Datasheet

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Part 1: Starting Out with Ubuntu
These days, with home computers commonly having CD and DVD players built in, Linux
distributions are released as either a CD set or a single DVD. This makes installing
Linux much easier.
However, beginners still often run into problems when they install one of the core Linux
distributions. To cover just about any situation in which someone might want to use Linux,
a single distribution has to include lots of application software. Distributions include
everything from high-end Internet database servers to common games. Because of the
quantity of applications available for Linux, a complete distribution often takes four or
more CDs.
Although having many options available in a distribution is great for Linux geeks, it can
become a nightmare for beginning Linux users. Most distributions ask a series of ques-
tions during the installation process to determine which applications to load by default,
what hardware is connected to the PC, and how to configure the hardware. Beginners
oftennd these questions confusing. As a result, they often either load too many programs
on their computer or don’t load enough and later discover that their computer won’t do
what they want it to.
Fortunately for beginners, there’s a much simpler way to install Linux.
Specialized Linux Distributions
Over the past few years a new subgroup of Linux distributions has started to appear.
These are typically based on one of the main distributions but contain only a subset of
applications that would make sense for a specific area of use.
Besides providing specialized software (such as only office products for business users),
customized Linux distributions also attempt to help beginning Linux users by autode-
tecting and autoconfiguring common hardware devices, which makes installing Linux a
much more enjoyable process.
Table 1-7 shows some of the specialized Linux distributions available and what they
specialize in.
Table 1-7: Specialized Linux Distributions
Distribution Description
Linspire A commercial Linux package configured to look like Windows
Xandros A commercial Linux package configured for beginners
SimplyMEPIS A free desktop distribution for home use
Ubuntu A free desktop and server distribution for school and home use
PCLinuxOS A free distribution for home and office use
dyne:bolic A free distribution designed for audio and MIDI applications
Puppy Linux A free, small distribution that runs well on older PCs
Table 1-7 contains just a small sampling of specialized Linux distributions. There are hun-
dreds of specialized Linux distributions, and more are popping up all the time on the Internet.
No matter what your specialty, you’ll probably find a Linux distribution made for you.
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