Chip 1996 November/Chip 11-96.iso/workshop/howto/distribu

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  The Linux Distribution HOWTO
  by Matt Welsh, [e-mail]
  v2.1, 10 July 1994

  This document lists the various software distributions and services
  available for Linux via mail order, anonymous FTP, and other sources.

  1.  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.


  1.1.  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.


  1.2.  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  Several of the entries in this HOWTO are a bit outdated; check the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, [e-mail].

  And now for the good stuff.


  2.  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.


  2.1.  Slackware Linux Distribution


     Distributor:
        Patrick Volkerding, [e-mail].


     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.



  2.2.  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, [e-mail].


     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.


  2.3.  TAMU Linux Distribution


     Distributor:
        Dave Safford, Texas A&M University, [e-mail].


     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.


  2.4.  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
        ([e-mail]) or Ralf Flaxa
        ([e-mail]).  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.


     o  complete documentation (IGS, LHB, KHG, GDB, NAG, HOWTOs, FAQs,
        Installguide) together over 1500 pages for DM 139,-- (plus
        shipping).

     o  complete documentation plus complete distribution on QIC-80 tape
        (about 65 MB) for DM 199,-- (including shipping in Germany).

     o  complete documentation plus complete distribution on about 50
        3.5" disks for DM 269,-- (including shipping in Germany).


     Entry last modified:
        21 Dec 93.




  2.5.  S.u.S.E. GmbH German Linux CD-ROM



     Distributor:

          S.u.S.E. GmbH

          Gebhardtstr. 2

          90762 Fuerth

          Germany



     Description:
        This is a CD especially for German users. It contains a german
        version of the Slackware Distribution and two additional german
        distributions based on Slackware and SLS.  It contains
        additional software, such as the Postgres system, the pbm-Tools
        and lots of other tools and utilities (ctwm window manager,
        GREAT environment, andrew toolkit, the POV-ray raytracer and so
        on).  The source code of the complete system is included, too,
        as is a live system to enable using software without the need to
        install everything to the harddrive. The current version of the
        CD contains version 1.2.0 of the Slackware distribution
        containing version 1.0 of the linux kernel, version 2.5.8 of the
        GNU-Compiler and XFree86tm 2.1.

        A german installation guide will help new users to successfully
        install the system.

        The CD ist updated every three months, so the next one will be
        released in July 1994.


     Ordering:
        You can order by mail, by phone [phone]), by Fax
        (49-911-7417755) or by sending email to [e-mail].

        Price: The price for a single CD is 89,-- DM for new customers.
        If you are already a S.u.S.E.-customer, you will get the CD for
        an update-price of 78,-- DM. There is also the posibility to
        subscribe for one year; then you will receive 4 CDs for the
        price of 230,-- DM.

        Disks: Of course, you can get the german version of the
        Slackware Distribution on 3,5" disks. You can get either a basis
        version of the distribution (about 28 disks) for 89,-- DM, the
        "standard" version (about 38 disks) for 119,-- DM or the "full"
        version (about 59 disks) for 159,-- DM.  The update prices are
        69,-- DM, 94,-- DM and 139,-- DM respectively.

        Documentation: S.u.S.E. is selling high-quality printed issues
        of the books from the Linux Documentation project (LDP) for
        people that would like to have a real book and not only printed
        loose papers.  The prices are 24,-- DM for Matt Welsh's Linux
        Installation and Getting Started, 39,-- DM for Olaf Kirch's
        Network Administrators' Guide and 29,-- DM for Michael K.
        Johnson's Kernel Hackers' guide.  Additionally, S.u.S.E. offers
        the complete O'Reilly series which is the best documentation
        available for Unix in general.  Of course you can order the well
        known german Linux books: Deutsches Anwenderhandbuch for 49,--
        DM and Linux - vom PC zur Workstation for 38,-- DM.

        Motif: Metrolink Motif for Linux is available for the price of
        169,-- DM for the runtime system only and for the price of
        288,-- DM you will get the runtime and development system.


     Miscellaneous:
        Service and support for our customers by Email, Fax, snail mail
        and phone (hotline Monday and Thursday from 13:00h-17:00h.)

        Free info material and catalogues of CDROMs and books. (All
        Infomagic Unix CDs available).

        Selling commercial software for Linux.

        Development of individual software for Linux and other Unix
        systems.

        Almost anything concerning Linux - just ask!


     Entry last modified:
        23 May 1994



  2.6.  Debian Linux Distribution


     Distributor:
        Ian A. Murdock, [e-mail].


     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.
  2.7.  Yggdrasil Plug-and-Play Linux CD-ROM and the Linux Bible



     Distributor:

          Yggdrasil Computing, Incorporated

          4880 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 205

          San Jose, CA 95129-1034

          toll free [phone], [phone], fax [phone]

          [e-mail]



     Description:
        Yggdrasil Plug-and-Play Linux is a complete CD-ROM distribution
        of the Linux operating system. It includes a great deal of
        software---nearly every package that you would expect to find on
        a complete UNIX system is available. A complete file list is
        available via FTP from yggdrasil.com.

