  The Linux Distribution HOWTO
  Eric S. Raymond <esr@thyrsus.com>
  v5.4, 31 October 1997

  This document is intended to help new users choose a Linux distribu­
  tion, and to help experienced users track the state of the Linux mar­
  ket.

  1.  Introduction

  There is no single distribution of the Linux software. Instead, there
  are many such distributions, available both via anonymous FTP and by
  mail order on CD-ROM.

  The purpose of this document is to provide short summaries of the
  English-language Linux distributions, and to provide pointers for the
  reader to find more information.  A German Distributions HOWTO is
  maintained by Marco Budde at  <http://www.tu-
  harburg.de/~semb2204/dlhp/DE-Distribution-HOWTO.html>.  We are not
  aware of any distributions in languages other than English and German.

  The information presented here is not complete; there are other Linux
  distributions than are listed here. If you are associated with a
  distribution we don't list, please see ``Submissions To This
  Document'' near the end of this document for information on making a
  submission.  It's easy and should take less then five minutes.

  Disclaimer: We make absolutely no guarantee as to the correctness of
  the information, prices, and ordering details given in this document.
  Check the last-modified field of each to get an idea of its currency,
  then go to the vendor's web page for up-to-date information.
  Furthermore, unless otherwise stated the Linux software comes with
  ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY.

  Your editor tries to stick to facts in most of this HOWTO, but he has
  some opinions on the state of the Linux market.  If you care what they
  are, you can read them under ``Editorial Recommendations''.

  Disclosure: I (esr) have no financial connection to any Linux vendor,
  nor have I accepted any renumeration or perquisites from any vendor
  other than free product for review (and one T-shirt from Red Hat).

  1.1.  New versions of this document

  This document will be posted monthly to the newsgroups
  comp.os.linux.answers . The document is archived on a number of Linux
  FTP sites, including sunsite.unc.edu in pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO.

  You can also view the latest version of this HOWTO on the World Wide
  Web via the URL  <http://sunsite.unc.edu/mdw/HOWTO/Distribution-
  HOWTO.html>.

  Feel free to mail any questions or comments about this HOWTO to Eric
  S. Raymond, esr@snark.thyrsus.com.  Please do not send me general
  Linux questions or requests for help in choosing a distribution unless
  you're willing to hire me at normal consulting rates; I don't have
  time to deal with them, and I try to put everything I know about
  choosing a distribution in this document.

  1.2.  Recent Changes

  This HOWTO is much shorter than it used to be.  In 1995-96 the Linux
  market underwent a serious shakeout, for reasons we discuss below.

  Network distributions like the original Slackware no longer seem to be
  Linux's most important vector. Accordingly the General Information
  section and this HOWTO as a whole now focuses more on commercial CD
  distributions.

  The old sections on re-packagers and miscellaneous related products
  have been trimmed and dropped.  The information in them was old and
  hard to verify, and of rapidly decreasing value given recent changes
  in the Linux market.

  1.3.  Overview of the Linux Market

  In the beginning (say, 1993), a Linux distribution was something you
  downloaded off the Internet onto floppies.  Installation was a
  laborious process and repeated frustrations due to bad media were
  common.

  Then came cheap CD-ROM drives and the CD-ROM, a medium ideally suited
  for shipping large volumes of operating-system software cheaply.
  There's a whole mini-industry now built around commercial CD-ROM
  Linuxes, and (because the vendors have actual cash flow to fund
  support and marketing) they increasingly dominate the Linux world.
  Debian is now the only significant non-commercial release, and even it
  seems to be propagated largely by shovelware CD-ROMs.

  Most of the CD-ROM distributions (including Slackware, Yggdrasil and
  Red Hat) are still available for FTP from the home sites of their
  developers.  But if you have a CD-ROM drive and a few dollars, you
  will have many more distributions and more support options to choose
  from (and you'll usually get some useful paper documentation).  For
  more on the details of installation, see the Linux Installation HOWTO,
  <http://sunsite.unc.edu/mdw/HOWTO/Installation-HOWTO.html>.

  Prices for CD-ROM distributions of Intel Linuxes start at $20 and top
  out at a whole $50 (and the extra few dollars can buy real value).
  Many vendors sell subscription deals that will lower your cost-per-CD
  for regular updates over the subscription period.

  Price correlates with features and quality pretty well (as one would
  expect in a very competitive market).  Your editor recommends paying
  the few extra dollars for a top-drawer original CD-ROM distribution;
  this will pay off in fewer installation and administration hassles
  down the road.

