Linux Installation and Configuration Guide for AlphaServer | 7 |
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to discuss the basics of installation and configuration of the Linux operating system on the Compaq AlphaServer DS10, DS20, DS20E, ES40 and AlphaStation XP1000 computers. Numerous references to external sources and materials are used in this guide, and Compaq recommends that you refer to these sources where additional detail is needed. You can find an extensive list of these in Appendix A of this document.
Management Summary
Each distribution vendor includes operating system and application management tools that form a common base across one or more distributions. Red Hat’s Package Management (RPM) format, for instance, is a commonly used software distribution mechanism. Other tools, such as each vendor’s setup program, are specific to a particular distribution. This guide does not provide discussion of the Operating System Management (OSM). For detailed information on the OSM, you should refer to the particular distribution vendor.
Document Structure
The structure of this document is intended to be convenient for users to follow when installing Linux software on the AlphaServer and AlphaStation computers. There is a major section dedicated to each platform, with subsections, which discuss hardware options, software distributions, and software installation procedures. At the end of the document readers will find an extensive list of external sources of information and a glossary of terms.
Distributions Overview
The discussion in this document focuses on the following two Linux distributions:
∙Red Hat Software, Inc., version 6.0 only
∙SuSE, Inc., version 6.1 only
All of these distributions include large amounts of software that can run in conjunction with Linux. This guide will not analyze the available software by distribution nor give a comparison of the software from one distribution to another. The focus of the guide is exclusively on the base Linux operating system and the process required configuring and installing the software.
Red Hat
Red Hat is one of the most popular distributions of Linux in the United States. It is created by Red Hat Software, Inc. and is available through its website located at http://www.Red Hat.com. The distribution used in the creation of this document was 6.0. This document does not accurately reflect proceedures and requirements for any other Red Hat software version!
SuSE
SuSE is one of the most popular distributions of Linux in Europe and is gaining in popularity in the United States. It is maintained by SuSE, Inc. and is available through its website located at http://www.suse.com. The distribution used in the creation of this document was 6.1. This document does not accurately reflect proceedures and requirements for any other SuSE software version!
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