        The Linux Bible is a compendium of Linux documentation,
        including 3 books from the Linux Documentation Project, The
        Yggdrasil installation manual, and the complete set of Linux
        HOWTO guides.

        At the top of the sophistication hierarchy, programmers who want
        to explore or add the occasional feature know that Yggdrasil is
        the Linux distribution with a fully buildable source tree and
        with the ability to automatically trace installed files back to
        their sources.

        Users who want maximum performance will appreciate that the
        major system components have been recompiled with -O6
        optimization, and the SCSI clustering which reduces the build
        time on the source tree from 28 to 22 hours (over 20%) on
        486DX2-66.  Using IDE?  Activate the multisector IDE code!

        Everybody, especially new users, will appreciate the Plug-and-
        Play operation for which Yggdrasil's product is named.  Put the
        media in a computer with supported hardware, turn the computer
        on, and it's running everything, straight from the CDROM.

        The login screen lists a number of preconfigured user names,
        including "install", which installs the system, giving
        paragraphs of explanation about every question that it asks the
        user.  The install script even searches for a modem, and, upon
        finding it, configures mail and UUCP so that mail sent to an
        internet address is transparently delivered through a bulletin
        board system at Yggdrasil.

        X windows configuration is automated too, prompting the user for
        configuration information the first time xinit is run.

        From X windows, a graphical control panel allows simple ``fill
        in the blanks'' configuration of networking, SLIP, outgoing
        UUCP, the printer, NNTP, and many other features that previously
        required the knowledge of a system administrator to configure.

        For more information, send mail to [e-mail], FTP to
        yggdrasil.com, or contact us by any convenient method.

     Ordering:
        Plug-and-Play Linux costs $39.95 is and available directly from
        Yggdrasil or from your local computer, software or technical
        book store.  If Plug-and-Play Linux is not available from your
        favorite reseller, help promote Linux by making it your mission
        to change that.  Give your reseller our phone number and demand
        that they carry Plug-and-Play Linux.

        Yggdrasil offers a $10 discount for upgrades or crossgrades.
        Send us your old Yggdrasil release and a check for $29.95 + $5
        shipping and handling to upgrade.  Or do the same, but send us a
        competing distribution such any version of SCO, Esix, minix, or
        one of the CD's with the slackware floppy images, and tell us
        where you got it, so that we can make sure that your favorite
        reseller carries our products too.


     Miscellaneous:
        Yggdrasil also sells OSF/Motif and The Linux Bible, a
        compilation of works from the Linux Documentation project.  In
        addition to a copy of the Plug-and-Play Linux manual, The Linux
        Bible includes Linux Installation and Getting Started, Network
        Administrator's Guide, Kernel Hacker's Guide, and HOWTO guides
        on hardware compatibility, distributions, dos emulation,
        ethernet, floppy tape, installation, mail, networking version 2,
        MGR (an alternative to X windows), X windows, usenet news,
        printing, SCSI, serial communications, sound, and UUCP.  The
        Linux Bible costs $39.95 and is printed on recycled paper.  $1
        from every copy sold is donated to the Linux Documentation
        Project.  OSF/Motif costs $149.95, $5 of which is donated to the
        development of a free Motif clone.


     Entry last modified:
        16 May 1994


  2.8.  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: [phone]
        Fax: [phone]
        Email: [e-mail]




     Entry last modified:
        28 Nov 93.


  2.9.  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 sub-
     sequent times a program is started, which needs less than one sec-
     ond.

     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       [phone]
        Fax             [phone]
        Mail            Unifix Software GmbH
                        Postfach 4918
                        D-38039 Braunschweig
                        Germany




     Entry last modified:
        18 Feb 94.


  3.  Redistributors and Miscellany

  This section lists re-sellers or re-distributors of the Linux
  distributions listed above. In other words, the people selling the
  below software more than likely do NOT maintain or support the
  software itself.

  This section also lists distributors selling commercial software for
  Linux (such as Motif) and miscellany, such as documentation.


  3.1.  Clark Internet Services


     Distributor:
        Clark Internet Services, C/O Stephen Balbach


     Description:
        The latest version of Linux on disk and tape direct from the net
        at affordable prices. 120MB installed on 3.5" disks. 90MB
        installed on 5.25" disks.


     Ordering:
        Slackware on 32 3.5" disks: $50 (USPS 2nd day).  SLS on 32 5.25"
        disks: $40 (USPS 2nd day).

        Installation and Getting Started (c) Copyright Matt Welsh.
        150+page laser printed, professional bound manual.  Everything
        to get installed and running in one easy book.  $15 if ordering
        set (at cost price!). $20 seperate.