  Making good choices is much simpler than it used to be.  In 1995-96
  the Linux market underwent a serious shakeout, with a very few
  commercial distributions emerging as leaders while weaker ones
  disappeared or stagnated.  The toll among general-purpose non-
  commercial distributions has been even fiercer; essentially, only
  Debian survives in this role.

  As a result, the three-tier structure of primary distribution
  builders, value-added repackagers, and bottom-feeding CD shovellers
  that used to define the market has nearly collapsed.  To be
  competitive in 1997, a Linux outfit (whether commercial or
  noncommercial) has to offer reasonable support and behave like a
  primary distribution builder, whether it's really one or not. So as
  long as you look for a recent freeze date, it is pretty hard to get
  stuck with a dud distribution these days.

  1.4.  Editorial Recommendations

  Last section, the facts.  In this section, my opinions (for whatever
  they're worth -- and remember the caveat about free advice).  There is
  no substitute for doing your own evaluation based on experience and
  the data in this guide, and these are intended more to illuminate my
  possible biases than as a guide to what you should do.

  From the beginnings of the Linux CD-ROM industry in 1993 to Fall 1995,
  Yggdrasil was the king of the hill -- it essentially founded the CD-
  ROM market and then set the standard for everybody else.  I used
  Yggdrasil, and I recommended it over commercial System V versions for
  its superior documentation, large collection of applications, and
  enlightened policy of sending free releases to freeware authors and
  dedicating part of the price of each CD-ROM to financially supporting
  free software.  But Yggdrasil hasn't issued a new release in all 1996
  (it's March '97 as I write) and they've perhaps been left behind by
  the market.

  I now run Red Hat Linux and am quite satisfied with it.  Red Hat's RPM
  technology currently gives it, IMO, a technical edge over any other
  vendor.  They've made most of the right moves at the right times and I
  consider them the current market leader.

  If you're ideologically wedded to using a non-commercial distribution,
  Debian seems to me to be the clear choice, the only one left with a
  serious support team behind it.

  These opinions should certainly not be interpreted as an unconditional
  endorsement; different Linux distributions are optimized for different
  needs, and yours may well be best served by some other distribution
  (especially if, unlike me, you're mainly a DOS user and are looking
  for a distribution tuned for dual-boot systems and being launched from
  DOS).

  Furthermore, industry standing is volatile.  By the time you read
  this, Red Hat or Debian may well have fallen off their games and been
  displaced by hungrier newcomers.

  2.  American Linux Distributions

  All these distributions are available on CD-ROM (some of the non-
  commercial ones only show up on network-archive snapshots).  Most of
  these are available for free over the network (but the commercial ones
  won't support you if you buy this way).  They are custom-assembled,
  rather than just being re-packagings of a pre-existing network
  release.

  They are listed in alphabetical order.

  2.1.  Caldera OpenLinux

     Distributor:
        Caldera, Inc.
        633 South 550 East
        Provo, Utah 84606

        Net: info@caldera.com
        WWW:  <http://www.caldera.com>
        FTP:  <ftp://ftp.caldera.com>
        Vox: (801)-377-7678
        Fax: (801)-377-8752

     Provider's Description:
        Caldera is shipping OpenLinux 1.1 in a three-tiered family of
        products: OpenLinux Lite, OpenLinux Base, and OpenLinux
        Standard.

        OpenLinux Lite is a freely available evaluation of the OpenLinux
        product (it includes a 90-day evalutation of the Caldera
        integrated Desttop--the full licensed version of the desktop is
        included in the Base and Standard products). OpenLinxu Lite can
        be downloaded from Caldera's ftp site, or obtainded on CD for
        the cost of shipping. It is also designed for use by book and
        software publishers to provide a commercially stable Linux
        offering with their books and software products.

        OpenLinux Base contains everything that is in Lite plus it is a
        complete, easy-to-install Linux operating system, with
        integrated Desktop, Internet client and server components, and
        Intranet connectivity. OpenLinux Base includes Netscape
        Navigator and full documentation.

        OpenLinux Standard includes what is in Base plus more high-end,
        name brand, commercial software components (such as Netscape
        FastTrack Web Server, Netscape Navigator Gold Web browser and
        authoring tools, ADABAS D database, StarOffice productivity
        suite, Caldera OpenDOS, and NetWare client and administration
        tools).

        All three tiers of the OpenLinux 1.1 release are currently
        available.

        With Caldera OpenLinux, you can see a whole world of powerful
        new computing, even the power of a UNIX workstation on your PC!
        By using a Linux kernel, OpenLinux gives you speed and stability
        that compare to systems costing thousands of dollars. Open Linux
        also gives you:

     ·  Real multi-tasking runs many text or graphical applications at
        once; no application can cause another to crash, unlike less
        robust systems.

