# Introduction

There is no single distribution of the Linux software. Instead, there are many such distributions, available both via anonymous FTP and mail order on floppy, tape, or CD-ROM. This document is an attempt to present information on many of the available distributions of Linux. This document also contains information on many miscellaneous services and goods available for Linux, ranging from consulting and support to T-shirts and virtual beer.

The purpose of this document is to provide short summaries of the many Linux distributions and mail-order services, and to provide pointers for the reader to find more information. You shouldn't base your decision of which Linux distribution to use based soley on this document.

This is a PRELIMINARY version of the Distribution HOWTO. It is far from complete; there are many more Linux distributions and services than are listed here. Unfortunately, I have not received submissions from many of the organizations providing these services. Please see Section 4 at the end of this document for information on making a submission. It's easy and fun and won't take you five minutes.

### New versions of this document

New versions of this document will be posted periodically (about every month) to the newsgroups `comp.os.linux.announce` and `comp.os.linux.misc`. The document is archived on a number of Linux FTP sites, including `sunsite.unc.edu` in `pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO`.

In the future, this document is going to be replaced by a Linux Buyer's Guide that I am working on. This will contain reviews of each of the major Linux distributions and a list of all distributors. In the meantime, keep those submissions coming.

### And so on...

Please see section ``New `comp.os.linux.announce` Policy'' at the end of this document for information on how to make submissions to this document.

Disclaimer: I make absolutely no guarantee as to the correctness of the information, prices, and ordering details given in this document. Several of the entries in this HOWTO are a bit outdated; check the last modified field of each to get an idea. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated the Linux software comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY.

I do not endorse or work for any of the distributors listed in this document. I merely include their information here as a service to the Linux community, as a ``buyer's guide''. Inclusion in this document does not mean that I recommend any of the products listed here.

The entries for each distributor are included as they sent them to me. I am not responsible for any spelling errors or mistakes in the content of this document; most of the entries here have only been edited to a limited extent by myself.

Feel free to mail any questions or comments about this HOWTO to Matt Welsh, `mdw@sunsite.unc.edu`.

And now for the good stuff.