     Availability:
        For more complete information, including a multipage description
        of Linux, a hardware compatibility sheet, and more detailed
        package descriptions send mail to [e-mail] for auto-
        reply info (30k of text).


     Ordering:
        Check, money-order




        Stephen Balbach
        5437 Enberend Terrace
        Columbia, MD 21045


     Credit Card orders call 410-740-1157 (Visa, MasterCard, AmXpres)


     Entry last modified:
        31 Oct 93.


  3.2.  Extent Verlag, LDP Distribution


     Distributor:
        Extent Verlag Berlin, Germany


     Description:
        Extent has published the Linux Installation and Getting Started
        manual, Version 2.0 by Matt Welsh in order to make it available
        to Linux users within Germany and Europe. Inspite of being non-
        commercial, the manual was printed with 2540 dpi and bound in
        soft cover. It's handy paperback format is 148 x 210 mm.  Other
        LDP manuals are being prepared as soon as possible.

        Extent also tries to make SLACKWARE available to everybody
        within Germany and Europe just for the ordinary diskette price.
        This means, you pay only the diskettes and get the newest
        SLACKWARE distribution for free, just in the sense of Free
        Software. The 3.5" diskettes are fully error-checked, of course.


     Availability:
        Extent Verlag Berlin, Postfach 12 66 48, D-10594 Berlin,
        Germany.  phone [phone], fax [phone].


     Ordering:
        Linux Installation and Getting Started, 192 pages.  ISBN
        3-926671-12-2. Costs within Germany DM 15.80 (tax and shipping
        included), within Europe DM 16.50 (shipping included).

        Full Slackware (latest version) on 50 diskettes. Within Germany,
        DM 100.00 plus DM 10.00 for shipping. Within Europe, DM 100.00
        plus DM 20.00 for shipping.

        Ordering by sending cheque to address above or money order
        (don't forget your address!) to Extent Verlag Berlin, Germany
        Postbank Berlin, BLZ 10010010, bank account 1769-104 or every
        book store.


     Entry last modified:
        25 March 1994.



  3.3.  Fintronic Linux Systems


     Distributor:
        Fintronic Linux Systems


     Description:
        We sell fully installed, custom configured Linux systems for
        about the price which  you'd pay for the hardware alone.  We
        offer  desktop and notebook machines. We ship worldwide and
        accept  payment  by  check  and credit  cards.  If  you  have
        any questions or would like to be added to our   mailing   list,
        send   mail    to [e-mail].


     Availability:
        For  our  latest  pricelist,  finger  [e-mail] or Web
        to http://www.fintronic.com/linux/catalog.html.  Prices change
        frequently as we are constantly  looking  for  the best deals
        for our customers.


     Ordering:

        email:  [e-mail]
          fax:   +1.415.325-4908
        voice:   +1.415.325-4474
         Mail:   Fintronic USA, Inc.
                 1360 Willow Rd., Suite 205
                 Menlo Park, CA 94025
                 USA




     Entry last modified:
        24 Mar 94.



  3.4.  InfoMagic Developer's Resource CD-ROM kit


     Distributor:
        InfoMagic, Inc.


     Description:
        The InfoMagic Linux Developer's Resource is a complete snapshot
        of the sunsite.unc.edu and tsx-11.mit.edu archives. It also
        includes the complete GNU software collection (in source form).
        The following Linux ``distributions'' are included on the discs:
        Slackware, Debian, SLS, TAMU, MCC, and JE (Japanese Extensions).

        The Slackware distribution has been completely unpacked allowing
        many packages to be run directly from the disc. Sources for all
        the packages in Slackware are also included.

        The Linux HOWTO documents have been formatted for use with the
        Microsoft Multimedia Viewer (which is included) to allow
        browsing and full-text search under Microsoft Windows.


     Availability:
        Before 1 September 1994:







     InfoMagic, Inc.
     PO Box 708
     Rocky Hill, NJ 08553-0708

     Tel: [phone] (within the US)/609-683-5501
     Fax: [phone]
     email: [e-mail]




     After 1 September 1994:


          InfoMagic, Inc.
          PO Box 30370
          Flagstaff, AZ 86003-0370

          Tel: [phone] (within the US)/602-526-9565
          Fax: [phone]
          email: [e-mail]





     Ordering:
        The 2-CD set is $20/copy. Shipping within the US is $5 (USPS
        Priority Mail), outside the US $10 (International Airmail),
        FedEx and UPS on request. Orders may be placed via phone, fax,
        or email (a PGP key is available: finger [e-mail]).
        We accept Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX. 1-year subscriptions are
        available for $125 (within the US) and $135 (outside the US)
        including shipping. A 1yr subscription consists of 6 releases,
        one every two months.


     Miscellaneous:
        The contents of the CD's may be found at either:
        InfoMagic.com:/pub/Linux or ftp.uu.net:/vendor/InfoMagic/cd-
        roms/linux.

