Datasheet

Qemu
Qemu is an open source virtualization technology that can be used to run Linux. It’s entirely free, but
somewhat more limited than proprietary offerings like VWware. Using the qemu command line utilities,
you can create a virtual machine environment and then install a Linux distribution within it. Since qemu
is covered by the GNU General Public License, it’s possible to modify the software itself and add in
interesting new capabilities. As you’ll discover later in the book, possible modifications include custom
virtualized hardware devices for which you can write your own device drivers — all without having to
risk the stability of your regular development environment.
For more information about qemu, see the project website at
www.qemu.org.
Xen
Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in a virtualization technology known as Xen.
At the time that this book is being written, Xen is making headlines most every other week. Like
VWware, Xen is capable of running any operating system within a virtualized environment. Unlike
VWware, Xen is also Free Software, and there are a variety of graphical configuration tools available for
those who want to use them. Most recent Linux distributions include some level of specific support for
building and configuring Xen virtualized environments that you can use to test out your software.
For more information about Xen, see the project website at
www.cl.cam.ac.uk/Research/SRG/
netos/xen
.
Linux Community
One of the most important things to realize when developing software for Linux is that you are very
much not alone. A large community of fellow developers exists all over the world. Many of these people
are interested in trading stories or helping you out when you get yourself into a jam. There are numer-
ous different ways in which you can contact fellow Linux users and developers — and you’ll want to
look into joining the wider community well before you run up against your first roadblock.
In addition to getting involved with the wider Linux community, you’ll probably want to start reading
one of the regular magazines. The oldest of these is the Linux Journal (
www.linuxjournal.com), but at
the time this book is being written, there are literally dozens of magazines from around the world.
Linux User Groups
Wherever you are in the world, you’re probably located nearer to other Linux users than you may think.
Most major towns or cities have their own Linux user group (LUG) that is made up of local Linux enthu-
siasts working in a wide range of different areas. Some members, like you, may be less familiar with
Linux and be seeking advice from those who have been involved in the community for perhaps a decade
or longer. In fact, some LUGs are well over 10 years old by this point.
You can find out more information about your local Linux user group via the Internet. Just type your
local town or city name into Google’s special Linux search engine at
www.google.com/linux.
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Chapter 1: Working with Linux
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