Get Linux!

You can skip to our USU mirror reference page.

Step 1 choosing a Distribution.

Why are there so many versions of Linux?

Linux is Free Software. One of the advantages of Free Software is competition. Each group that introduces a version of Linux tries to create something that makes their version unique. What is often referred to as "Linux" is actually the Linux kernel, the GNU operating system, and additional software packaged together. There are many ways, commonly known as distributions (or "distros"), to package Linux. Distributions vary and are often created with specific purpose.

Which version should I install?

Which version of Linux you choose to install depends on what you plan to use it for. Below is a list of the major distributions and their advantages and disadvantages. The main difference between distributions is installation and configuration. All of the distributions listed below are run by at least one FSLC member. If you are interested in a distribution that is not listed here that does not mean that distirbution is not good, it just means we are unfamiliar with it.

* Arch - Arch Linux is a distro that focuses on being simple, lightweight and flexible. Arch Linux uses i686-optimized packages and a package management system called Pacman.

* Debian - Debian is a distro know for being free (as in freedom), rigorously tested and stable. It is a popular distro for servers, but can also be used on the desktop. It's software repositories boast over 20,000 packages.

* Fedora - Supported by Redhat, Fedora is considered user friendly and one of most widely used distributions. One of the biggest advantages of Fedora is the that it is widely adopted. If you wish to use a lot of third party applications Fedora is a good choice since a lot of vendors tend to develop for it. Fedora includes an easy to use graphical installer.

* Gentoo - Gentoo was designed by Debian users who wanted a "better" system. Gentoo encourages installing from source which gives a user greater control of the install, but can also be very time consuming.

* Knoppix - Popular live-cd. This version of Linux can be run right from the CD with out installing anything on the computer. Knoppix is ideal for demonstrations and recovery. While convenient in that it can be run without installing directly to the harddrive Knoppix runs slower from the CD and it can be difficult to run programs that are not included. Knoppix does have an install option but users who have chosen that option have often had a hard time adding new software to the base install.

* Mandriva - A beginner-friendly distro that is primarily geared toward the desktop. Installation and configuration can all be done through graphical interfaces. This distro was formerly known as "Mandrake".

* openSUSE - Suse has an easy to use installer(the net install can be a little trickier) and decent hardware detection. Suse is a good and easy to configure Desktop operating system.

* Slackware - Slackware is the oldest surviving Linux distribution. It also runs on more systems and architectures than any other distro.

* ubuntu - Ubuntu is based on Debian and uses the Apt package management system (like debian). It is generally seen as a more user friendly alternative to Debian. With a simplier installer and better hardware detection.

Step 2 getting Linux.

Where do I get Linux?

You can order cd's on line, email cdimage@linux.usu.edu, come to one of our installfests, or download a cd install image.

What's a cd install image and how do I get it?

Usually an install image is a file you can burn on a cd to install all of or part of a Linux distribution. These files typically end in .iso. If you are on the USU campus you can use the local mirror. An easy to use downlad page can be found here. Or you can visit the full mirror which can be found here. If you are not on the USU campus you can use those links, but you may find a faster mirror atlinuxiso.org. Or by doing a Google search for the distribution you want, be sure to include the term iso in your search request. You may want to usebittorentto download the image. Once you have downloaded the .iso file you should be able to use your CD burning software to burn that image to a cd.