     ·  The Linux 2.0 kernel gives super-fast TCP/IP access to the
        Internet, plus loadable device drivers, for the most efficient
        use of your system resources.

     ·  Easy-to-follow, quick installation with menu-based choices and
        auto-detection of your hardware make installation a snap on most
        systems. The Getting Started Guide (included) provides a step-
        by-step illustrated procedure, with troubleshooting tips.

        No other Linux system includes a complete, integrated desktop
        interface with configuration tools and graphical editor. Its
        powerful drag-and-drop capabilities come pre-configured with
        thousands of icons and application settings. The Desktop
        provides a convenient place where you can store your favorite
        programs and data files for instant access. The Desktop gives
        you:

     ·  Drag-and-drop launching of programs with data files.

     ·  An integrated graphical text editor.

     ·  Easy access to an array of powerful system configuration tools.

     ·  A configurable icon bar, custom layouts, and preference
        settings.

     ·  Powerful file management using drag-and-drop or graphical
        dialogs.
     Ordering:
        By email with PGP key, by phone, by fax, or by conventional
        mail.  Full ordering details are at
        <http://www.caldera.com/mpro/orinfo/orderinfo.html>.

     Support:
        Caldera is one of the only Linux distributers to offer E-mail
        and telephone support. OpenLinux Base (E-mail only) and Standard
        (Telephone and E-mail) users are fully supported (Standard users
        receive 5 free incident calls during the first 30 days). There
        is no technical support for the Lite product.

        OpenLinux Base and Standard ship with full licensed versions of
        the Caldera Desktop, which do not expire. OpenLinux Lite ships
        with a 90-day evaluation version of the Desktop.

     Last Freeze Date:
        24 November 1996

     Entry last modified:
        12 August 1997

  2.2.  Craftworks Linux

     Distributor:
        Craftwork Solutions, Inc.
        4320 Stevens Creek Blvd. #170
        San Jose, CA 95129

        Net: info@craftwork.com
        WWW:  <http://www.craftwork.com>
        Vox: (408)-985-1878
        Fax: (408)-985-1880

     Provider's Description:
        Craftworks Linux v2.2 is a commercial distribution of Linux for
        Intel and AXP (BeBox support is in the works). It is completely
        ELF, built one program at the time from the latest "stable"
        sources and organized using a methodology we call: CRAFT
        (Component Replacement And Fabrication Technology).

        CRAFT accounts for each file in the system, groups them
        logically as true components which are filed into catalogs. For
        example from the 'System Install' catalog, the 'Main Operating
        System Component' which accounts for 3788 files (approx. 19MB),
        when combined with the 'Linux Standard Devices' component
        constitute an operational, network ready, GNU/Linux system.

        CRAFT can now install RPM packages.

        Security measures including shadow password are enforced
        throughout the distribution. Network information services (NYS)
        and domain name services (DNS) as provided, coexist to
        complement each other. Screen savers and a desktop environment
        are there for X Windows.  Extensive use of kernel loadable
        modules including streaming tape (ftape) support have been
        utilized to minimize the need to provide various kernel
        configurations or requiring the end user to build one. These are
        some of the highlights, and the overall thought that went into
        this distribution, which provides a powerful modern UN*X
        environment for workstations and servers.

        The Craftworks Linux v2.2 package includes:

     ·  A boot/install floppy for installing on one or across multiple
        hard-disks from the CD-ROM media or via NFS (ethernet or PPP).
        Craftworks Genesis guides the user with panels and menus through
        a new install or upgrade.

     ·  One CD-ROM with a live system (i.e. run directly from the CD-
        ROM) and all the sources as GNU zipped tar files. Supporting
        files such as a comprehensive list of CREDITS, the GNU Public
        License, etc. are also found on the CD-ROM media and copied as
        part of an install onto the hard-disk. Craftworks Sysadm (Main
        Operating System Component) provides for:

     ·  Security and User Account Management

     ·  System Maintenance (access to catalogs)

     ·  BRU Personal Edition backup utilities

     ·  X Window System Setup including Metro X enhanced server.

     ·  UPS Configuration

     ·  System Setup

     ·  Reference and Installation Guide with chapters covering the
        installation and maintenance thereafter.  Appendices on FAQs and
        hardware compatibility.

     Internet Access:
        Updates between releases are found in
        <ftp://ftp.craftwork.com/pub/v2.2>.  FAQs and up-to-date product
        information <http://www.craftwork.com>.

        Current upgrades bring the kernel to level 2.0.28.

