Subject: Linux Distribution HOWTO
From: [email-masked] (Matt Welsh)
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 1994 19:38:28 GMT
Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.announce,comp.os.linux.admin,comp.os.linux.misc

Archive-name: linux/howto/distribution
Last-modified: 19 Apr 94

  The Linux Distribution HOWTO
  by Matt Welsh, [email-masked]
  v2.0, 15 March 1994

  This  document  lists  the various software distributions and services
  available for Linux via mail order, anonymous FTP, and other  sources.

  1.  Introduction

  There  is no single distribution of the Linux software. Instead, there
  are many such distributions, available both via anonymous FTP and mail
  order  on  floppy,  tape,  or  CD-ROM.  This document is an attempt to
  present information on many of the available distributions  of  Linux.
  This document also contains information on many miscellaneous services
  and goods available for Linux, ranging from consulting and support  to
  T-shirts and virtual beer.

  The purpose of this document is to provide short summaries of the many
  Linux distributions and mail-order services, and to  provide  pointers
  for  the  reader  to  find  more  information. You shouldn't base your
  decision of which Linux  distribution  to  use  based  soley  on  this
  document.

  This  is  a  PRELIMINARY  version of the Distribution HOWTO. It is far
  from complete; there are many more Linux  distributions  and  services
  than  are  listed here. Unfortunately, I have not received submissions
  from many of the organizations providing these  services.  Please  see
  Section  4  at  the  end  of this document for information on making a
  submission. It's easy and fun and won't take you five minutes.

  1.1.  New versions of this document

  New versions of this document will be posted periodically (about every
  month)     to     the     newsgroups     comp.os.linux.announce    and
  comp.os.linux.misc. The document is archived on a number of Linux  FTP
  sites, including sunsite.unc.edu in pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO.

  In  the  future,  this  document  is  going  to be replaced by a Linux
  Buyer's Guide that I am working on. This will contain reviews of  each
  of  the  major Linux distributions and a list of all distributors.  In
  the meantime, keep those submissions coming.

  1.2.  And so on...

  Please see section ``New comp.os.linux.announce Policy'' at the end of
  this  document  for  information  on  how  to make submissions to this
  document.

  Disclaimer: I make absolutely no guarantee as to  the  correctness  of
  the  information, prices, and ordering details given in this document.
  Several of the entries in this HOWTO are a  bit  outdated;  check  the
  last  modified  field  of  each  to  get  an idea. Furthermore, unless
  otherwise stated the Linux software comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY.

  I  do  not  endorse or work for any of the distributors listed in this
  document. I merely include their information here as a service to  the
  Linux  community,  as  a ``buyer's guide''. Inclusion in this document
  does not mean that I recommend any of the products listed here.

  The entries for each distributor are included as they sent them to me.
  I  am  not  responsible  for  any  spelling  errors or mistakes in the
  content of this document; most of the  entries  here  have  only  been
  edited to a limited extent by myself.

  Feel  free  to mail any questions or comments about this HOWTO to Matt
  Welsh, [email-masked].

  And now for the good stuff.

  2.  Linux Software Distributions

  This section  describes  complete  distributions  of  Linux  software,
  available either via anonymous FTP or from mail order.

  In  each of the following entries, my own comments are followed by the
  information from the distributors themselves. You may safely disregard
  anything I say. :)

  An  oft-recurring  question in the Linux world is, ``What distribution
  should I choose?'' This is not an easy question to answer: It  depends
  greatly on your needs and available resources.

  The  current  de facto standard distribution is the Slackware release.
  Slackware is easy to install and fairly complete.  It's also  more  or
  less  up-to-date  with  current  versions of Linux software. The Linux
  Installation HOWTO documents installation of Slackware.  I  personally
  recommend Slackware for most new Linux users.

  However,  if  you  have a CD-ROM drive, you have more distributions to
  choose from. I haven't personally reviewed most of  them,  and  you're
  more  likely to get help from people on the Net for distributions such
  as Slackware (which is available freely on the Net, as well as on  CD-
  ROM).   On  the  other  hand,  some  CD-ROM  distributions  come  with
  documentation and support of their own.  All I can say is that a  good
  number  of  people have had success installing and using the Slackware
  distribution.

  The Debian distribution is currently under development. I have  had  a
  chance  to  play  with  the  beta versions of Debian and it looks very
  promising. It is being developed and maintained in a semi-closed  team
  of  people  (instead  of by a single individual), so we hope that once
  Debian matures it will grow into the  "standard"  Linux  distribution,
  and the matter will be closed.

  The bottom line is that there's no easy way to pick a distribution out
  of the air. My own suggestion is to use Slackware. Other  people  will
  suggest  MCC-Interim,  TAMU, and others based on their own experience.
  By way of disclaimer, I don't use Slackware myself (in fact,  I  don't
  use  any  standard  Linux  distribution),  but I have installed it for
  testing purposes.

  2.1.  Slackware Linux Distribution

     Distributor:
        Patrick Volkerding, [email-masked].

     Description:
        Slackware Linux is a full featured  distribution  of  the  Linux
        operating  system  designed  for  386/486  computers with a 3.5"
        floppy. Slackware changes rapidly, but here's  a  current  (par-
        tial) feature list:

        A series (14 disks):
           Base  Linux  1.0  kernel OS and utilities.  Networking, UUCP,
           gcc/g++ 2.5.8, libc 4.5.24, and more.

        E series (5 disks):
           Emacs 19.22.

        F series (1 disk):
           FAQs, HOWTOs, and other documentation.

        OI series (3 disks):
           ObjectBuilder 2.0 for X.

        X series (5 disks):
           Base XFree86 2.1 X windows system with fvwm.

        XAP series (2 disks):
           X windows applications such as seyon and ghostview.

        XD series (3 disks):
           X windows program/server development.

        XV series (2 disks):
           XView 3.2 release 5, Open Look Window Manager.

        Y series (1 disk):
           Games from BSD, such as "hunt".

