[Lancaster] Fwd: Linux Operating System

[Richard Smedley]

On Sunday 22 October 2006 23:58, Mark Williams wrote:
> Any suggestions (beyond "try Google") ?

Always a good start if you know how to research and sift - I don't think they 
teach this any more <shrugs>

> My response covered: what a distro 
> is, recommended (K)ubuntu (or SuSE), Live CDs, recommended h/w req.,
> Automatix and EasyUbuntu.

Sorry to be late with my tu'penneth but I've been away...

>> I am currently an undergraduate on an Information Systems course, at
>> Edgehill University in Ormskirk, Lancashire.   I have come across the
>> details of your Linux user group following web research.
[deletia]
>> I am particularly interested in websites that would allow me to gain
>> information on;

>> * The history of Linux

Linux is a _kernel_ to the GNU operating system.
For a history of this kernel see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
http://www.oldlinux.org/
http://www.oldlinux.org/Linus/index.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Fun-Story-Accidental-Revolutionary/dp/product-description/1587991519

This confusion that leads to people applying the name of the kernel to an
operating system already written - and not ``just for fun'', is covered a 
little at:

http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html

>> * Linux as an operating system

Linux is of course just the kernel of the GNU operating system. You can read
the history of the GNU project here:
http://www.gnu.org/gnu/thegnuproject.html

I will assume for the rest of my reply that you are referring to the whole GNU 
(or GNU/Linux) operating system - my apologies if you are only interested in 
kernels. ;-)

>> * Comparisons between Linux and Windows

There is no comparison =o)

>> * Features and functionality of Linux

It would be far quicker to say what is missing - that _is_ a short list.
Perhaps you could specify the areas in which you are most interested?

>> * Security of Linux

See for example:

http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/188
http://www.theregister.co.uk/security/security_report_windows_vs_linux/
http://www.nsa.gov/selinux/
http://www.linuxsecurity.com/content/section/1/169/

>> Also, please could you either return me a copy of the Linux operating
>> system ready for installation, or direct me to a website where I can
>> download a copy from.

New users of GNU/Linux are best to start with
www.ubuntu.com

If you can make it from Ormskirk to the next Liverpool LUG meeting, I'm sure 
that someone will be delighted to give you a disk (I normally carry several 
with me ;-)

>> Any help that you are able to give me would be greatly appreciated.

>> Thank you

You do use *nix at Edgehill University don't you?
It would be very difficult to teach many aspects of computing without it
(but it would explain the difficulties we've had recruiting anyone who really 
knows anything about computing).

 - Richard

-- 
Richard Smedley,                                         Richard at sc.lug.org.uk
Sustainable IT Consultant,
                                 ``Software Freedom for the Voluntary Sector''