     Ordering:
        Directly from Craftwork Solutions, Inc. or from distributors and
        stores. Suggested retail price $59.95 (Intel), $89.95 (AXP).
        Intel (80386/486/Pentium) version. Discounts available to
        dealers and educational institutions.

     Support:
        Craftwork Solutions, Inc. provides 30 days support with each
        copy. Longer term support as well as special projects support
        available on a contract or fee basis.

     Miscellaneous:
        The CRAFT-1.0 specification is available from
        <http://www.craftwork.com>.  It includes a complete component
        listing for the distribution.

     Last Freeze Date:
        23 August 1996.

     Entry last modified:
        13 March 1997.

  2.3.  Debian Linux Distribution

     Distributor:
        Debian Linux Association
        Software in the Public Interest
        P.O. Box 70152
        Pt. Richmond CA 94807-0152

        Net: info@debian.org
        WWW:  <http://www.debian.org>
        FTP:  <ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian>

     Provider's Description:
        Debian Linux is the result of a volunteer effort to create a
        high-quality non-commercial Linux distribution.  Debian Linux
        1.3 is a complete and fully-functional Unix-compatible operating
        system for the personal computer.  The system uses ELF
        executables, but also includes optional packages you can install
        to fully support development and maintenance of a.out programs.
        At present, Debian Linux is available for the IBM PC
        architecture (386/486/Pentium) with versions for Sparc, m68k and
        Alpha architectures well under way.

        Debian Linux is an easy-to-upgrade distribution that mostly
        consists of freely redistributable software from a number of
        different sources and systems.  Support for shadow passwords is
        available, although it should be considered experimental in the
        1.1 release.  Non-free packages may also obtained, making Debian
        a well-rounded system.

        The benefits of Debian Linux are its upgradability, well-defined
        dependencies between packages, and its open development.  It is
        the only distribution of Linux that is being developed co-
        operatively by many individuals through the Internet, in the
        same spirit as Linux and other Free Software.  More than 100
        package maintainers are working on about 500 packages and
        improving Debian Linux.  A sophisticated bug tracking system
        allows users to easily report bugs and security concerns which
        are quickly dealt with by the Debian community.  A new release
        of the package will soon occur on well-known ftp archives.

        Debian Linux is a very dynamic distribution.  Snap-shot releases
        are made about every three months, the ftp archives are updated
        daily.

        For more information about Debian Linux, please refer to the
        files at  <ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/doc/> or visit our World
        Wide Web page at  <http://www.debian.org/>.

        If you're interested in joining this project you are invited to
        subscribe to either debian-user@lists.debian.org or debian-
        devel@lists.debian.org by sending a mail to debian-user-
        request@lists.debian.org (or debian-devel-request respectively)
        with the word "help" in the subject line.

     Internet Access:
        Debian Linux is available via anonymous FTP from
        <ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/> and on a mirror near to you.

     Last Freeze Date:
        2 June 1997 (1.3)

     Entry last modified:
        13 March 1997

  2.4.  DOSLINUX

     Distributor:
        Kent Robotti

        FTP:
        <ftp://ftp.sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/distributions/doslinux>

     Provider's Description:
        A linux-elf slip/ppp networking system for use with DOS
        (formerly called `DILINUX').  It can be dropped into a
        subdirectory of any DOS system and booted from DOS without
        messing with disk partitions.  About 22 mbytes unzipped, 22
        mbytes uncompressed.  Noncommercial.

     Internet Access:
        By anonymous ftp or WWW from wauug.erols.com archives (see URL
        below).

        WWW:  <ftp://wauug.erols.com/pub/people/kent-
        robotti/doslinux/index.html>
        FTP:  <ftp://wauug.erols.com/pub/people/kent-robotti/doslinux>

     Last Freeze Date:
        2 Oct 1997

     Entry last modified:
        2 Oct 1997

     Editor's comments:
        As the author says, not a general-purpose release.  Probably
        best suited to sites that primarily run DOS but want better
        networking tools for hooking up to an Internet service provider.

  2.5.  Linux Pro

     Distributor:
        WorkGroup Solutions, Inc.
        P.O. Box 460190
        Aurora, CO 80046-0190

        Vox: (303)-699-7470
        Fax: (303)-699-2793
        Net: info@wgs.com (orders)
        FTP:  <ftp://ftp.wgs.com/pub2/wgs>

     Provider's Description:
        The charter of the WGS Linux Pro CD is different from all other
        distributions currently on the market.  We are actively pursuing
        penetration into the commercial marketplace for Linux.
        Everything we do is aimed at increasing the size of the Linux
        community, and helping Linux to become THE one true operating
        system, not just an operating system.

