Essential Linux
Good choice if you need help with Linux at the command line.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Essential Linux
Chapter 2: Installing Linux
Obtaining the software
The first obstacle in installing Linux is obtaining the system software and associated utilities in the first place. There is an ever-increasing amount of software available and new versions of the kernel appear almost every day as facilities are added and bugs fixed. With Linux distributed essentially as freeware under the GNU software license, most of the software is available from several sources
CD-ROM
CD-ROM is undoubtedly the easiest way of getting the software. It is possible to download it from other sources but the sheer size of the files means it takes a very long time and can cost a considerable amount in telephone charges. The CD-ROM delivers about 660 Mbytes of software for a few dollars. Since CD-ROMs are now nearly standard on PCs, it is the easiest way of getting started. This is why a CD-ROM has been included with this book instead of having to download many megabytes, it has been done for you! See Appendix A for details.
CD-ROM distribution does have its problems: it can only p50rovide a snapshot of the software, and as stated previously, Linux is developing rapidly and thus the latest software is often only available a few months or even a year after it appears on the Internet or on bulletin boards and on-line services. To combat this, some suppliers offer update services where for a suitable fee, update CD-ROMs are sent out between major releases. However, it is an ideal way to start with Linux.
There are...
Copyright Steve Heath 1997 under license agreement with Books24x7