     Availability:
        The home site is ftp.cdrom.com, where  the  latest  distribution
        can  be found in /pub/linux/slackware.  To make it easy to down-
        load,   the   disks   can   also   be   found    pre-zooed    in
        /pub/linux/zooed_slackware.  (Zoo  is just a compression utility
        for MS-DOS).

     Ordering:
        FTP only, although various independent distributors  provide  it
        on disk, floppy, and CD.

     Entry last modified:
        5 Nov 93.

  2.2.  MCC Interim Linux

  The  current MCC-Interim release is based on 0.99.pl10, which is quite
  robust. If you are one of those people who demands to be on top of the
  current  release,  you'll need to upgrade your kernel (easy to do) and
  possibly your version of GCC and libraries. However, I see  no  reason
  why 0.99.pl10 shouldn't be good enough, at least to get you started.

     Distributor:
        Dr. A. V. Le Blanc, [email-masked].

     Description:
        Base  Linux  installation.  Complete sources and patches for all
        included software are available. Full details vary from  release
        to  release;  see  /pub/linux/mcc-interim/*/Acknowledgements  at
        ftp.mcc.ac.uk. Roughly: this includes the kernel (with  source),
        C, C++, groff, man pages, basic utilities, networking. The bina-
        ries fit on 6 or 7 floppies. It is also possible to have them on
        a DOS or Linux partition on a hard drive (plus one floppy) or on
        an NFS-mountable partition (plus two  floppies).   New  versions
        appear at 2-3 month intervals, depending on various factors.
     Availability:
        By anonymous ftp from ftp.mcc.ac.uk; mirrored at tsx-11.mit.edu,
        nic.funet.fi,   and    elsewhere.     At    ftp.mcc.ac.uk,    in
        /pub/linux/mcc-interim.

     Miscellaneous:
        Suggestions and contributions are welcome.

     Entry last modified:
        31 Oct 93.

  2.3.  TAMU Linux Distribution

     Distributor:
        Dave Safford, Texas A&M University, [email-masked].

     Description:
        TAMU.99p12+  is  the  latest  release  in the TAMU linux series.
        Unlike previous releases,  this  one  includes  both  integrated
        source  and binary sets, with the entire binary set created from
        a single top level source make. This ensures that  all  programs
        are  compiled  and  linked  with  the  same  current  tools  and
        libraries, and guarantees availability  of  working  source  for
        every  program  in  the  binary  set.  In addition, the new boot
        diskette fully automates  the  installation  process,  including
        partitioning,  lilo  bootstrapping,  and  network configuration.
        Installation requires no rebooting, and  requires  the  user  to
        know  only  the  host's  name  and  IP address. At every step of
        installation, the program provides intelligent defaults,  making
        it  a  snap for novices, while allowing experts full flexibility
        in  setting  installation  parameters.  Reliability   has   been
        improved over past TAMU installation by the use of labels on all
        disk images, so that the program can detect and recover from bad
        or misordered diskettes.

        This  release is a full featured package, including XFree86-1.3,
        emacs-19.18, net-2, bootutils, and sources for all  installation
        programs (without any use restrictions :-).

     Availability:
        The  latest  TAMU  release  is  available  by anonymous ftp from
        net.tamu.edu:pub/linux.

     Entry last modified:
        31 Oct 93.

  2.4.  Linux Support Team Erlangen Distribution (LST)

     Distributor:
        The Linux Support Team Erlangen, a small group  of  students  at
        the  University  of  Erlangen-Nuernberg.  Contact  Stefan Probst
        ([email-masked])    or    Ralf    Flaxa
        ([email-masked]).  Probably, there will be a
        collective address soon.

     Description:
        The LST distribution's goal is to  provide  a  solid,  reliable,
        easy to install (even for beginners) and well-documented system.
        We are not hunting for the newest kernel or gcc versions.  We do
        updates  when they are necessary or provide really new function-
        ality, are well tested, integrated in  the  system  and  working
        smoothly  with the rest of the system. The distribution consists
        of a base system and additional packages. Currently the  follow-
        ing packages are available: doku (doc), text, tex, develop, xde-
        velop, xbasis, xappl, xemacs, tinyx, network, grafik, src, misc.

        The  complete system is 50 HD disks and 1500 pages printed docu-
        mentation including the LDP guides (IGS,KHG,NAG), HOWTOs,  FAQs,
        the  german  Linuxhandbuch,  install-guide and many other useful
        documents we collected over the time.

        Our distribution is preconfigured for  german  users  and  comes
        with  a  50  page step by step installation guide that leads you
        through the menu-driven installation scripts (both  in  german).
        We  started this distribution to help newcomers with their first
        steps into Linux. Therefore our scripts are smart enough to han-
        dle  all of the ``dirty work'' like setting up system configura-
        ton (including LILO, modem, mouse,  mounts,  mtools,  access  to
        DOS,  users,  X11)  and  network configuration (TCP/IP, Routing,
        Mail, News, UUCP, SLIP).

        Historically (and of course easier for us) most of the  documen-
        tation for this distribution is written in german, sorry, but we
        are planning to translate those documents in english, but at the
        moment  we don't have time for this. Any volunteers are welcome!

        Our scripts also accept to install SLS and  Slackware  packages,
        but with no warranty if they work well together with the rest of
        the system.

     Availability:
        Via      anonymous      ftp:      ftp.uni-erlangen.de      under
        pub/Linux/LST.Distribution, or on 3.5" disks (also on one QIC-80
        tape).

     Ordering:
        order at following adress: Stefan  Probst,  In  der  Reuth  200,
        91056 Erlangen, Germany.

     o  complete  documentation  (IGS, LHB, KHG, GDB, NAG, HOWTOs, FAQs,
        Installguide) together over  1500  pages  for  DM  139,--  (plus
        shipping).

     o  complete documentation plus complete distribution on QIC-80 tape
        (about 65 MB) for DM 199,-- (including shipping in Germany).

     o  complete documentation plus complete distribution  on  about  50
        3.5" disks for DM 269,-- (including shipping in Germany).