        WGS Linux Pro consists of our Main "Stable" Linux CD, for which
        we select what we consider to be the best Linux distribution
        available.  Then we make bug fixes & minor enhancements.  This
        CD often contains software older than the latest, under the
        theory that "the latest is not always the greatest".  Together
        with this approach we provide technical support as well as
        support agreements.  For this reason WGS Linux Pro is considered
        a primary Linux distribution.  Optionally, and in addition to
        our primary CD, we supply supplemental CDs containing all the
        latest Linux software (including current archives of the tsx-11,
        sunsite, and Red Hat sites).  Virtually anything you will get
        with anyone's Linux product can be found on these supplemental
        CDs.  We continually add more to these supplemental CDs as
        software becomes available.  Even with all this, pricing on our
        product line is very favorable when correctly compared to other
        Linux distributions.  Also optional (included with Linux Pro+)
        is a professionally produced and printed manual containing the
        Linux documentation project and more!

        Current version is 4.0a; kernel is 1.2.13 with installable 2.0.x
        on the CD.

     Internet Access:
        Look in  <http://www.wgs.com> for a list of WGS products, and
        latest information on the CD-ROM.

     Ordering:
        WGS Linux Pro is available on CD from dealers and distributors
        worldwide, and soon from our FTP site.

        You may call, fax, email, or mail us, to purchase, or request
        additional information.  We will be happy to respond to any
        question you have.  We accept American Express, Visa, Discover,
        and MasterCard, or purchase orders with approval of credit.

     Miscellaneous:
        Complete information is available on our FTP site.

        WGS publishes a free E-Mail newsletter on Linux and FlagShip to
        which you may subscribe by just emailing us your request.

        In addition we carry Motif, FlagShip, A line of books, and other
        products to make your experience with Linux more complete and
        fulfilling.  Check us out!

     Last Freeze Date:
        1 October 1996.

     Entry last modified:
        13 March 1997

     Editor's comment:
        They describe their current distribution as "Red Hat 3.03 plus".

  2.6.  Red Hat Linux

     Distributor:
        Red Hat Software
        3201 Yorktown Rd, Suite 123 DeKalb Center
        Durham, NC 27713

        Vox: (800) 546-7274 or (919) 572-6500
        Fax: (919) 572-6726
        Net: redhat@redhat.com
        WWW:  <http://www.redhat.com>
        FTP:  <ftp://ftp.redhat.com>

     Provider's Description:
        Red Hat 4.2 is based on the 2.0.30 kernel and is available for
        Intel, Sparc and Alpha platforms.

        Four installation innovations make Red Hat the easiest Linux to
        install ever.  Our graphical installation mode brings you
        straight up into X for most of the installation.  Our boot disk
        creation script eases selection of the proper boot disk, and it
        saves your existing network configuration information and
        XF86Config so you don't have to configure TCP/IP or X!  Our FTP
        install allows you to install simply by downloading 3 floppy
        disk images -- the rest is done automatically!  And finally, the
        installation includes seamless support for PCMCIA devices --
        install Red Hat on your laptop as easily as on your desktop
        machine!

        After installing Red Hat Linux once, you will never need to
        reinstall Linux again!  The new RPM packaging system is
        sophisticated enough to allow upgrading to new Red Hat releases
        without reinstalling your system - no partitioning, no backing
        up all your files, no headaches.

     Ordering:
        Available directly from Red Hat Software and most distributors
        of Linux related products.  Please contact Red Hat Software for
        ordering details (on-line ordering is available through Red
        Hat's Web).  Suggested retail price is for the Intel version is
        $49.95, for the Sparc and Alpha versions $99.95.

     Last Freeze Date:
        Early May 1997.

     Entry last modified:
        27 June 1997.

     Editor's Comments:
        The big selling point of this distribution is RPM, the Red Hat
        Package Manager.  This piece of software is a remarkable
        advance; it allows you to cleanly install and de-install
        applications and operating-system components, including the
        kernel and OS base itself.  Red Hat has issued this under GPL,
        which is a good thing for other distributors; it is the
        considered opinion of this editor that those who do not adopt it
        will shortly have their lunches eaten by those who do.

  2.7.  Trans-Ameritech Linuxware

     Distributor:
        Trans-Ameritech
        2342A Walsh Avenue
        Santa Clara, CA 95051

        Net: info@trans-am.com
        WWW: http://www.zoom.com/tae
        Vox: (408)-727-3883
        Fax: (408)-727-3882
        BBS: (408)-980-9840

     Provider's Description:
        Trans-Ameritech has published 10 releases of Linux by early
        1997.  Traditionally, Trans-Ameritech has set new standards for
        combining ease of use and straightforward installation, even for
        a first-time user, with its line of LinuxWare CD-ROMs.  This is
        a flexible, easy-to-install operating system geared toward those
        interested in learning Unix as well as technical people,
        students and home PC users.

