270 likes | 378 Views
Join Dr. Jason Chen as he delves into the world of Linux, a powerful operating system and a complete UNIX® clone. This session covers the fundamentals of Linux, how it compares to Windows, its increasing relevance for personal and server use, and why it is garnering media attention. With over 10 million users and a growth rate of 20% per year, Linux is becoming an attractive choice for software development and personal productivity. Learn how you can start using Linux, available resources, and the tools necessary for installation. ###
E N D
Up Close with Linux BiMBA, Fall 1999 Dr. Jason Chen Gonzaga University Spokane, WA 99223
Agenda • What is Linux? • How is it used? • Comparing to Windows • How can you use Linux? • Learning more • A Demonstration…
Why all this excitement? • USA Today • CNN features • Wall Street Journal • Fortune magazine cover story • InfoWorld. PC Week, Communications Week, …
Why all this excitement? • Compaq to provide Linux systems • HP porting management tools to Linux • IBM announces Linux strategy • Sun and many others announced Linux binary support • Oracle, Sybase, Informix, CA, Corel, ...
What Is Linux? • A complete UNIX® clone • A powerful server operating system • A Desktop operating system (for some) • An OpenSource™/free software project • Linux has approx. 10 million users • Linux is growing at over 20%/yr. (IDC)
What Is Linux? • OpenSource™ software • Source code included • Rapid development • Sharing improvements • Security issues • Rapid patch release • Scoured source code
What Is Linux? • Hardware support • Networking (Gigabit Ethernet, FDDI, Token, Arcnet) • Video cards (VGA to high-end 3D) • CD-ROM drives and writers; Jaz, Zip, tape • Sound cards, mixers, scanners • CPUs: Intel, Alpha, Sparc, PowerPC, 68K • Full laptop support • Over 50 brands: Sony, IBM, Toshiba, Dell, Compaq…
Linux Features • True preemptive multitasking (vs. cooperative multitasking) • Multi-user • Highly stable • Full graphical system • All Internet protocols
Linux Features (Internet) • Internet clients (Netscape, etc.) • Routing protocols (DNS, NIS, TCP/IP, IPX, SMB) • Data protocols (Web, FTP, Email, News, Gopher, many others) • Security features • Proxy servers • Included or add-on Firewalls
How is Linux Used? • Increasingly for individual use • Software development • Personal productivity applications • UNIX workstation • 48% of Linux purchased at retail is by new customers (Caldera Systems internal research)
How is Linux Used • Still primarily a server system • DNS name server • Internet router/gateway • Email server • Web server • FTP server • Terminal/dial-in server • Web server statistics from Net Craft
Comparing Linux & Windows • Linux runs fewer applications (is getting more and more now) • Linux is not as easy to use • Linux administration is not entirely graphical • Linux is an unknown (???) • But...
Comparing Linux & Windows • Reliability • Many Linux servers run for years in production environ-ments without going down • Remote management allows fewer administrators to manage more boxes • Hardware support and other features can be loaded/unloaded on the fly
Comparing Linux & Windows • Ease-of-use • Linux is easier to install than Windows NT • Linux graphical tools are multiplying rapidly • System administrators can access all parts ofthe system
Comparing Linux & Windows • Speed • Tests by vendors and independent labs show Linux beats NT as a Web server • Less hardware -> greater throughput • CPU priorities • Other Benchmarks
Comparing Linux & Windows • Cost • Free download • $49 product with a manual and tech support • Support contracts available • Purchase add-on products • Oracle • Secure Web servers • Educational products
What Does Linux Run? • Linux has over 2,500 native applications • Major databases and Web servers • Scientific and specialized applications • Personal productivity tools • Application lists • www.linuxapps.com • SAL.KachinaTech.COM/index.shtml
What Does Linux Run? • DOS applications (including graphical) • SCO UNIX/UnixWare (iBCS2-compliant) • Sun Solaris for Intel • Windows 3.1 (16-bit) applications in emulation • Office, WordPerfect, Quicken, Lotus • Requires a separate product, Wabi or Wine
How Can You Use Linux? • The Learning curve is not as steep now • Basic computer understanding and a technical friend are all you require • Expense is zero to minimal
How Can You Use Linux? • 1. Download or buy Linux ($49) • I recommend OpenLinux 2.2 with Windows-based installation for new users • 2. Install on a Pentium system • Installation with a CD • Hard disk partitioning and graphical configuration are the challenge • 3. Play with it for two weeks • Connect to the Internet, try the Web server • Try running your key applications
How Can You Use Linux? • Web site for Distance Learning • Department File/Print server (NT replacement) • College router/name server/email server • UNIX development workstation • Computer science training (source code complete)
How Can You Learn More? • Linux Training is available nationwide • Caldera Systems and partners • Hewlett-Packard • Learning Tree • Others • Courses • Course Technology
How Can You Learn More? • Online resources (Introductory) • www.linuxjournal.com (also a printed magazine) • www.linuxworld.com (online magazine) • www.ldn.com (Linux Daily News) • Online resources (Technical) • www.linuxresources.com • www.linuxhq.com • www.slashdot.org
How Can You Learn More? • Books and Magazines • InfoWorld, ZDNet (online), many other magazines cover Linux news • Teach Yourself Linux in 24 Hours, Bill Ball, SAMS • Hands on Linux, Mark Sobell, Addison Wesley • The No BS Guide to Linux, Bob Rankin • How To Use Linux (graphical), Bill Ball • Specialized titles: KDE, StarOffice, WP, Web
Where Can You Get Linux? • Product vendors • Caldera Systems, Inc. (Business leader) • Red Hat Software (market share leader) • Suse (German company; Calif. offices) • Walnut Creek (Slackware distribution) • Retail • Borders/Barnes and Noble • www.linuxmall.com • www.linuxcentral.com
Questions and Comments? • Linux is growing rapidly • Stability and low cost make it ideal for educational settings • Many employers will need Linux expertise in the next 24 months • I welcome comments and progress notes as you explore the fascinating world of Linux.
A Demonstration… • Installation (initial steps) • The Desktop interface • Administration tools • Applications