Linux Distributions
We are using at the D-ITET a self-made Linux Distribution which bases on the Debian Sarge distribution. This distribution allows us simple a new creation or updating of a release, security updates and much more (see also in the sections below).
- In principle, most of the Linux distributions are very similar in their functionality and usage, because they all use a similar Linux Kernel and all are based on free tools (GNU Tools, KDE, GNOME, etc). Notable differences are other update mechanisms, graphical tools and the offer of packaged and easy installable programs.
The most popular distributions at the moment are: Debian Linux, Ubuntu Linux, Novell SuSE, Redhat or Fedora.
- If you install such a distribution on your PC at home you have a computer environment that is very much like what you are used to from the Tardis cluster.
Specialities of the ISG.EE Linux Workstations
Automounter: for floppies, CDROMs and DVDs, USB- and firewire-storage devices Infos for CDROMs / DVDs and USB/Firewire .
XFree86 and graphic card drivers We are using the XFree86 from Debian Sarge 4.3.99 and using a mechanism to load the proprietary driver from the graphic card manufacturer (mostly nVidia).
OpenGL: Have a look at the following article, if you like to compile OpenGL applications:compiling OpenGL applications
Ubuntu + ISG.EE Add-Ons / Neptun Linux Image
To provide a usable Linux distribution for the students and employees of D-ITET, we costumized the Ubuntu Linux installation so that it includes additional packages ("ISG.EE Add-Ons") for the integration in the environment of the ETH Zurich. The resulting distribution we call Ubuntu + ISG.EE Add-Ons. Ubuntu Linux is very user friendly and "just works"! Further information for Ubuntu + ISG.EE Add-Ons is available through: https://linux.ee.ethz.ch
Some Linux Links
Linux Documentation Project (LDP) The Linux Documentation Project (LDP) is working on developing good, reliable documentation for the Linux operating system.
Debian Anwenderhandbuch Description of the installation and configuration of Debian Linux distribution (German)
Linux Weekly News Partially commercial service which fetches all informations on Linux (Kernel, Development, Distributions, Apps) and shows them in a summary.
Freshmeat.Net Freshmeat is a website with a frequently (daily) updated list of new Linux/Unix software packages.