     Entry last modified:
        21 Dec 93.

  2.5.  Debian Linux Distribution

     Distributor:
        Ian A. Murdock, [email-masked].

     Description:
        For  those  of  you  who  are not familiar with Debian, it is an
        effort to create a well thought-out, powerful, flexible yet com-
        plete  Linux  distribution.  The  motivations  behind Debian are
        detailed in the  Debian  Manifesto,  a  copy  of  which  can  be
        acquired as described below.

        For  up-to-date  information,  please  look  at the files in the
        directory    /pub/Linux/distributions/debian/info    at     sun-
        site.unc.edu.  If you do not have access to the Internet or FTP,
        you may obtain  printed  copies  by  sending  a  self-addressed,
        stamped envelope to:

        The Debian Linux Association
        Station 11
        P.O. Box 3121
        West Lafayette, IN  47906
        USA

     This  information  includes  how Debian can be obtained (via FTP or
     mail-order), why Debian is being constructed  (the  Manifesto)  and
     other general information (including how to join the Debian mailing
     lists).

     Availability:
        Debian has not yet been "officially" released, but BETA releases
        are  available  to  the general public at sunsite.unc.edu in the
        directory /pub/Linux/distributions/debian.

     Entry last modified:
        21 Feb 94.

  2.6.  Linux from Nascent CD-ROM

     Distributor:
        Nascent Technology

     Description:
        The Linux from Nascent CDROM is a new distribution of the  Linux
        operating  system which includes over 400 mbytes of source code,
        binaries, and documentation for Linux and applications. It  fea-
        tures  automated  root, swap, package, network, and user account
        installation from CDROM. Linux can be can be run  directly  from
        the CDROM and floppy. The Nascent CDROM features Xwindows, Open-
        look, TeX, GNU compiler and utilities,  Magic  and  Spice  elec-
        tronic  design tools, and over 100 high resolution images trans-
        lated from Kodak  PhotoCD(TM).   Each  source  archive  is  dis-
        tributed  with  an  associated notes file to allow you to browse
        and install applications using a consistent interface.

        A listing of the contents of the Nascent CDROM as well as a cur-
        rent  copy  of  the  CDROM  announcement  and  order form may be
        obtained via anonymous ftp at netcom.com:/pub/nascent.
     Ordering:
        The Linux from Nascent CDROM, Version 1.0, is only  $39.95  plus
        shipping  and  handling.  Nascent  also  offers  the  Linux from
        Nascent Plus package for only $89.95, which includes six  months
        of  email  support and a 30 discount off a future release of the
        CDROM with your  CDROM  purchase.  Nascent  accepts  Mastercard,
        VISA, checks, and money orders as payment.

        To  order  your  Linux  from Nascent CDROM, mail, email or fax a
        completed order form to:

        Nascent Technology
        Linux from Nascent CDROM
        P.O. Box 60669
        Sunnyvale CA 94088-0669 USA
        Tel: (408) 737-9500
        Fax: (408) 241-9390
        Email: [email-masked]

     Entry last modified:
        28 Nov 93.

  2.7.  Trans-Ameritech Linux plus BSD CD-ROM

     Distributor:
        Trans-Ameritech corporation.

     Description:
        CD-ROM based on the Slackware distribution of Linux with all the
        sources plus full uncompressed filesystem plus NetBSD source and
        binary distribution. The current release is ``Spring  94''.  The
        two  previous  releases  cover  Linux  from 0.99 p.9 (on the SLS
        release) to 0.99 p.14 and have FreeBSD and the original  386BSD.

     o  The  installation  is  highly automated by the Slackware scripts
        fine  tuned  to  this  CDROM  but  leaves  a  lot  of  room  for
        customization.

     o  In  addition  to  standard device drivers in Linux kernel, BIOS-
        less aha1522 SCSI is supported (it covers Sound Blaster 16  SCSI
        too).

     o  To  minimize  the  possibility  of hardware conflicts many extra
        kernels are provided  for  different  configurations.  They  are
        usable for installation and normal use.

     o  Many   on-line  documents  are  provided  for  quick  reference,
        including the Linux Documentation Project files in  source,  dvi
        and ps formats.

     o  A lot of applications are included:

     o  The C/C++ compiler GNU GCC 2.5.8,

     o  GNU and international versions of the ispell spell-checker.

     o  The  communications  apps: term 1.1.4, minicom, Seyon (X-Windows
        based).

     o  Editors: elvis (vi clone), joe, jove

     o  PostScript clone ghostscript 2.6.1,

     o  Network package with news and email:

     o  TCP/IP (net2debugged), UUCP, SLIP, CSLIP

     o  Object oriented GNU Smalltalk 1.1.1, and the Smalltalk Interface
        to X.  (STIX)

     o  TCL/Tk (Powerful scripting language with Motif-like X interface)

     o  SPICE for electric engineering

     o  Several window managers - openwin, twm, gwm, fvwm.

     o  Easy X-Windows configuration with many real-life examples.

     o  Many X applications

     o  Interviews libraries, include files, and the doc word  processor
        and idraw drawing program.

     o  Typesetting: TeX, LaTeX, xdvi, dvips, Metafont, groff

     o  Ingress and Postgress databases.

     o  Multimedia:  mpeg  video  and  sound  applications.  Mosaic 2.2.
        xgopher.1.3.2, tracker, adagio04, speak-1.0.

     o  Gif pictures and sounds in various formats.

     o  Andrew multimedia word processor with hyperlinks.

     o  FlexFax send and receive fax on either class 1 or class  2  fax-
        modems.

     o  A lot more.

     o  To  help the first time Linux users many documentation files are
        provided that are  readable  from  DOS  even  before  installing
        Linux.

     o  All  the  sources  are  available  on  the CDROM. The most often
        needed sources are uncompressed and can be  used  directly  from
        CDROM.

     o  An  uncompressed Linux filesystem is available for reference and
        disk space conservation. You  can  run  programs  directly  from
        CDROM! There is a large info directory for on-line reference and
        many manpages.

     o  For hacker's reference an uncompressed FreeBSD  source  tree  is
        provided.