        This 2-CD set is updated every two months.  Please call for
        latest info on contents, availability and pricing.


     Entry last modifiied:
        10 July 94.


  3.5.  Lasermoon Ltd.


     Distributor:
        Lasermoon Ltd., [e-mail], [e-mail].


     Description:
        The following Linux products are distributed and supported,
        (although there are many more of interest):

     o  The Yggdrasil LGX CD-ROM

     o  The Infomagic Linux Developer Resource CD-ROM


     o  The Linux Journal (Monthly Mag), European Distributors



     Availability:
        Lasermoon Ltd, 2a Beaconsfield Road, Fareham, Hants, England.
        PO16 0QB. Voice [phone].  Fax [phone].
        Email: [e-mail] (General enquiries),
        [e-mail] (Support desk), [e-mail]
        (Linux Journal desk).


     Ordering:
        LGX currently 44.95ukp, LDR currently 12.95ukp All prices
        exclude postage and VAT at the UK rate (17.5).  Discounts
        available - please call.  Visa, Mastercard, Access, EuroCard
        accepted.


     Miscellaneous:
        We provide snapshots of any part of any product on (almost) any
        media. Call us for details.

        Free catalogue of many other CD-ROM Freeware products for UNIX,
        DOS and Novell available on request (either by email or post).
        Books by SSC and O'Reilly Associates (10 discount) also
        available.


     Entry last modified:
        16 Feb 94.


  3.6.  Linux Journal


     Publisher:
        Linux Journal, P.O. Box 85867, Seattle, WA 98145-1867.  Phone
        [phone] (subscriptions) or [phone] (advertising).
        FAX [phone] (subscriptons) or [phone]
        (advertising).


     Description:
        Linux Journal is a monthly publication covering the Linux
        Community. Most material in LJ is new (not reprinted from
        Usenet). Each issue includes columns and articles on Linux
        programming, Free Software Foundation issues, systems
        administration, Questions and Answers, interviews and more. LJ
        is a professional-quality magazine for the Linux community.


     Availability:
        Subscriptions are $19/year (US), $24/year (Canada/Mexico),
        $29/year (elsewhere).


     Ordering:
        Payment can be made using VISA, MasterCard or American Express
        (make sure you include the credit card number, expiration date
        and signature). We can also accept checks in native currency.
        If you have a question concerning appropriate method of payment,
        phone or FAX our subscription numbers or send e-mail to
        [e-mail]  For security reasons we discourage sending credit
        card numbers via e-mail.

     Miscellaneous:
        If you are interested in advertising in LJ, contact Joanne
        Wagner by phone or e-mail at [e-mail].  Article queries,
        new product announcements and other editorial material should be
        sent to our address above or e-mailed to
        [e-mail].  Generic questions can be sent to
        [e-mail].


     Entry last modified:
        26 May 94.


  3.7.  The Linux Quarterly CD-ROM


     Distributor:
        Morse Telecommunication, Inc.


     Description:
        The Linux Quarterly CDROM contains the complete contents of
        tsx-11.mit.edu, the one of the most popular Internet Linux sites
        which provides both source and binaries of major Linux
        distributions, utilities, source code and documentation. This
        includes Slackware, SLS, MCC and Debian releases of Linux.
        Additionally, beginning with the Spring 1994 edition, the
        complete contents of prep.ai.mit.edu, the repository of the
        FSF's GNU source archives, is included. For first-time users,
        this CDROM contains a Microsoft Windows(tm) front-end to assist
        the user in creating boot disks that can be used to install
        Linux directly from The Linux Quarterly CDROM. Support for the
        UMSDOS filesystem is now also This gives the user the ability to
        install Linux directly to an MSDOS system without having to
        repartion their hard drive. Ninety days of technical support is
        provided with each disc at no additional charge.


     Availability:


          Morse Telecommunication, Inc.

          26 East Park Avenue, Suite 240

          Long Beach, NY 11561

          Orders: (800) 60-MORSE

          Tech Support: [phone]

          Fax: [phone]

          Email Orders: [e-mail]

          Email info: [e-mail]

          Hours: 9AM - 5PM EST, Monday through Friday. Fax available 24
          hours.



     Ordering:
        Orders may be placed via phone, fax or email as listed above.
        The Linux Quarterly CDROM is priced at $29.95 plus $5 shipping
        and handling per order. Existing customers may upgrade for
        $22.95 plush S/H. All orders generally ship the same day if
        received by 4PM EST.


     Miscellaneous:
        The contents of the CDROM, the cover artwork in JPEG format, and
        the text of the USENET announcement can be found on the
        following FTP sites:


          tsx-11.mit.edu:/pub/linux/advertisements/TLQ-Spring94.tar.z
          sunsite.unc.edu:/pub/Linux/distributions/cdrom/TLQ-Spring94.tar.z





     Entry last modified:
        23 May 1994




  3.8.  Linux Systems Labs


     Distributor:
        Linux Systems Labs, [e-mail].


