Introduction to Linux

Linux is a Free and Open Source operating system. It allows you to make use of your virtual server, much the way Windows or Mac OS would allow you to control your PC.

Linux is an Operating System

Linux allows your software to run on computer hardware. For instance, the web site you are reading now was served off of a Linux virtual server. It is a basic set of software systems that allow programs to be run on a computer.

Linux is Open Source

The source code that Linux is built from is available to everyone to download and view.
No one company "Owns" linux, but rather it is a considered Public Domain property, and many companies offer services based on the Linux code. (like Quantact!)

Linux is both Command Line oriented, as well as a GUI

Software packages exist for Linux that make it run with a Graphical User Interface, as well as a text base command line interface.

There are many distributions of Linux

Here are a few, and each one has an appeal to a different group.

Debian
Debian is a more command line base distribution, focusing on stability and standardized software. Debian uses the "apt-get" package management system.

Redhat
Redhat Linux is a commercial offering, and is geared towards corporate use. It has a longer release cycle, which means few major releases, and a long life cycle between them. Redhat uses the "yum" package management system. Quantact offers the Centos version of Redhat Linux, which is a free version.

Fedora
Fedora Linux is a distribution for uses who need the latest features, or the bleeding edge of development. If you are less concerned with stability, and dont mind occasional software compatibility issues, Fedora is a great choice for you. Fedora uses the "Yum" package management system.

Slackware
One of the oldest Linux distributions available, Slackware is generally accepted by more advanced users, who are more comfortable with a command line environment, and who dont mind a more involved package configuration system.

Gentoo
Gentoo is geared towards developers and professionals who want complete control over the bits installed on their system. The portage package manager allows administrators to compile each software package and then install it.

Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Debian variant of linux. It is designed to be more user friendly, and has a wide array of software package that can be installed and configured. Ubuntu uses the "apt-get" package management system.