     Availability and Ordering:

        You   can  order  by  e-mail,  by  phone  (408)727-3883  or  fax
        (408)727-3882.  (Email: [email-masked])

        If you prefer to send a cheque, our address is:

     Trans-Ameritech Enterprises, Inc.
     2342A Walsh Ave
     Santa Clara, CA 95051
     USA

     If you order with a credit card (VISA, MC, American Express) please
     indicate the card number, expiration date and your mailing address.

     The order will be processed and the CD shipped the same day.

     The price for a single CD-ROM is $30 if you are  an  internet  user
     and  found  the  info on the net (you must have an e-mail address).
     Shipping and handling in US is $5. Overseas is $8.  COD  is  avail-
     able in the US only for $4.50.

     California residents please add sales tax.

     Annual  subscriptions  (4 releases) are available for $80 plus S&H.
     (note: there are 4 shipments in a subscription)  Example  subscrip-
     tion  in  US  is:  $80 + $5 x 4 = $100 Subscription in Europe/Japan
     etc. is: $80 + $8 x 4 = $112

     Miscellaneous:
        We answer technical questions about our distribution  by  e-mail
        sent  to:  [email-masked]  within  24  hours!  Trans-
        Ameritech is a well established company with efficient organiza-
        tion to guarantee on-time printing and shipping of this product.
        If you have a 3.5 inch boot floppy and have ftp  access,  please
        look  on  sunsite.unc.edu  in /pub/Linux/distributions/TransAmer
        for a new boot floppy image with support for many CDROM  drives.

     Entry last modified:
        19 April 1994.

  2.8.  Unifix 1.02 CD-ROM

     Distributor:
        Unifix Software GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany

     Description:
        This  is  a  Linux CD-ROM distribution with emphasis on easy and
        fast installation. Though it is possible to  install  everything
        on  the  harddisk,  we do not recommend so, because it runs fast
        enough directly from CD. For example starting  emacs  the  first
        time (in text mode) takes:

          From single speed Mitsumi: 24 s
          From double speed Mitsumi: 11 s
          From Toshiba 3401:          7 s

     The dynamic buffer cache of Linux takes care of the second and sub-
     sequent times a program is started, which needs less than one  sec-
     ond.

     Our  system  requires about 5 MB on the hard disk for configuration
     files and system management tools. Additionally we recommend  a  16
     MB  swap  partition. The distribution contains most of the standard
     programs in current versions, e.g. Linux 0.99.15e, XFree 2.0, emacs
     19.22  and  gcc  2.5.7. Full preconfigured source for everything is
     included.

     Because Unifix is a european distribution it provides full  support
     for iso8859-1 character sets. From the shells and emacs through ls,
     TeX and the print system everything supports 8-bit characters.

     Printing is supported through System V compatible  printer  drivers
     which  can  be controlled through lp's -o options.  Printer drivers
     are included for  dumb  text  mode  printers,  for  postscript-  or
     ghostscript-  compatible printers and for networked printing. These
     drivers know how to guess the type of the files so e.g.  compressed
     man pages or DVI files can be printed directly.

     Ordering:
        Unifix  is  available  only  on  CD.  It comes in a Unifix/Linux
        binder with two boot floppies and about 70 pages of installation
        instructions in german. An english version will be available Apr
        94. The price is 159 DM (about  $100)  and  includes  taxes  and
        shipping; Eurocard/Mastercard/Visa are accepted.

        Telephone       +49 (0)531 515161
        Fax             +49 (0)531 515162
        Mail            Unifix Software GmbH
                        Postfach 4918
                        D-38039 Braunschweig
                        Germany

     Entry last modified:
        18 Feb 94.

  3.  Redistributors and Miscellany

  This   section  lists  re-sellers  or  re-distributors  of  the  Linux
  distributions listed above. In other words,  the  people  selling  the
  below  software  more  than  likely  do  NOT  maintain  or support the
  software itself.

  This section also lists distributors selling commercial  software  for
  Linux (such as Motif) and miscellany, such as documentation.

  3.1.  Clark Internet Services

     Distributor:
        Clark Internet Services, C/O Stephen Balbach

     Description:
        The latest version of Linux on disk and tape direct from the net
        at affordable  prices.  120MB  installed  on  3.5"  disks.  90MB
        installed on 5.25" disks.

     Ordering:
        Slackware on 32 3.5" disks: $50 (USPS 2nd day).  SLS on 32 5.25"
        disks: $40 (USPS 2nd day).

        Installation and  Getting  Started  (c)  Copyright  Matt  Welsh.
        150+page  laser  printed, professional bound manual.  Everything
        to get installed and running in one easy book.  $15 if  ordering
        set (at cost price!). $20 seperate.

     Availability:
        For more complete information, including a multipage description
        of Linux, a hardware  compatibility  sheet,  and  more  detailed
        package  descriptions send mail to [email-masked] for auto-
        reply info (30k of text).

     Ordering:
        Check, money-order

        Stephen Balbach
        5437 Enberend Terrace
        Columbia, MD 21045

     Credit Card orders call 410-740-1157 (Visa, MasterCard, AmXpres)

     Entry last modified:
        31 Oct 93.

  3.2.  Extent Verlag, LDP Distribution

     Distributor:
        Extent Verlag Berlin, Germany

     Description:

        Extent has published the Linux Installation and Getting  Started
        manual,  Version 2.0 by Matt Welsh in order to make it available
        to Linux users within Germany and Europe. Inspite of being  non-
        commercial,  the  manual  was printed with 2540 dpi and bound in
        soft cover. It's handy paperback format is 148 x 210 mm.   Other
        LDP manuals are being prepared as soon as possible.

