Re: Linux Testing

[Jordan Bettis <jordanb@m-net.arbornet.org>]

On Mon, 1 May 2000, Richard Esqueda wrote:

> 
> I would like to be a beta linux tester.  I've heard a lot about Linux
> Operating System.  I am a Associate Information Systems Analys for the
> State of Calif.  I do system admin on their network.  We currently use
> Windows NT as our operating system with some Dos systems using Windows
> 3.11.  My Name is Richard Esqueda
> you can send me the software to  671 E. Vartikian Ave.  Fresno, Ca.
> 93710.  


I think you are missing some of the more important things about
Linux. There is no 'beta testing' in the way that you are thinking of
it. Since Linux is free software, the code is freely avaluable for anyone
to view or modify. Companies sell 'distributions' of Linux that have all
the components of the system (as well as a great deal of other free
software and a nifty install program). If you're new to the Unix world,
you'll most likely want to get a easy distro like Red Hat, Corel, or
Mandrake. 

I need to digress here for a moment, Linux is released while it is being
developed, so it has in interesting naming scheme. This box has kernel 
2.2.12 on it. The second number is what is important, because it is even,
which means that it is a 'stable' version of the Linux, which is equevlent
to the finished product that a company would sell it's customers. 2.2.x is
still in development although it evolves slowly, mostly through bug fixes.

The kernel that is in very active development is currently the 2.3.99
kernel (I think that is what the current minor version is, but it changes
rapidly on the unstable kernels). This kernel is called the 'unstable'
kernel and is akin to the development version that a company would beta
test. 

If you wish to do kernel hacking (or just be helpful with bug
reports) you'll want to get this kernel. It won't come with your distro
so you will have to download it off of an ftp site. (I think
sunsite.unc.edu has current unstables of Linux). It will come as source
code which you will have to compile and install (which should be covered
by your Linux distro's documents). http://www.linuxdoc.org is a helpful
spot for information. 

I just checked, you can get 2.3.x kernels at:
ftp://metalab.unc.edu/pub/Linux/kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.3

You also might want to look at http://www.fsf.org for notes on free
software. 

Jordan Bettis.
 "Damn it! Somebody spiked my coffee with water"  --Larry Wall


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