     Description:
        Slackware (all 50 disks and I&GS) for $69.95(updated weekly),
        resell the  Yggdrasil CDROM, Motif by Metrolink for $175.00 and
        bundle any version of Linux with Motif (version 1.2.4) for
        $215.00.  We currently print  LDP documents on a 600 DPI
        Duplexed on a laser printer.

        We have begun publishing The Linux Bible: The GNU Testament,
        Spring Quarterly Edition, which includes Linux Installation and
        Getting Started, the Yggdrasil Plug-and-Play Linux Manual:
        Summer 1994, The Linux Network Administrators' Guide by Olaf
        Kirch, The Kernel Hackers' Guide by Michael K. Johnson, and the
        following HOWTOS: distribution, dosemu, ethernet, ftape,
        installation, mail, mgr, net-2, news, printing, scsi, serial,
        sound, uucp, xfree86.

        Also we just started selling a commercial database  called /rdb
        for  Linux  by  Revolutionary  Software for $149.00. (It's quite
        impressive.) Contact us for more information.


     Availability:
        Linux Systems Labs, 18300 Tara  Drive,  Clinton  Twp  MI  48036.
        Phone [phone], fax [phone].


     Ordering:
        See  above for prices. We take MC and Visa and will discount all
        products (except /rdb) 20% for internet customers.


     Entry last modified:
        11 May 1994.



  3.9.  Mark Horton Linux Documentation Hardcopy Service


     Distributor:
        Mark Horton Associates, [e-mail].


     Description:
        The Linux Hardcopy Service provides printed, punched, and bound
        copies of the various Linux LDP manuals, FAQs, HOWTOs and other
        related publications. The goal is to provide both new and
        experienced Linux users with laser printed, high quality
        documentation. This is particularly useful to new users without
        access to ftp or the facilities required to print .dvi format,
        TeX, or PostScript files.


     Availability:
        Mark Horton Associates; P.O. Box 747; Decatur, GA US; 30031.
        Phone: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail].


     Ordering:
        (Please e-mail [e-mail] for complete info, only
        prices are given here.)

        1. Linux Installation and Getting Started, 150 pages, $20.00

        2. Linux Network Administrators' Guide, 250 pages, $30.00

        3. Linux Kernel Hackers' Guide, 120 pages, $20.00

        4. Das LinuXHandBuch, 250 pages, $30.00

        5. LILO Technical Overview and User's Guide, 35 pages, $10.00

        6. FAQs and HOWTOS, 250 pages, $30.00

        7. Shells, shells, shells (man pages), 100 pages, $15.00

        8. Any other documentation you wish printed... make a request,
           I'll print a copy, look it over, and provide a price... if
           it's of general interest I'll offer additional copies also.
           (Somehow I feel like I just committed to ending up with a LOT
           of printed documentation on my shelves!)

        I can't take credit cards (you wouldn't believe what the bank
        wants to process those things!)  Personal checks, money orders,
        cash are all ok.  For very large orders from businesses and
        educational sites I guess I could take purchase orders.  Please
        add $2.00 per manual for shipping (ups ground - add an
        additional $10.00 for ups blue label).  Special overnight
        shipping can be arranged upon request. Call for quantity
        discount pricing.

        $1.00 per manual sale goes to the Free Software Foundation.
        $1.00 per manual sale goes to Linus and the LDP's virtual beer
        fund.

        Please make checks payable to Mark Horton Associates, address
        given above.


     Miscellaneous:
        Custom t-shirts available on request---send e-mail.

     Entry last modified:
        15 January 1994


  3.10.  Sequoia International Motif Development Package


     Distributor:
        Sequoia International, Inc., 600 West Hillsboro Blvd, Suite 300,
        Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, Tel: [phone], FAX: (305)
        480-6198, [e-mail]


     Description:
        Sequoia International, Inc. has a complete Motif 1.2.3 Runtime
        and Development package called SWiM 1.2.3 available for $149.95.
        In addition to providing shared library versions of libXm and
        libMrm, the following is included in each package: The Window
        Manager (mwm), Shared Libraries (libXm, libMrm), Static
        Libraries (libXm, libMrm, libUil), UIL Compiler, Header and
        Include Files, Complete On-Line Manual Pages, Source Code to
        OSF/Motif Demo Programs, Complete OSF/Motif Users Guide.


     Requirements:
        Linux 0.99pl13 or higher, libc 4.4.4, XFree 2.0, 12M Free Disk,
        8-12M RAM Suggested.


     Ordering:
        USA: Sequoia International, Inc. (305-480-6118), [e-mail].
        Japan: Fortune Co., Ltd (03-5481-8974). England: Lasermoon Ltd.
        ([phone]). Australia: Space Age Import-Export
        Proprietary (61-7-266-3418).


     Entry last modified:
        24 March 1994.