        Extent  also  tries  to  make  SLACKWARE  available to everybody
        within Germany and Europe just for the ordinary diskette  price.
        This means, you pay only the diskettes and get the newest SLACK-
        WARE distribution for free, just in the sense of Free  Software.
        The 3.5" diskettes are fully error-checked, of course.

     Availability:

        Extent  Verlag  Berlin,  Postfach 12 66 48, D-10594 Berlin, Ger-
        many.  phone +49 30 3244021, fax +49 30 3249685.

     Ordering:

     Linux Installation and Getting Started
        , 192 pages.  ISBN 3-926671-12-2. Costs within Germany DM  15.80
        (tax  and  shipping  included), within Europe DM 16.50 (shipping
        included).

        Full Slackware (latest version) on 50 diskettes. Within Germany,
        DM  100.00  plus DM 10.00 for shipping. Within Europe, DM 100.00
        plus DM 20.00 for shipping.

        Ordering by sending cheque  to  address  above  or  money  order
        (don't  forget  your  address!) to Extent Verlag Berlin, Germany
        Postbank Berlin, BLZ 10010010, bank account  1769-104  or  every
        book store.

     Entry last modified:
        25 March 1994.

  3.3.  Fintronic Linux Systems

     Distributor:
        Fintronic Linux Systems

     Description:

        We  sell  fully  installed,  custom configured Linux systems for
        about the price which  you'd pay for  the  hardware  alone.   We
        offer   desktop  and  notebook  machines.  We ship worldwide and
        accept  payment  by  check  and credit  cards.   If   you   have
        any questions or would like to be added to our   mailing   list,
        send   mail    to [email-masked].

     Availability:

        For  our  latest  pricelist,  finger  [email-masked] or Web
        to  http://www.fintronic.com/linux/catalog.html.   Prices change
        frequently as we are constantly  looking  for   the  best  deals
        for our customers.

     Ordering:

        email:  [email-masked]
          fax:   +1.415.325-4908
        voice:   +1.415.325-4474
         Mail:   Fintronic USA, Inc.
                 1360 Willow Rd., Suite 205
                 Menlo Park, CA 94025
                 USA

     Entry last modified:
        24 Mar 94.

  3.4.  InfoMagic Linux CD-ROM

     Distributor:
        InfoMagic, Inc.

     Description:
        Complete  snapshot  of tsx-11 and sunsite.unc.edu linux archives
        taken at 2 month intervals (Dec, Feb, Apr, ...). The disc is  in
        ISO-9660  format  with Rock Ridge Extensions. A number of ``dis-
        tributions'' are included: SLS, Slackware, MCC, and  TAMU.  Ver-
        sions are as available at the date of capture.

     Availability:
        Readme  and  index  files  are  available via anonymous ftp from
        ftp.uu.net:/vendor/InfoMagic/cds.  Other info is  available  via
        email    ([email-masked]),   FAX   (609-683-5502)   or   Tel
        (800-800-6613 or 609-683-5501).

     Ordering:
        The disc is priced at $15/copy. Shipping within the  US  is  $5,
        outside $10. Subscriptions are available for $75/year with ship-
        ping of $25 in the US and $35 outside. Orders may be  placed  by
        email,  FAX  or  phone.  We accept Mastercard and Visa, and will
        begin accepting American Express after 1/1/94.

     Entry ast modifiied:
        22 Dec 93.

  3.5.  JANA Three CD Linux Kit

     Distributor:
        CD-ROM A MONTH

     Description:
        We provide a set of 3 CD's that contain Linux and Linux  related
        information.  The  first CD contains Slackware distrubution with
        additional suport for different kernals,  a  live  file  system,
        Linux 1.0, Japanese Extenson, The second CD contains the content
        of TSX-11 and slackware source tree, the 3rd CD contains all the
        linux content of sunsite.unc.edu.

     Availability:
        This  3  CD  kit  and  a book and a T-Shirt is available at many
        retail outlets selling Linux, also you can order from us  direct
        by  calling  1-800-363-2083 or 1-416-538-2311 Or you mail E-Mail
        us at [email-masked].

     Ordering:
        The cost of the kit is $29.95 and can paid by VISA or MC.  Ship-
        ping  charges  range from $9.95 to $19.95 depending on where you
        live. We ship world wide. We use UPS.

     Miscellaneous:
        Free tech support by phone and E-Mail.

     Entry last modified:
        15 March 94.

  3.6.  Lasermoon Ltd.

     Distributor:
        Lasermoon Ltd., [email-masked], [email-masked].

     Description:
        The following Linux  products  are  distributed  and  supported,
        (although there are many more of interest):

     o  The Yggdrasil LGX CD-ROM

     o  The Infomagic Linux Developer Resource CD-ROM

     o  The Linux Journal (Monthly Mag), European Distributors

     Availability:
        Lasermoon  Ltd,  2a  Beaconsfield Road, Fareham, Hants, England.
        PO16 0QB. Voice +44 (0) 329 826444.  Fax  +44  (0)  329  825936.
        Email:    [email-masked]    (General    enquiries),   sup-
        [email-masked] (Support desk),  [email-masked]  (Linux
        Journal desk).

     Ordering:
        LGX  currently  44.95ukp,  LDR  currently  12.95ukp  All  prices
        exclude postage and VAT at the UK rate (17.5).  Discounts avail-
        able   -   please  call.   Visa,  Mastercard,  Access,  EuroCard
        accepted.

     Miscellaneous:
        We provide snapshots of any part of any product on (almost)  any
        media. Call us for details.

        Free  catalogue of many other CD-ROM Freeware products for UNIX,
        DOS and Novell available on request (either by email  or  post).
        Books  by  SSC and O'Reilly Associates (10 discount) also avail-
        able.

     Entry last modified:
        16 Feb 94.

