I ntrod uction or some time 32-bit machines have been a hot topic in the world F ofPCs. It seems that more powerful operating systems will soon be displacing DOS. Meanwhile, at least in the professional literature, lively discussion has been raging about what the future standard will be. Two alternatives seem to be emerging for the domain of server operating systems: Windows NT, and UNIX variants such as UNIX VS. Windows NT Solaris 2, UnixWare, and NextStep 486. In this context OS/2 plays no significant role since it is seen more as a competitor to Windows in its current version and future 32-bit versions. We cannot yet predict which system will finally predominate. However, the significant rise in the power of hardware in recent years has unleashed the demand for a modern operating system that makes use of these developments. Under a modern server operating system, the borderline between classical UNIX workstations and high-end workstations PCs will tend to become more fluid. 1.1 Historical perspectives on Linux An extremely powerful alternative to the above proprietary systems has evolved far from all the big debates on strategy. The system is Linux, a UNIX system for Intel processors that is available for free.
In
Linux Universe: Installation and Configuration, the medium and the message become one. Even though Linux itself is free, this book/CD-ROM combination is well worth its modest price. You not only get the convenience of having all the software (plus source code) for version 2.0 on two CD- ROMs, but you'll get clear and detailed guidance to help you install it. The book covers partitioning the disk, installing software and device drivers, configuring the boot manager, setting up the X-Window manager, administering users, and setting up TCP/IP networking. For those new to Unix, it also provides much-needed orientation, a primer of essential commands, and a useful command reference.
This is not a project for a computing novice, but if you're comfortable partitioning a drive, installing device drivers, and working from a command line, you'll have the necessary skills. By the time you finish, you'll have gained a good working understanding of Unix system configuration and administration. You'll need at least a 386 PC with 16 MB RAM, about 200 MB of disk space to spare, and a CD-ROM drive. The book assumes that your system has a DOS partition and is already running DOS, Windows, or Windows 95. A boot manager makes it possible to keep your current operating system installed if you wish.
Author Stefan Strobel has coauthored a companion volume, Linux: Unleashing the Workstation in Your PC, which delves more deeply into Linux system administration. Both books are also available in a single package, The Complete Linux Kit.
Linux is a free 32-bit multitasking operating system for 32-bit Intel and other industry-standard processors that closely resembles Unix. It supports multiple users, TCP/IP networking, and much of the peripheral hardware found on today's systems. Originally written by Linus Torvalds, Linux is now the product of a global community of interested programmers and is licensed through the Free Software Foundation.
