` in the directory `/pub/Linux/distributions/debian`.
Entry last modified:
  21 Feb 94.

### Linux from Nascent CD-ROM

Distributor:
  Nascent Technology
Description:
  The Linux from Nascent CDROM is a new distribution of the Linux operating system which includes over 400 mbytes of source code, binaries, and documentation for Linux and applications. It features automated root, swap, package, network, and user account installation from CDROM. Linux can be can be run directly from the CDROM and floppy. The Nascent CDROM features Xwindows, Openlook, TeX, GNU compiler and utilities, Magic and Spice electronic design tools, and over 100 high resolution images translated from Kodak PhotoCD(TM). Each source archive is distributed with an associated notes file to allow you to browse and install applications using a consistent interface. A listing of the contents of the Nascent CDROM as well as a current copy of the CDROM announcement and order form may be obtained via anonymous ftp at `netcom.com:/pub/nascent`.
Ordering:
  The Linux from Nascent CDROM, Version 1.0, is only $39.95 plus shipping and handling. Nascent also offers the Linux from Nascent Plus package for only $89.95, which includes six months of email support and a 30\% discount off a future release of the CDROM with your CDROM purchase. Nascent accepts Mastercard, VISA, checks, and money orders as payment. To order your Linux from Nascent CDROM, mail, email or fax a completed order form to:

      Nascent Technology
      Linux from Nascent CDROM
      P.O. Box 60669
      Sunnyvale CA 94088-0669 USA
      Tel: (408) 737-9500
      Fax: (408) 241-9390
      Email: nascent@netcom.com

Entry last modified:
  28 Nov 93.

### Trans-Ameritech Linux plus BSD CD-ROM

Distributor:
  Trans-Ameritech corporation.
Description:
  CD-ROM based on the Slackware distribution of Linux with all the sources plus full uncompressed filesystem plus NetBSD source and binary distribution. The current release is ``Spring 94''. The two previous releases cover Linux from 0.99 p.9 (on the SLS release) to 0.99 p.14 and have FreeBSD and the original 386BSD.
  - The installation is highly automated by the Slackware scripts fine tuned to this CDROM but leaves a lot of room for customization.
  - In addition to standard device drivers in Linux kernel, BIOS-less aha1522 SCSI is supported (it covers Sound Blaster 16 SCSI too).
  - To minimize the possibility of hardware conflicts many extra kernels are provided for different configurations. They are usable for installation and normal use.
  - Many on-line documents are provided for quick reference, including the Linux Documentation Project files in source, dvi and ps formats.
  - A lot of applications are included:
    - The C/C++ compiler GNU GCC 2.5.8,
    - GNU and international versions of the `ispell` spell-checker.
    - The communications apps: `term` 1.1.4, `minicom`, Seyon (X-Windows based).
    - Editors: `elvis` (`vi` clone), `joe`, `jove`
    - PostScript clone `ghostscript` 2.6.1,
    - Network package with news and email:
    - TCP/IP (net2debugged), UUCP, SLIP, CSLIP
    - Object oriented GNU Smalltalk 1.1.1, and the Smalltalk Interface to X. (STIX)
    - TCL/Tk (Powerful scripting language with Motif-like X interface)
    - SPICE for electric engineering
    - Several window managers - `openwin`, `twm`, `gwm`, `fvwm`.
    - Easy X-Windows configuration with many real-life examples.
    - Many X applications
    - Interviews libraries, include files, and the `doc` word processor and `idraw` drawing program.
    - Typesetting: TeX, LaTeX, `xdvi`, `dvips`, Metafont, `groff`
    - Ingress and Postgress databases.
    - Multimedia: mpeg video and sound applications. Mosaic 2.2. `xgopher.1.3.2`, `tracker`, `adagio04`, `speak-1.0`.
    - Gif pictures and sounds in various formats.
    - Andrew multimedia word processor with hyperlinks.
    - FlexFax send and receive fax on either class 1 or class 2 fax-modems.
    - A lot more.
  - To help the first time Linux users many documentation files are provided that are readable from DOS even before installing Linux.
  - All the sources are available on the CDROM. The most often needed sources are uncompressed and can be used directly from CDROM.
  - An uncompressed Linux filesystem is available for reference and disk space conservation. You can run programs directly from CDROM! There is a large `info` directory for on-line reference and many manpages.
  - For hacker's reference an uncompressed FreeBSD source tree is provided.
Availability and Ordering:
  You can order by e-mail, by phone (408)727-3883 or fax (408)727-3882. (Email: `Roman@Trans-Ameritech.com`) If you prefer to send a cheque, our address is:

  > `

  >     Trans-Ameritech Enterprises, Inc.
  >     2342A Walsh Ave
  >     Santa Clara, CA 95051
  >     USA

  > `

  If you order with a credit card (VISA, MC, American Express) please indicate the card number, expiration date and your mailing address. The order will be processed and the CD shipped the same day. The price for a single CD-ROM is $30 if you are an internet user and found the info on the net (you must have an e-mail address). Shipping and handling in US is $5. Overseas is $8. COD is available in the US only for $4.50. California residents please add sales tax. Annual subscriptions (4 releases) are available for $80 plus S&H. (note: there are 4 shipments in a subscription) Example subscription in US is: $80 + $5 x 4 = $100 Subscription in Europe/Japan etc. is: $80 + $8 x 4 = $112
Miscellaneous:
  We answer technical questions about our distribution by e-mail sent to: `roman@trans-ameritech.com` within 24 hours! Trans-Ameritech is a well established company with efficient organization to guarantee on-time printing and shipping of this product. If you have a 3.5 inch boot floppy and have ftp access, please look on `sunsite.unc.edu` in `/pub/Linux/distributions/TransAmer` for a new boot floppy image with support for many CDROM drives.
Entry last modified:
  19 April 1994.

### Unifix 1.02 CD-ROM

Distributor:
  Unifix Software GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
Description:
  This is a Linux CD-ROM distribution with emphasis on easy and fast installation. Though it is possible to install everything on the harddisk, we do not recommend so, because it runs fast enough directly from CD. For example starting emacs the first time (in text mode) takes:

        From single speed Mitsumi: 24 s
        From double speed Mitsumi: 11 s
        From Toshiba 3401:          7 s

  The dynamic buffer cache of Linux takes care of the second and subsequent times a program is started, which needs less than one second. Our system requires about 5 MB on the hard disk for configuration files and system management tools. Additionally we recommend a 16 MB swap partition. The distribution contains most of the standard programs in current versions, e.g. Linux 0.99.15e, XFree 2.0, emacs 19.22 and gcc 2.5.7. Full preconfigured source for everything is included. Because Unifix is a european distribution it provides full support for iso8859-1 character sets. From the shells and emacs through ls, TeX and the print system everything supports 8-bit characters. Printing is supported through System V compatible printer drivers which can be controlled through lp's `-o` options. Printer drivers are included for dumb text mode printers, for postscript- or ghostscript- compatible printers and for networked printing. These drivers know how to guess the type of the files so e.g. compressed man pages or DVI files can be printed directly.
Ordering:
  Unifix is available only on CD. It comes in a Unifix/Linux binder with two boot floppies and about 70 pages of installation instructions in german. An english version will be available Apr 94. The price is 159 DM (about $100) and includes taxes and shipping; Eurocard/Mastercard/Visa are accepted.

      Telephone       +49 (0)531 515161
      Fax             +49 (0)531 515162
      Mail            Unifix Software GmbH
                      Postfach 4918
                      D-38039 Braunschweig
                      Germany

Entry last modified:
  18 Feb 94.