     ·  New Linux users will appreciate a Windows-based set up program
        from the CD.

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

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

        Many applications are included:

     ·  MS-Windows based X configuration program

     ·  C/C++,Pascal and Ada compilers as well as converters fron
        Fortran

     ·  TCP/IP networking, UUCP,SLIP,CSLIP,PPP

     ·  Internet access with binaries and sources for FTP,Telnet,News
        and E-mail

     ·  Multiple terminals and X-Windows environment

     ·  Gnu and international versions of the ispell spell-cheker

     ·  The communications apps:term,minicom,Seyon (X-Windows based)

     ·  Editors:elvis(vi clone),joe,jove,Emacs

     ·  PostScript clone ghostscript

     ·  Object oriented GNU Smalltalk and the Smalltalk interface to X

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

     ·  Programs for electrical engineers and ham enthusiasts

     ·  Interviews libraries,include files and doc Word-processor and
        idraw drawing program

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

     ·  Andrew multimedia word prodessor with hyperlinks

     ·  FAX send and receive on either class 1 or class 2 fax modems

     ·  DOOM for game enthusiasts

        All the sources are available on the CD-ROM. The often needed
        sources are uncompressed and can be used directly from the CD-
        ROM.

        An uncompressed Linux filesystem is available for references and
        disk space conversaion. You can run programs directly from the
        CD-ROM! There is a large info directory for on-line reference
        and many manpages.

        For hacker's reference, uncompressed FreeBSD and netBSD sources
        are provided.

        The latest upgrades and patches are always available through
        Trans-Ameritech Linux BBS:(408) 980 9840. It's free for all
        Trans-Ameritech customers.

        Our distribution is targeted for Windows and DOS users who want
        an easy migration path upwards, rather than for UNIX experts.

     Ordering:
        Email orders are taken at order@trans-am.com

        The price for our current release of LinuxWare 2.5 is $19.95

        The price for a package order: LinuxWare 2.5,Supplement 5 and
        Supplement 4 (Ultimate LinuxWare Bundle) in one shipment is $30

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

        Shipping and handling in US: single CD-ROM or Ultimate LinuxWare
        Bundle is $5(first class US mail).

        Overseas shipping is $8 for single CD-ROM , $12 for the bundle.

        COD is available in the US only for $4.50.  California
        residents, please add 7.75% sales tax.

        Annual subscription (4 releases) is available for $80 plus S&H
        (note: there are 4 shipments in a subscription).  Example:
        subscription in US is:$80+$5x4=$100.  Subscription in
        Europe/Japan etc. $80 + $8x4 = $112.

     Miscellaneous:
        If you have any further questions,please contact us through E-
        mail: info@trans-am.com or order@trans-am.com.

     Last Freeze Date:
        January 1997 (Supplement 5)

     Entry last modified:
        13 March 1997

  2.8.  Slackware

     Distributor:
        Walnut Creek CDROM
        4041 Pike Lane, Suite D
        Concord, CA  94520

        Net: info@cdrom.com (information), order@cdrom.com (orders),
        support@cdrom.com (support).

     Provider's Description:
        Ftp.cdrom.com is the home of Slackware Linux.  We are the
        publishers of the Official Slackware Linux CDROM.  Our
        distribution is a 2-disc set with the current version being
        Slackware 96.  The current disc is based on the 2.0.0 kernel.

        Slackware Linux is a full featured distribution of the Linux
        operating system designed for 386/486 computers with a 3.5"
        floppy and CD-ROM drive.

     Internet Access:
        WWW:  <http://www.cdrom.com/titles/os/slack96.htm>
        FTP:  <ftp:ftp.cdrom.com/pub/linux/slackware>

     Ordering:
        The cost of the CD-ROM set from Walnut Creek is $39.95.

     Last Freeze Date:
        August 1996.

     Entry last modified:
        13 March 1997.

  2.9.  Yggdrasil Plug-and-Play Linux CD-ROM and the Linux Bible

     Distributor:
        Yggdrasil Computing, Incorporated
        4880 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 205
        San Jose, CA 95129-1034

        Net: info@yggdrasil.com
        WWW:  <http://www.yggdrasil.com>
        FTP:  <http://ftp.yggdrasil.com>
        Vox: (800) 261-6630, (408) 261-6630
        Fax: (408) 261-6631

     Provider's Description:
        Yggdrasil Plug-and-Play Linux is a complete CD-ROM distribution
        of the Linux operating system. It includes a great deal of
        software---nearly every package that you would expect to find on
        a complete UNIX system is available. A complete file list is
        available via FTP from yggdrasil.com.