  3.7.  Linux Journal

     Distributor:
        ACC, Corp., P.O. Box 3364, Westport, CT 06880-8364.  Phone (800)
        546-7274  in  the  US  or  +1 203 454-3242 elsewhere.  FAX (203)
        454-2582.

     Description:
        Linux Journal is a monthly publication covering the Linux Commu-
        nity.  Most  material  in LJ is new (not reprinted from Usenet).
        Each issue includes columns and articles on  Linux  programming,
        Free  Software  Foundation issues, systems administration, Ques-
        tions and Answers, interviews and more. LJ  is  a  professional-
        quality magazine for the Linux community.

     Availability:
        Subscriptions are $19/year, anywhere on the planet.

     Ordering:
        Payment  can  be made using VISA, MasterCard or American Express
        (make sure you include the credit card number,  expiration  date
        and  signature).  We can also accept checks in U.S. dollars.  If
        you have a question concerning appropriate  method  of  payment,
        phone  or  FAX  our  subscription numbers or send e-mail to sub-
        [email-masked]  For security reasons we discourage  sending
        credit card numbers via e-mail.

     Miscellaneous:
        If  you are interested in advertising in LJ, contact Joanne Wag-
        ner in our west coast office (address below) or send  e-mail  to
        [email-masked].  Article queries, new product announcements and
        other editorial material should be sent to our west coast office
        as  well or e-mailed to [email-masked].  Generic questions can be
        sent to [email-masked]. Mail advertising and editorial  info  to
        Linux  Journal,  P.O.  Box 85867, Seattle, WA 98145-1867, FAX to
        (206)526-0803 or call (206)524-8338.

     Entry last modified:
        8 Feb 94.

  3.8.  Linux Systems Labs

     Distributor:
        Linux Systems Labs, [email-masked].

     Description:
        Slackware (all 50 disks and I&GS) for $69.95, resell the  Ygdar-
        sil CDROM, Motif by Metrolink for $175.00 and bundle any version
        of Linux with Motif for $215.00. We currently  print  LDP  docu-
        ments  at  600 DPI Duplexed on a laser printer. We sell the I&GS
        for $10.00 and the NAG for $15.00.

        Also we just started selling a commercial database  called  /rdb
        for  linux  by  Revolutionary  Software for $149.00. (It's quite
        impressive.) Contact us for more information.

     Availability:
        Linux Systems Labs, 18300 Tara  Drive,  Clinton  Twp  MI  48036.
        Phone (313)9542829, (800)9542829, fax (313)954280.

     Ordering:
        See  above for prices. We take MC and Visa and will discount all
        products (except /rdb) 20 for internet customers.

     Entry last modified:
        13 Dec 93.

  3.9.  Mark Horton Linux Documentation Hardcopy Service

     Distributor:
        Mark Horton Associates, [email-masked].

     Description:
        The Linux Hardcopy Service provides printed, punched, and  bound
        copies  of the various Linux LDP manuals, FAQs, HOWTOs and other
        related publications. The goal is to provide both new and  expe-
        rienced  Linux users with laser printed, high quality documenta-
        tion. This is particularly useful to new users without access to
        ftp  or  the  facilities  required to print .dvi format, TeX, or
        PostScript files.

     Availability:
        Mark Horton Associates; P.O. Box 747;  Decatur,  GA  US;  30031.
        Phone: 1.404.371.0291, e-mail: [email-masked].

     Ordering:
        (Please  e-mail  [email-masked]  for  complete  info, only
        prices are given here.)

        1. Linux Installation and Getting Started, 150 pages, $20.00

        2. Linux Network Administrators' Guide, 250 pages, $30.00

        3. Linux Kernel Hackers' Guide, 120 pages, $20.00

        4. Das LinuXHandBuch, 250 pages, $30.00

        5. LILO Technical Overview and User's Guide, 35 pages, $10.00

        6. FAQs and HOWTOS, 250 pages, $30.00

        7. Shells, shells, shells (man pages), 100 pages, $15.00

        8. Any other documentation you wish printed... make  a  request,
           I'll  print  a  copy, look it over, and provide a price... if
           it's of general interest I'll offer additional  copies  also.
           (Somehow I feel like I just committed to ending up with a LOT
           of printed documentation on my shelves!)

        I can't take credit cards (you wouldn't believe  what  the  bank
        wants  to process those things!)  Personal checks, money orders,
        cash are all ok.  For very large orders from businesses and edu-
        cational sites I guess I could take purchase orders.  Please add
        $2.00 per manual for shipping (ups ground -  add  an  additional
        $10.00  for  ups blue label).  Special overnight shipping can be
        arranged upon request. Call for quantity discount pricing.

        $1.00 per manual sale goes  to  the  Free  Software  Foundation.
        $1.00  per  manual sale goes to Linus and the LDP's virtual beer
        fund.

        Please make checks payable to Mark  Horton  Associates,  address
        given above.

     Miscellaneous:
        Custom t-shirts available on request---send e-mail.

     Entry last modified:
        15 January 1994

  3.10.  Sequoia International Motif Development Package

     Distributor:
        Sequoia International, Inc., 600 West Hillsboro Blvd, Suite 300,
        Deerfield Beach, FL  33441,  Tel:  (305)  480-6118,  FAX:  (305)
        480-6198, [email-masked]

     Description:
        Sequoia  International,  Inc. has a complete Motif 1.2.3 Runtime
        and Development package called SWiM 1.2.3 available for $149.95.
        In  addition  to  providing shared library versions of libXm and
        libMrm, the following is included in each  package:  The  Window
        Manager   (mwm),   Shared   Libraries  (libXm,  libMrm),  Static
        Libraries (libXm, libMrm,  libUil),  UIL  Compiler,  Header  and
        Include  Files,  Complete  On-Line  Manual Pages, Source Code to
        OSF/Motif Demo Programs, Complete OSF/Motif Users Guide.

     Requirements:
        Linux 0.99pl13 or higher, libc 4.4.4, XFree 2.0, 12M Free  Disk,
        8-12M RAM Suggested.