  3.11.  SSC Linux Documentation Project Manuals


     Distributor:
        SSC, Inc., [e-mail].


     Availability:
        SSC has printed the Linux Installation and Getting Started
        manual, Version 2.1 to make it available for those who do not
        have the capability to print it themself and to support our
        customers who buy Linux (Yggdrasil) from us. It is printed
        double-sided, perfect bound, with a cover.  SSC also intends to
        make comb bound versions of the other LDP manuals available.


     Ordering:
        Linux Installation and Getting Started, Version 2.1 is available
        for $12.95 plus shipping ($3 in the U.S.).  We can accept credit
        card orders (Visa, MasterCard or AmEx). Orders can be phoned in
        (206-FOR-UNIX/206-527-3385), FAXed (206-527-2806) or mailed to
        SSC, P.O. Box 55549, Seattle, WA 98155.



     Miscellaneous:
        SSC also publishes a series of reference cards on Unix and Unix-
        related programs such as Emacs, VI, Korn Shell, C language, etc.
        SSC also sells the Yggdrasil, Trans-Ameritech and Morse Linux
        distributions, Free Software Foundation books and a complete
        Linux package consisting of Linux Instllation and Getting
        Started, a printed copy of the Linux HowTos, 4 SSC Pocket
        References and a 1-year subscription to Linux Journal for
        $88.95. Call or e-mail [e-mail] for a free catalog.


     Entry last modified:
        26 June 94.


  3.12.  SW Technology Linux Systems


     Distributor:
        SW Technology


     Description:
        SW Technology has been selling Linux workstations locally with
        high customer satisfaction. Our installation of Linux follows
        the style of the Slackware distribution, with system specific
        kernel image and configuration files, to ensure optimal
        performance.  The installation is a fairly complete distribution
        of available Linux utilities, including GCC, X, Interviews,
        Xview, Tcl/Tk, Emacs, TeX/LaTex, Groff, etc.

        We custom configure systems: our clients will get the hardware
        components and software configuration per their specification.


     Availability:
        For upto date prices/info, please

        email/finger      [e-mail]
        anonymous ftp     netcom8.netcom.com:/pub/swt/info
        phone             [phone]
        mail              SW Technology
                          251 West Renner Suite 229
                          Richardson, TX 75080




     Entry last modified:
        15 Jan 94.


  3.13.  Takelap Systems Ltd.


     Distributor:
        Takelap Systems Ltd., [e-mail].


     Description:
        The SLS 1.04 distribution on diskettes.  25 3.5" or 30 5.25"
        diskettes including 0.99.13 kernel, X11R5, TeX, doc (WYSIWYG),
        GNU s/w development tools and more.

        The SLS 1.04 Linux Distribution on CDROM: 0.99.13 kernel, X11R5,
        TeX, Andrew, GNU s/w development tools. May be installed and
        optionally run from CDROM mounted remotely. Many installation
        and operational options.

        The Yggdrasil LGX Fall 93 Linux distribution on CDROM: 0.99.13
        kernel, X11R5, TeX, Andrew 5.1, Postgres 4.1, GNU s/w
        development tools.


     Availability:
        Takelap Systems Ltd., The Reddings, Court Robin Lane, Llangwm,
        Usk, Gwent, United Kingdom NP5 1ET.  tel: [phone],
        fax: [phone], email: [e-mail].


     Ordering:
        SLS on Diskettes, price ukp42.00 +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT. SLS CD-ROM,
        ukp66.00 +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT.  Yggdrasil LGX CD-ROM, ukp40.00
        +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT. Visa and Mastercard accepted.


     Miscellaneous:
        Free catalogue of CDROMs and books (mostly UNIX related) on
        request.


     Entry last modified:
        31 Oct 93.


  3.14.  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.

     o  The installation is highly automated by the Slackware scripts
        fine tuned to this CDROM but leaves a lot of room for
        customization.

     o  In addition to standard device drivers in Linux kernel, BIOS-
        less aha1522 SCSI is supported (it covers Sound Blaster 16 SCSI
        too).

     o  To minimize the possibility of hardware conflicts many extra
        kernels are provided for different configurations. They are
        usable for installation and normal use.

     o  Many on-line documents are provided for quick reference,
        including the Linux Documentation Project files in source, dvi
        and ps formats.

     o  A lot of applications are included:

     o  The C/C++ compiler GNU GCC 2.5.8,

     o  GNU and international versions of the ispell spell-checker.


     o  The communications apps: term 1.1.4, minicom, Seyon (X-Windows
        based).

     o  Editors: elvis (vi clone), joe, jove

     o  PostScript clone ghostscript 2.6.1,

     o  Network package with news and email:

     o  TCP/IP (net2debugged), UUCP, SLIP, CSLIP

     o  Object oriented GNU Smalltalk 1.1.1, and the Smalltalk Interface
        to X.  (STIX)

     o  TCL/Tk (Powerful scripting language with Motif-like X interface)

     o  SPICE for electric engineering

     o  Several window managers - openwin, twm, gwm, fvwm.

