Ubuntu Unleashed Chapter 2 Background Info and Resources

What is Linux? ● ● ● 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, Power. PC, phones, tablets, Play. Station, DVD players, 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 Works on outdated equipment Can push back the inevitable hardware upgrade.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 GRUB 2) – GRand Unified Bootloader –Developed by the Free Software Foundation –It has an interactive command interface –Supports network boot ●

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