Chapter 2 Background Info and Resources Ubuntu Unleashed Chapter 2 Background Info and Resources

What is Linux? Think free speech, not free beer Kernel or core of the OS GNU GPL (gnu's not Unix general public license) Open source – free software Think free speech, not free beer Linus Torvalds – created the Linux kernel Richard Stallman – founded the Free Software Foundation and came up with the GPL – ensuring that Linux will always be free

Why use Linux? Excellent return on investment (ROI) If IT can support it... Works on multiple hardware platforms Alpha, SPARC, PowerPC, phones, tablets, PlayStation, DVD players, etc., etc., etc.. Works on outdated equipment Can push back the inevitable hardware upgrade... Thousands of distros Maybe even one that your grandmother could use Free support is widespread Forums, FAQ's, etc.

What is Ubuntu? South African word meaning "human kindness" “I am what I am because of who we all are” Sponsored by Canonical Software First release – October 2004 2 major releases per year – October & April Numbering scheme – y.mm – (Oct 2004 = 4.10) Each major release has a codename Alliterative animal names (Warty Warthog, Saucy Salamander, etc.) Intended to be easy to install and use Based on Debian – an older, well respected disto

Documentation The “man” pages In a terminal typing “man command name” will give you LOTS of info on that command. Support from developers Most of the established distos have a support page Google and Wikipedia There's an abundance of forums out there – both general and specific

LILO & GRUB The Bootloaders LILO – Linux Loader Older Bootloader – Mostly replaced by GRUB Cannot boot from the network GRUB (and GRUB2) – GRand Unified Bootloader Developed by the Free Software Foundation It has an interactive command interface Supports network boot

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