     Ordering:

        USA:  Sequoia  International, Inc. (305-480-6118), [email-masked].
        Japan: Fortune Co., Ltd (03-5481-8974). England: Lasermoon  Ltd.
        (+44-0-329-826444).  Australia:  Space Age Import-Export Propri-
        etary (61-7-266-3418).

     Entry last modified:
        24 March 1994.

  3.11.  SSC Linux Documentation Project Manuals

     Distributor:
        SSC, Inc., [email-masked].

     Availability:
        SSC has printed and comb bound the Linux Installation  and  Get-
        ting  Started  manual,  Version 2 to make it available for those
        who do not have the capability to print it themself and to  sup-
        port  our  customers  who  buy  Linux (Yggdrasil) from us. It is
        printed double-sided with a cover.

     Ordering:
        The manual is $15 plus shipping ($3 in the U.S.).  We can accept
        credit  card  orders  (Visa,  MasterCard or AmEx). Orders can be
        phoned in (206-FOR-UNIX/206-527-3385), FAXed  (206-527-2806)  or
        mailed to SSC, P.O. Box 55549, Seattle, WA 98155.

     Miscellaneous:
        SSC also publishes a series of reference cards on Unix and Unix-
        related programs such as Emacs, VI, Korn Shell, C language, etc.
        We  also sell the Yggdrasil Linux distribution and Free Software
        Foundation books.  Call or e-mail for a free catalog.

     Entry last modified:
        8 Feb 94.

  3.12.  SW Technology Linux Systems

     Distributor:
        SW Technology

     Description:
        SW Technology has been selling Linux workstations  locally  with
        high  customer  satisfaction.  Our installation of Linux follows
        the style of the Slackware distribution,  with  system  specific
        kernel  image and configuration files, to ensure optimal perfor-
        mance.  The installation is a fairly  complete  distribution  of
        available  Linux utilities, including GCC, X, Interviews, Xview,
        Tcl/Tk, Emacs, TeX/LaTex, Groff, etc.

        We custom configure systems: our clients will get  the  hardware
        components and software configuration per their specification.

     Availability:
        For upto date prices/info, please

        email/finger      [email-masked]
        anonymous ftp     netcom8.netcom.com:/pub/swt/info
        phone             (214) 907-0871
        mail              SW Technology
                          251 West Renner Suite 229
                          Richardson, TX 75080

     Entry last modified:
        15 Jan 94.

  3.13.  Takelap Systems Ltd.

     Distributor:
        Takelap Systems Ltd., [email-masked].

     Description:
        The  SLS  1.04  distribution  on diskettes.  25 3.5" or 30 5.25"
        diskettes including 0.99.13 kernel, X11R5, TeX,  doc  (WYSIWYG),
        GNU s/w development tools and more.

        The SLS 1.04 Linux Distribution on CDROM: 0.99.13 kernel, X11R5,
        TeX, Andrew, GNU s/w development tools.  May  be  installed  and
        optionally  run  from  CDROM mounted remotely. Many installation
        and operational options.

        The Yggdrasil LGX Fall 93 Linux distribution on  CDROM:  0.99.13
        kernel,  X11R5,  TeX, Andrew 5.1, Postgres 4.1, GNU s/w develop-
        ment tools.

     Availability:
        Takelap Systems Ltd., The Reddings, Court Robin  Lane,  Llangwm,
        Usk,  Gwent,  United  Kingdom  NP5 1ET.  tel: +44 (0)291 650357,
        fax: +44 (0)291 650500, email: [email-masked].

     Ordering:
        SLS on Diskettes, price ukp42.00 +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT. SLS CD-ROM,
        ukp66.00  +ukp1.50  p&p  +  VAT.  Yggdrasil LGX CD-ROM, ukp40.00
        +ukp1.50 p&p + VAT. Visa and Mastercard accepted.

     Miscellaneous:
        Free catalogue of CDROMs and  books  (mostly  UNIX  related)  on
        request.

     Entry last modified:
        31 Oct 93.

  3.14.  Unifix Custom Linux CD-ROM Mastering

     Distributor:
        Unifix Software GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany

     Description:
        We  use our own (Linux based) premastering system to make custom
        CDs which include the customer's programs  in  addition  to  our
        Linux  distribution.  This  enables  our customers to sell their
        Unix based applications together with  operating  system  tested
        and  ready  to  run. Our CD recorder makes it possible to create
        prototypes and very small series at interesting prices.

     Availablility:
        Ask us for more information or prices:

        Telephone       +49 (0)531 515161
        Fax             +49 (0)531 515162
        Mail            Unifix Software GmbH
                        Postfach 4918
                        D-38039 Braunschweig
                        Germany

  3.15.  UPython SLS and Slackware Diskette Labels

     Distributor:
        UPython Computer and Network Services

     Description:
        Labels for Softlanding and slackware disks

     Availability:
        The labels that we print for you are available in  several  for-
        mats at sunsite.unc.edu:/pub/linux/distributions/SLSlabels.

     Ordering:
        For order information, send mail to [email-masked].  Cost is $6.50
        per set and domestic shipping in included.  Overseas orders must
        send  payment  in US funds and add $1 for shipping.  Texas resi-
        dents add sales tax (6).

     Entry last modified:
        11 Nov 1993.

  4.  Submissions to this document

  Here's information on how to make submissions to this  docuement,  and
  on the policy that we are using for postings to comp.os.linux.announce
  regarding commercial and mail-order announcements.

  4.1.  New comp.os.linux.announce policy

  One of the purposes of this document is to present short summaries  of
  the many Linux distributions in a compact form for new users to browse
  over. This document is not  merely  a  concatenation  of  the  various
  announcements of Linux distributions and the like.