        The Linux Bible is a compendium of Linux documentation,
        including 5 books from the Linux Documentation Project, The
        Yggdrasil installation manual, and the complete set of Linux
        HOWTO guides.  We publish this and offer this separately from
        the CD-ROM distribution.

        At the top of the sophistication hierarchy, programmers who want
        to explore or add the occasional feature know that Yggdrasil is
        the Linux distribution with a fully buildable source tree and
        with the ability to automatically trace installed files back to
        their sources.

        Everybody, especially new users, will appreciate the Plug-and-
        Play operation for which Yggdrasil's product is named.  Put the
        media in a computer with supported hardware, turn the computer
        on, and it's running everything, straight from the CDROM.  (This
        is no longer unique to Yggdrasil, but Yggdrasil did it first.)

        The login screen lists a number of preconfigured user names,
        including "install", which installs the system, giving
        paragraphs of explanation about every question that it asks the
        user.  X windows configuration is automated too, prompting the
        user for configuration information the first time xinit is run.

        From X windows, a graphical control panel allows simple ``fill
        in the blanks'' configuration of networking, SLIP, outgoing
        UUCP, the printer, NNTP, and many other features that previously
        required the knowledge of a system administrator to configure.

        For more information, send mail to info@yggdrasil.com, surf to
        www.yggdrasil.com, FTP to yggdrasil.com, or contact us by any
        convenient method.

     Ordering:
        Plug-and-Play Linux costs $34.95 is and available directly from
        Yggdrasil or from your local computer, software or technical
        book store.  If Plug-and-Play Linux is not available from your
        favorite reseller, help promote Linux by making it your mission
        to change that.  Give your reseller our phone number and demand
        that they carry Plug-and-Play Linux.

        Yggdrasil offers a $7 discount for upgrades or crossgrades.
        Send us your old Yggdrasil release and a check for $27.95 + $5
        shipping and handling to upgrade.  Or do the same, but send us a
        competing distribution such any version of SCO, Esix, minix, or
        one of the CD's with the slackware floppy images, and tell us
        where you got it, so that we can make sure that your favorite
        reseller carries our products too.

     Miscellaneous:
        Yggdrasil also sells OSF/Motif and The Linux Bible, a
        compilation of works from the Linux Documentation project.  In
        addition to a copy of the Plug-and-Play Linux manual, The Linux
        Bible includes Linux Installation and Getting Started, Network
        Administrator's Guide, System Administrator's Guide, Linux
        User's Guide, and HOWTO guides on hardware compatibility,
        distributions, dos emulation, ethernet, floppy tape,
        installation, mail, networking version 2, MGR (an alternative to
        X windows), X windows, usenet news, printing, SCSI, serial
        communications, sound, and UUCP.  The Linux Bible costs $39.95
        and is printed on recycled paper.  $1 from every copy sold is
        donated to the Linux Documentation Project.  OSF/Motif costs
        $149.95, $5 of which is donated to the development of a free
        Motif clone.
     Last Freeze Date:
        Mid-August 1995.  (Yes, 1995.  They have a next release in pre-
        production but don't want to commit to a ship date yet.)

     Entry last modified:
        13 March 1997

     Editor's Comments:
        Yggdrasil includes lots of well-chosen stuff with their
        distribution; the CD-ROM-only demo mode is impressive;
        installation and administration are easy enough to live up to
        their "Plug And Play" name.  The 167-page manual is very nice.
        Their previous problems in the installation scripts seem to have
        been fixed.  Their only drawback is that they haven't yet
        adopted Red Hat's RPM technology or created an equivalent. They
        claim they're going to by RPM-compatible in their upcoming
        release.

  3.  Re-Packagers

  This section lists re-packagers of the Linux distributions listed
  above. In other words, the people selling the software below probably
  do not maintain or support the software itself.

  3.1.  InfoMagic Developer's Resource CD-ROM kit

     Distributor:
        InfoMagic, Inc.
        PO Box 30370. Flagstaff, AZ 86003-0370

        Net: info@infomagic.com
        WWW:  <http://www.infomagic.com>
        Vox: (800)-800-6613 (orders), (520)-526-9852 (tech support)
        Fax: (520)-526-9573

     Provider's Description:
        The InfoMagic Linux Developer's Resource is a snapshot of the
        sunsite.unc.edu and tsx-11.mit.edu archives. It also includes
        the complete GNU software collection (in source form).  The
        following Linux distributions are included on the discs: Red
        Hat, Slackware, Debian and JE (Japanese Extensions).

