Shield

Help Pages

jswatson.net


HOME    Programing    Electronics

Operating Systems


Windows
Linux - Online Linux Debian Linux   Fedora   Gentoo   Linspire(Lindows)   Mandrake   Puppy Linux   Redhat Enterprise   Slackware   Sun Solaris   SUSE Linux   Turbo Linux   Ubuntu   Xandros  
Mac OS X

Microsoft Windows

The most popular operating system in the world. This includes Windows Vista and other previous products. Windows can be purchased at most computer retailers. Cost will depend on the version selected.

Linux    Online Linux. Where you will find information about linux and the different distributions.

One of the most versatile operating systems. Most distributions are free for download, however, there is a charge for creating CD/DVDs and distribution of these CD/DVDs. Some distributions are designed for large or complies businesses, these also will have a charge.

Debian

Debian is widely regarded to be one of the most popular community based Linux distributions. It has a strong and fervent adherence to the principals of Free software which is articulated in the Debian Social Contract which is the guiding document of the project. The original draft of the Debian Social Contract which was authored by Bruce Perens went on (with modification) to become the Open Source Definition quite literally the defining document of the open source movement. Debian Linux is a massive distribution including almost nine thousand packages and extending to 7 full CD's.

Fedora

The Fedora Project is the Red Hat's sponsored 'community' version of Linux. It is also an heir to the legacy of Red Hat's venerable Red Hat Linux product line and currently has an aggressive release schedule of 2-3 versions per year. Fedora represents the bleeding edge of Red Hat's development cycle. FC2 includes SE Linux, which is the US National Security Agency sponsored Linux security methodology that enforces mandatory access control on the Linux kernel providing for an extremely secure distribution.

Gentoo

Gentoo is different breed of Linux distribution. Rather that being a 'pre-packaged' distribution it aims to be a 'metadistribution' such that a user can customize a version of Gentoo Linux that is particular for their environment and operational needs. There is also a special 'hardened Gentoo' version that is the only other mainstream distribution beyond Red Hat's Fedora Core 2 to includes SE Linux (security enhanced Linux which enforce mandatory access controls on the kernel).

Linspire

The Linspire (formerly known as Lindows) distribution is focused on being an easy to use desktop Linux distribution. It's original name was the subject of contention with Microsoft and was involved in numerous legal disputes with them, which have now been settled.

Mandrake

Mandrake has always had a particular focus on being easy to use and focused on the user desktop. Recent troubles forced Mandrakesoft into bankruptcy, though it has recovered and its latest release (version 10) is a testament to the companies continued viability. Mandrake also has a very unique development build known as Mandrake Cooker, which is a rapidly updated version of MDK that appeals to bleeding edge developer types.

Puppy Linux

Puppy will easily install to USB, Zip or hard drive media. Booting from CD, Puppy will load totally into RAM so that the CD drive is then free for other purposes. Booting from CD, Puppy can save everything back to the CD, no need for a hard drive. Booting from USB, Puppy will greatly minimise writes, to extend the life of Flash devices indefinitely. Puppy will be extremely friendly for Linux newbies. Puppy will boot up and run extraordinarily fast. Puppy will have all the applications needed for daily use. Puppy will just work, no hassles. Puppy will breathe new life into old PCs

Redhat Enterprise

Though Linux was most likely used in enterprise environments before RHEL, Red Hat Enterprise Linux was arguably the first enterprise focused Linux distribution, providing longer release cycles and a level of stability and support that had been demanded by enterprises. RHEL's progenitor was the venerable Red Hat Linux line, which was terminated at the end of 2003. Though RHEL 3 is based on the 2.4.x kernel, Red Hat back ported a number of key 2.6 kernel features (including NPTL) into the RHEL 3 kernel. RHEL is sold on a subscription basis and has multiple layers of support (all the way up to 24/7) and ISV certifications. Through its open source assurance program, Red Hat indemnifies its enterprise customers against any potential copyright and patent issues there may be with Linux. Red Hat in its various version and flavors has led Netcraft statistics for years as the most dominant Linux distribution on the planet.

Slackware

Slackware is the granddaddy of all commercial Linux distributions having begun back in the predawn of the Linux era (version 1.0 was released in July 1993). This latest version of Slackware updates the requisite packages that you'd expect in a Linux distribution. Though still 2.4.x kernel based it does have a testing branch that runs on the 2.6.x kernel.

Sum Solaris

Open choice and scalability without the integration hassle, the Solaris Enterprise System lets you download just what you need—Solaris 10 OS, Java Enterprise, development tools, N1 software. Get full versions on multiple OS platforms, for no cost.

SUSE Linux

SUSE Linux is arguably the second largest commercial Linux vendor behind Red Hat, and offers the only other enterprise-focused distribution (SLES). Novell acquisition of SUSE Linux last year has given SUSE tremendous exposure as Novell refocuses its whole business around Linux solutions. SUSE Linux's longstanding support of the KDE project has always given SUSE Linux implementations a well-defined and elegant desktop environment.

TurboLinux

TurboLinux has become one of the more dominant Linux distributions in the Asia-Pacific region. It's latest release integrates a player that can stream Windows media as well as Real Player.

Ubuntu

The Ubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Ubuntu Philosophy: that software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities, and that people should have the freedom to customise and alter their software in whatever way they see fit.

Xandros

Xandros is best known as an easy to use desktop Linux distribution. Its' tight integration with Codeweavers Crossover office suite allows it to run Microsoft Office applications as well as other MS-Windows applications seamlessly on the Linux desktop.

Mac OSX

Meet the world’s most advanced operating system. Instantly find what you’re looking for. Get information with a single click. Mac OS X Tiger delivers 200+ new features which make it easier than ever to find, access and enjoy everything on your computer. Whether that machine is Intel- or PowerPC-based, you’ll enjoy 21st century innovations before anyone else.