  Another   purpose   of   this  document  is  to  remove  some  of  the
  `advertisement' traffic  from  the  newsgroup  comp.os.linux.announce.
  The  moderators  of c.o.l.a (as well as many of the readers) feel that
  those people who are re-distributors of Linux distributions which they
  do  not maintain should not be allowed to post periodic advertisements
  in c.o.l.a.... after all, c.o.l.a is for  announcements  important  to
  the Linux community; it is not a moderated sales board.

  Therefore,  if  you  are  distributing Linux software which you do not
  maintain, the only way that you will be allowed to post information to
  c.o.l.a  is  through  this HOWTO. Information on submitting entries to
  this HOWTO is given below. (To submit a posting for c.o.l.a,  mail  it
  to [email-masked].  Exceptions are given below.

  Here's  an  example.  If  you  are,  for  example,  reselling  the SLS
  distribution of Linux on floppies via mail order, the first time  that
  your  mail-order service is available, you may post an announcement to
  c.o.l.a. Thereafter, you must submit an entry  in  this  HOWTO,  which
  will  be  periodically posted to the newsgroup. Only in the event that
  you do something dramtically new with your service will you be allowed
  to  post  to  c.o.l.a  about it.  (`Dramatically new' does not include
  changing your  prices  or  the  versions  of  the  software  that  you
  distribute.   The   moderators   have  the  final  say  on  just  what
  consititutes `dramatically new'. :) ) The purpose of this is to reduce
  the  number  of periodic postings from people who are using c.o.l.a as
  an electronic billboard.

  However, if you maintain and organize your own distribution  of  Linux
  (whether it be available for anonymous FTP, mail order, or both), then
  you will be allowed to post to c.o.l.a  whenever  you  release  a  new
  version.  You will not be allowed to make periodic postings about your
  distribution, in order to `advertise' it every month; only when a  new
  version  is  released will you be allowed to post to c.o.l.a about it.
  Of course, you should include information on your distribution in this
  HOWTO.

  I  hope  that  this policy is not too confusing; the one basic rule is
  that  we  won't  permit  postings  to   c.o.l.a   which   are   merely
  advertisements  for  your  distribution  or  mail  order  service. The
  posting must include new information which is of interest to the Linux
  community  at  large.  Remember  that c.o.l.a postings are archived on
  sunsite.unc.edu; once your posting is out of the news spool it is  not
  gone forever.
  4.2.  How to submit an entry for this HOWTO

  I  encourage anyone and everyone who maintains a Linux distribution or
  mail order service (or consulting service, and the  like),  to  submit
  information  on  their  service  to this HOWTO. It's easy and fun, and
  it's free advertising. This document is posted to many places  and  is
  archived (see the next section).

  4.2.1.  Types of submissions

  We are interested in submissions for:

  o  Complete  distributions  of  Linux  software,  available either via
     anonymous FTP, UUCP, or mail order. By `complete  distribution'  we
     mean  any  set  of  software  which can be used to build a complete
     Linux system from scratch.

  o  Layered products or individual software packages available only via
     mail  order.  If  your  software package is available via anonymous
     FTP, chances  are  people  can  find  it.  Software  products  only
     available  via  mail-order include commercial things such as Motif,
     and any other commercial software ported to Linux.

  o  Any other LINUX-SPECIFIC goods available via mail  order,  such  as
     Linux-specific  books  and  documentation,  T-shirts,  and assorted
     paraphrenalia.

  o  LINUX-SPECIFIC services such as telephone or e-mail consulting  and
     technical  support.  This category also includes miscellany such as
     development contracts.

  If the number of submissions for  services  and  layered  products  is
  large, I'll create a separate HOWTO for these items.

  4.2.2.  How to submit

  To   submit   an   entry   to   this   HOWTO,   please  send  mail  to
  [email-masked] with the following information. This  `format'  is
  not  machine-parsable;  any  of  the fields may be any length that you
  wish, but I'd like to keep each entry down to, say, 50 lines.

     Name:
        Name of service or distribution

     Distributor:
        Name of company, person, etc. who distributes/maintains the ser-
        vice or distribution

     Description:
        Description  of the distribution or service that you provide. If
        this is a software distribution, please include information such
        as  what  software  is  included,  versions, general overview of
        installation, requirements, and so on.

     Availability:
        Where your service or distribution is available. This can be  an
        FTP  site  (including  directory  pathname,  please),  a mailing
        address, phone number, e-mail address, etc.

     Ordering:
        How to  order  your  distribution  or  service,  if  applicable.
        Include prices, shipping information, methods of payment, etc.

     Miscellaneous:
        Anything else that you find relevant.

  Please  keep  your  entry as short as possible. If you need to include
  extensive information, please make a reference to where one can FTP or
  mail  to  get more information on your distribution; these entries are
  only meant to be POINTERS to where one can find  information  on  your
  service or distribution.

  If  you  provide  more  than  one  service or distribution, please use
  SEPARATE ENTRIES for each.

  Some things (such as books, t-shirts, etc.)  won't  fit  exactly  into
  this entry; just be sure to include all relevant information. In other
  words, this "entry form" is simply the  bare  minimum  that  you  must
  include  in  your  submission  to the Distribution-HOWTO; feel free to
  change, add, or leave out "fields" as you see fit.

  I will more than likely edit your entries to some degree if I find any
  irrelevant  information, or if the entry is overly verbose.  Otherwise
  the content should remain the same.

  When making submissions to the Distribution-HOWTO, you grant  implicit
  permission for me to use the entries in other materials, such as books
  from the LDP, and other online  documents.  For  example,  information
  from the Distribution-HOWTO may be included in a published Linux book.
  If you do not want me to include your entry in  materials  other  than
  the Distribution-HOWTO, please say so.

  4.3.  Acknowledgements

  Thanks  to  Bill  Riemers,  who  produced  the  first  version  of the
  Distribution HOWTO and provided helpful advice. Also, thanks to all of
  the  people  who have contributed to this document. I hope that future
  releases of  this  HOWTO  will  be  useful  to  the  Linux  community;
  unfortunately, gathering information on the many services out there is
  a difficult task. Your contributions make this task much easier.