     o  Easy X-Windows configuration with many real-life examples.

     o  Many X applications

     o  Interviews libraries, include files, and the doc word processor
        and idraw drawing program.

     o  Typesetting: TeX, LaTeX, xdvi, dvips, Metafont, groff

     o  Ingress and Postgress databases.

     o  Multimedia: mpeg video and sound applications. Mosaic 2.2.
        xgopher.1.3.2, tracker, adagio04, speak-1.0.

     o  Gif pictures and sounds in various formats.

     o  Andrew multimedia word processor with hyperlinks.

     o  FlexFax send and receive fax on either class 1 or class 2 fax-
        modems.

     o  A lot more.

     o  To help the first time Linux users many documentation files are
        provided that are readable from DOS even before installing
        Linux.

     o  All the sources are available on the CDROM. The most often
        needed sources are uncompressed and can be used directly from
        CDROM.

     o  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.

     o  For hacker's reference an uncompressed FreeBSD source tree is
        provided.


     Availability and Ordering:
        You can order by e-mail, by phone [phone] or fax
        [phone].  (Email: [e-mail])

        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: [e-mail] 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.




  3.15.  Unifix Custom Linux CD-ROM Mastering


     Distributor:
        Unifix Software GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany


     Description:
        We use our own (Linux based) premastering system to make custom
        CDs which include the customer's programs in addition to our
        Linux distribution. This enables our customers to sell their
        Unix based applications together with operating system tested
        and ready to run. Our CD recorder makes it possible to create
        prototypes and very small series at interesting prices.


     Availablility:
        Ask us for more information or prices:





        Telephone       [phone]
        Fax             [phone]
        Mail            Unifix Software GmbH
                        Postfach 4918
                        D-38039 Braunschweig
                        Germany




  3.16.  UPython SLS and Slackware Diskette Labels


     Distributor:
        UPython Computer and Network Services


     Description:
        Labels for Softlanding and slackware disks


     Availability:
        The labels that we print for you are available in several
        formats at sunsite.unc.edu:/pub/linux/distributions/SLSlabels.


     Ordering:
        For order information, send mail to [e-mail].  Cost is $6.50
        per set and domestic shipping in included.  Overseas orders must
        send payment in US funds and add $1 for shipping.  Texas
        residents add sales tax (6).


     Entry last modified:
        11 Nov 1993.


  3.17.  Wizvax Communications


     Distributor:
        Richard Shetron ([e-mail], [e-mail])
        Stephanie Gilgut ([e-mail],
        [e-mail])


     Description:
        We sell modem and terminal cables for multi-port serial boards
        (mainly the Boca Research BB2016, BB1008, BB1004 and the
        IOAT66).  We also sell multi-port serial boards.  We can supply
        other products and services, please ask.  We are looking into
        writting drives for one or more of the intelligent serial boards
        (probably COMTROL first and perhaps others).


     Availability:










     email:  [e-mail]  (orders only, please)
             [e-mail]  (automatic response robot)
             [e-mail] or [e-mail]
             [e-mail] or [e-mail]

             phone:  [phone] (US) 9am-9pm M-sa.
             Fax:    available soon
             Snailmail:
                     Wizvax Communications
                     1508 Tibbits Ave.
                     Troy, NY 12180 USA






     Ordering:
        Send for a catalog (see addresses above).  Send orders to
        address's listed above.  Payment can be personal/company check,
        US Postal Money Order, Money Order, or Bank check.  Orders will
        not be sent until payment clears.  Inquire about PO's.


     Miscellaneous:
        wizvax.wizvax.com does a nightly uucp mail exchange.  Email may
        bounce till 05/20/94 as the name servers are being setup.


  4.  Submissions to this document

  Here's information on how to make submissions to this docuement, and
  on the policy that we are using for postings to comp.os.linux.announce
  regarding commercial and mail-order announcements.


  4.1.  New comp.os.linux.announce policy

  One of the purposes of this document is to present short summaries of
  the many Linux distributions in a compact form for new users to browse
  over. This document is not merely a concatenation of the various
  announcements of Linux distributions and the like.

  Another purpose of this document is to remove some of the
  `advertisement' traffic from the newsgroup comp.os.linux.announce.
  The moderators of c.o.l.a (as well as many of the readers) feel that
  those people who are re-distributors of Linux distributions which they
  do not maintain should not be allowed to post periodic advertisements
  in c.o.l.a.... after all, c.o.l.a is for announcements important to
  the Linux community; it is not a moderated sales board.

  Therefore, if you are distributing Linux software which you do not
  maintain, the only way that you will be allowed to post information to
  c.o.l.a is through this HOWTO. Information on submitting entries to
  this HOWTO is given below. (To submit a posting for c.o.l.a, mail it
  to [e-mail].  Exceptions are given below.

