Installation Guide Introduction What is Linux

What is Linux

Linux is an operating system kernel. It is the code which interfaces between user level programs and the hardware, and allocates system resources to these programs. The user level programs, which turn it into a usable development host system, include:

• basic software such as compilers, linkers, debuggers and run-time libraries,

• fundamental utilities such as file and text utilities, network and file system configuration tools and shells,

• a windowing system (the most common being the X Window System) and user interfaces (such as KDE and Gnome).

Many of the utilities originate from the GNU project run by the Free Software Foundation. Many other programs must be added to these and the Linux kernel to form a useful system. This collection of programs is called a distribution. There are numerous companies and organizations which put together these distributions and make them generally available.

Linux distributions are available as boxed copies at most computer retailers, or by mail order from a retailer, or direct from the distributor. Ensure that any boxed copy of a distribution has ample installation instructions for your hardware and, if possible, phone support for any installation problems.

Alternatively you may download a distribution from many web sites and FTP servers, most of which will have the installation instructions online. It is easiest to download the image of a CD-ROM or DVD (also called an ISO file), which can be burnt directly onto a CD or DVD. Tools such as cdrecord under Linux or EasyCD under Windows can manage the burning of these files.

It is recommended that Linux is installed onto one or more free partitions on the hard drive of your PC. If the PC is already running Windows, you may find there is no unallocated disk space, and you will need either to make some available or to install more disk space. Most distributions include some instructions and basic tools to do this, or you may use widely-available tools such as the commercial Partition Magic to alter the partition structure. These tools have many more safeguards than the basic utilities, and an easy to use GUI. If you have any doubts, back up your disk before installing.

When installing the Linux distribution make sure networking is enabled. Most installation processes do this automatically if they detect a network card is present.