Melbourne PC User Group Linux Disks Available

• A Live CD - A CD which boots and runs the distribution completely from the CD without touching the hard drive. This enables you to check that the particular Linux distribution runs satisfactorily on your computer without changing anything. Then, if the Live CD runs OK, you can usually start a program which walks you through a hard disk install.
• An Install CD - A CD which can be used only to install the distribution on Hard Disk. These CDs can be used on machines with limited memory and/or disk space where the overheads of the Live CD may cause problems.
• An Install DVD - A DVD which can be used only to install the distribution on Hard Disk, although occasionally they can be used as a Live DVD as well. These are not available for all distributions, but have considerable extra software compared to the matching CD and thus can be very usefull for members who have restricted internet access. However, the CD format typically includes the most usefull application software to get you started, and if you need some extra software you can easily install it using the included software management program.

For more details about versions and formats available see the Repository News page at the Linux and OS SIG website

Members can download the Linux disk order form. Linux disks are $5.00 each collected from the office, with postage $1.00 extra for up to 3 disks.

The distributions listed below are among the most popular. They will require, unless otherwise noted, a reasonably modern machine - usually from around 2005 or later - with a 1.5GHz or faster CPU, a minimum of 512MB RAM (1GB RAM recommended) and approx. 10 GB Hard disk space. They have full featured desktops, and are able to take advantage of many 3D video hardware setups which use nvidia or ati based video cards. Intel i865 or later on board video chipsets can also use the 3D video support.

Typically these distributions include the OpenOffice Suite (Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation and Database functions), the Firefox Web Browser, an email program and software for working with digital photos, music, videos and social networks. Many are available in 32 bit and 64 bit versions.

For more detailed information on the software included with individual Linux distributions listed below, click on the logo to go to the web site for the distribution.

	Fedora - The goal of The Fedora Project is to work with the Linux community to build a complete, general purpose operating system exclusively from open source software. Development is done in a public forum. While quite stable with a full suite of applications, Fedora often includes leading edge software enabling users to evaluate the latest and greatest.
	Mandriva - Mandriva Linux (formerly Mandrakelinux) was created in 1998 with the goal of making Linux easier to use for everyone. It has a good set of applications, and its own system management utilities provide convenient access to both desktop and system configuration. One of the distributions well suited for Linux beginners.
	Mint - Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution whose goal is to provide a polished and usable distribution for first time users. The version we have is one that is set up for countries where redistribution of a few items included in the main Linux Mint CD might conflict with patent or proprietary software restrictions, and thus these items are not included. However, the user can usually obtain these from appropriate sources via the package manager and a "click through" license dialog. Overall, a good distribution for first time Linux users.
	OpenSUSE - The openSUSE project is a community program sponsored by Novell. Promoting the use of Linux everywhere, this program provides free, easy access to openSUSE, a complete Linux distribution. OpenSUSE has a very polished desktop and a huge range of extra applications from which to choose.
	PCLinuxOS - PCLinuxOS is available with either the KDE or GNOME desktop, a good selection of application programs, a downloader for the latest OpenOffice suite, and a good range of multimedia applications and browser plugins. When installed, you can run a script that takes a snapshot of your hard disk installation and creates a custom CD/DVD. The PCLinuxOS community also creates a monthly magazine which is available from the PCLinuxOS web site.
	Puppy Linux - Puppy Linux is an Australian based distribution which is small yet full featured. Primarily a "live CD", it runs completely from a RAMdisk (approx 64MB) and hence avoids the delay due to reading from a relatively slow optical drive experienced with more traditional Live CDs. A set of carefully chosen lightweight application software aims to provide a very responsive and usable Linux that "just works". Able to be configured to boot from just about any device. An excellent distribution for old machines with relatively little memory and/or disk space.
	Ubuntu (Standard Release) - Ubuntu is a complete desktop distribution available in a number of different formats, with a common base but different desktops. The main editions are Ubuntu (GNOME desktop) and Kubuntu (KDE desktop). Once up and running, a user can download and install other desktops environments in addition to the desktop originally set up. Very popular as a beginners distribution, with essential desktop software such as the Openoffice suite, Firefox browser, an email client and programs for working with photos and videos. Also available as an "Alternate CD" which has a non-GUI installation perfectly suited to older - prior to (say) 2005 - or "problem" computers with limited memory and/or disk space.
	Ubuntu Long Term Support Release(LTS) - Ubuntu LTS is a complete desktop Linux distribution freely available in a number of different formats. The Long Term Support release is intended for users that require a more stable and consistent release compared to the normal 6 monthly Ubuntu releases. Support is extended to 3 years for the LTS desktop. If you are running specialised software, or just want an installation that doesn't change too much over its lifetime you should consider this one.

	CentOS is a community of open source contributors and users. Typical CentOS users are organisations and individuals that do not need strong commercial support to operate successfully. A distribution suitable for either desktop or server, with long term community support, and a look and feel similar to Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Ideal for those who require a distribution with enterprise level stability.
	Debian - The Debian Project is an association of individuals whose collective purpose is to create a free operating system and applications. The Operating system is Debian GNU/Linux, often called Debian. The Debian project maintains many thousands of application software packages to enable convenient additions to the basic installation. Debian is used as the basis for a number of other distributions. Very suitable for the more experienced Linux user and building a custom installation on older machines.
	Knoppix - Knoppix is a bootable Live CD/DVD with a collection of GNU/Linux software, automatic hardware detection, and support for many graphics cards, sound cards, SCSI and USB devices and other peripherals. You can use the DVD version to try out a comprehensive set of Linux software without installing anything on your hard disk drive. The CD version has a lightweight desktop which can be used as a basic internet workstation or rescue disk, and you can usually copy data from an erratic Windows system to somewhere safe.
	System Rescue - SystemRescueCD is a specialised Linux system on a bootable CD-ROM for repairing your system after a crash and/or completing administration tasks such as creating and modifying hard disk partitions. A very useful distribution with both GUI and command line system utilities. Can be customised and installed on a USB "memory stick". Experienced Linux users will find this distribution very usefull.