Linux
(Just as the Shrinkatron itself, this page
is dead.)
Description
Linux is a free clone of the UNIX operating system for Intel 80386 or
higher processors. It provides all usual UNIX services, including TCP/IP
networking, X-servers (Xfree86),
compilers, shells, and so on. This lets you turn your PC into a real
workstation. In addition to an overview,
a Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)
list is available.
Advantages
Linux offers all the traditional advantages of UNIX, including true
multitasking, multi-user operation, as well as native
networking perfect for the Internet, a broad world-wide user and software base,
and extraordinary flexibility and extensibility.
Linux has advantages of its own over other implementations of UNIX, as well.
For one thing, it is and will always be free.
License
Linux is not a product of the Free Software Foundation, but is distributed
under its General Public License or GPL.
Obtaining Linux
It's not quite as easy as getting, say, Windows (but it's not hard, either,
and it's free). Linux is created by many dozens of talented programmers
from all over the world, the totality of whose work could be called
"Linux." What one really needs is a distribution, an entire set of
software including the kernel, basic system and file utilities, and other needed
parts. Many such distributions are available from various sources, including
CD-ROM's and ftp sites. The Shrinkatron uses the Slackware 2.2 distribution,
which may be obtained here,
among quite a few other places.
Linux Web Sites
Useful links to major Linux-related pages on the Worldwide Web.
