How Do I Get Linux?

• Binaries, source code, and docs can be downloaded freely from the Internet.
• HOWEVER - typically purchased pre-packaged as a "distribution."
• The Austin Linux Group (ALG) decided on the S.u.S.E. distribution. For $27 SuSE includes:


• Linux OS itself - usually about 1 release behind.
• SuSE-written installation and maintenance programs.
• 442-page manual, complete online docs.
• Several GUI interfaces and shells.
• 5 CDs, 850 application programs:
• GNU C++, FORTRAN, LISP, Perl, Emacs, etc.
• T_eX/LaT_eX typesetting program.
• Netscape 4.04 suite. (4.5 is now available)
• GIMP - a Photoshop clone.
• Lots of games - Quake being the most popular.
• etc. etc. etc.
• Other popular distributions include Red Hat, Caldera, Slackware, Debian.
• Books about Linux often have a one- or two-CD distribution included.