  Here's an example. If you are, for example, reselling the SLS
  distribution of Linux on floppies via mail order, the first time that
  your mail-order service is available, you may post an announcement to
  c.o.l.a. Thereafter, you must submit an entry in this HOWTO, which
  will be periodically posted to the newsgroup. Only in the event that
  you do something dramtically new with your service will you be allowed
  to post to c.o.l.a about it.  (`Dramatically new' does not include
  changing your prices or the versions of the software that you
  distribute. The moderators have the final say on just what
  consititutes `dramatically new'. :) ) The purpose of this is to reduce
  the number of periodic postings from people who are using c.o.l.a as
  an electronic billboard.

  However, if you maintain and organize your own distribution of Linux
  (whether it be available for anonymous FTP, mail order, or both), then
  you will be allowed to post to c.o.l.a whenever you release a new
  version. You will not be allowed to make periodic postings about your
  distribution, in order to `advertise' it every month; only when a new
  version is released will you be allowed to post to c.o.l.a about it.
  Of course, you should include information on your distribution in this
  HOWTO.

  I hope that this policy is not too confusing; the one basic rule is
  that we won't permit postings to c.o.l.a which are merely
  advertisements for your distribution or mail order service. The
  posting must include new information which is of interest to the Linux
  community at large. Remember that c.o.l.a postings are archived on
  sunsite.unc.edu; once your posting is out of the news spool it is not
  gone forever.


  4.2.  How to submit an entry for this HOWTO

  I encourage anyone and everyone who maintains a Linux distribution or
  mail order service (or consulting service, and the like), to submit
  information on their service to this HOWTO. It's easy and fun, and
  it's free advertising. This document is posted to many places and is
  archived (see the next section).


  4.2.1.  Types of submissions

  We are interested in submissions for:


  o  Complete distributions of Linux software, available either via
     anonymous FTP, UUCP, or mail order. By `complete distribution' we
     mean any set of software which can be used to build a complete
     Linux system from scratch.

  o  Layered products or individual software packages available only via
     mail order. If your software package is available via anonymous
     FTP, chances are people can find it. Software products only
     available via mail-order include commercial things such as Motif,
     and any other commercial software ported to Linux.

  o  Any other LINUX-SPECIFIC goods available via mail order, such as
     Linux-specific books and documentation, T-shirts, and assorted
     paraphrenalia.

  o  LINUX-SPECIFIC services such as telephone or e-mail consulting and
     technical support. This category also includes miscellany such as
     development contracts.

  If the number of submissions for services and layered products is
  large, I'll create a separate HOWTO for these items.


  4.2.2.  How to submit

  To submit an entry to this HOWTO, please send mail to
  [e-mail] with the following information. This `format' is
  not machine-parsable; any of the fields may be any length that you
  wish, but I'd like to keep each entry down to, say, 50 lines.

     Name:
        Name of service or distribution


     Distributor:
        Name of company, person, etc. who distributes/maintains the
        service or distribution


     Description:
        Description of the distribution or service that you provide. If
        this is a software distribution, please include information such
        as what software is included, versions, general overview of
        installation, requirements, and so on.


     Availability:
        Where your service or distribution is available. This can be an
        FTP site (including directory pathname, please), a mailing
        address, phone number, e-mail address, etc.


     Ordering:
        How to order your distribution or service, if applicable.
        Include prices, shipping information, methods of payment, etc.


     Miscellaneous:
        Anything else that you find relevant.

  Please keep your entry as short as possible. If you need to include
  extensive information, please make a reference to where one can FTP or
  mail to get more information on your distribution; these entries are
  only meant to be POINTERS to where one can find information on your
  service or distribution.

  If you provide more than one service or distribution, please use
  SEPARATE ENTRIES for each.

  Some things (such as books, t-shirts, etc.) won't fit exactly into
  this entry; just be sure to include all relevant information. In other
  words, this "entry form" is simply the bare minimum that you must
  include in your submission to the Distribution-HOWTO; feel free to
  change, add, or leave out "fields" as you see fit.

  I will more than likely edit your entries to some degree if I find any
  irrelevant information, or if the entry is overly verbose.  Otherwise
  the content should remain the same.

  When making submissions to the Distribution-HOWTO, you grant implicit
  permission for me to use the entries in other materials, such as books
  from the LDP, and other online documents. For example, information
  from the Distribution-HOWTO may be included in a published Linux book.
  If you do not want me to include your entry in materials other than
  the Distribution-HOWTO, please say so.



  4.3.  Acknowledgements

  Thanks to Bill Riemers, who produced the first version of the
  Distribution HOWTO and provided helpful advice. Also, thanks to all of
  the people who have contributed to this document. I hope that future
  releases of this HOWTO will be useful to the Linux community;
  unfortunately, gathering information on the many services out there is
  a difficult task. Your contributions make this task much easier.