        The Slackware distribution has been completely unpacked allowing
        many packages to be run directly from the disk. Sources for all
        the packages in Slackware are also included.

        The Linux HOWTO documents have been formatted for use with the
        Microsoft Multimedia Viewer (which is included) to allow
        browsing and full-text search under Microsoft Windows.
        InfoMagic also includes complete archives of the linux mailing
        lists.

        InfoMagic also distributes the "Installation and Getting Started
        Guide", by Matt Welsh as well as Linux T-Shirts (featuring the
        platypus logo).

     Ordering:
        The 5-CD set is $27.50/copy. Shipping within the US is $5 (USPS
        Priority Mail), outside the US $10 (International Airmail),
        FedEx and UPS on request. Orders may be placed via phone, fax,
        or email (a PGP key is available: finger info@InfoMagic.com).
        We accept Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX. 1-year subscriptions are
        available for $150 (within the US) and $175 (outside the US)
        including shipping. A 1 year subscription consists of 6
        releases, one every two months or so.

     Internet Access:
        The contents of the CDs may be found at either
        <http://www.infomagic.com>, <ftp://ftp.infomagic.com>.

     Support:
        We provide unlimited email and FAX support.  Telephone support
        is available via a 900 number at $2.00/minute.  We also offer
        support contracts tailored to individual needs.

        The CD-set includes a 30-page quick-start.

     Last Freeze Date:
        1st week of December 1996.  Updates about every two months.  The
        Slackware release is 3.1, Red Hat is 4.0

     Entry last modified:
        13 March 1997

  4.  Submissions To This Document

  I encourage anyone and everyone who maintains a Linux distribution or
  mail order service, 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).

  4.1.  Types of Submissions

  We are interested in submissions for:

  ·  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.

  ·  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.

  ·  Any other Linux-specific goods available via mail order, such as
     Linux-specific books and documentation, T-shirts, and assorted
     paraphrenalia.   Note: our interest in the latter categories is
     marginal -- this is a Linux Distributions HOWTO, not a catalogue of
     cutesy Linux junk.  Whatever you're selling will have to be (a)
     very useful, (b) very original, or (c) very funny, to get listed
     here.

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

  4.2.  How to submit

  To submit an entry to this HOWTO, please send mail to
  esr@snark.thyrsus.com 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
        service or distribution.  Should include mail, email, phone
        contact information, and (if possible) a WWW reference.

     Provider's 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.

     Internet Access:
        Where your service or distribution is available over the
        Internet; typically a WWW or FTP address.

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

     Support:
        Information on support terms and support contracts.

     Miscellaneous:
        Anything else that you find relevant.

     Last Freeze Date:
        Last freeze date of the current version(s).  Also, your
        estimated update frequency.

  4.3.  Submission Guidelines

  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.

  I may edit your entries for conciseness and brevity, 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.

  5.  Administrivia

  5.1.  Terms of Use

  This document is copyright 1997 by Eric S. Raymond. You may use,
  disseminate, and reproduce it freely, provided you:

  ·  Do not omit or alter this copyright notice.

  ·  Do not omit or alter or omit the version number and date.

  ·  Do not omit or alter the document's pointer to the current WWW
     version.

  ·  Clearly mark any consdensed, altered or versions as such.

  These restrictions are intended to protect potential readers from
  stale or mangled versions.  If you think you have a good case for an
  exception, ask me.

  5.2.  Acknowledgements

  This document was originated by Bill Riemers.  Matt Welsh maintained
  the second version.  Erik Troan then maintained the document to
  release 3.0.

  In January 1995, Eric Raymond, while unaware of the existence of this
  document, began to develop a similar FAQ in the format of his now-
  discontinued "PC-clone UNIX Software Buyer's Guide", which had covered
  mainly System V UNIXes and BSD/OS.

  In March 1995, Eric approached Erik about cooperating on a merged
  version.  In early April 1995, Erik went to work for Red Hat Software,
  and (wishing to avoid a conflict of interest) handed the document to
  Eric.  Eric merged in a lot of new information and added several new
  fields to the distribution entries.

  Accordingly, this document has been a sort of serial collaboration.
  The editorial `we' generally tags observations by all the maintainers;
  `I' is Eric (the current one) speaking.

  We are delighted to acknowledge the contributions of all the Linux
  users and Internet hackers who have contributed information and
  feedback.

