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In article <sZJqVB8w165w@willard.UUCP> ninja@willard.UUCP writes:
>
> what is linux ?????
> how does it compare with other PC unix systems ????
> where do I get it from ???
>
>
>--
>ninja@willard.UUCP (Sonic Druid)
>gatech!vdbsan!willard!ninja
>emory!uumind!willard!ninja
>Willard's House BBS, Atlanta, GA -- +1 (404) 664 8814
Linux is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system written exclusively
for the Intel 386/486 architecture (thereby maximizing the use of the
386/486 protected mode features and task primitives). The Linux kernel
implements many features not always found in commercial Unixes, such
as:
[*] Demand paging with copy-on-write
[*] Demand loading of executables
[*] Page sharing of executables
[*] Shared libraries
[*] 3GB virtual process size
[*] Dynamic buffer cache
[*] Virtual memory using a swap partitions and/or multiple
swap files
[*] POSIX job control
[*] Virtual consoles
[*] Dynamic pty's
[*] Complete 387-emulation
[*] Support for several international keyboards
[*] Support for serial and bus mice
[*] VFS (Virtual File System) allowing various types of file
systems. Presently supported in the kernel: MINIX
compatible fs, Extended fs (4TB per partition, 16GB per
file, 255 character filenames), DOS fs (to mount your
existing DOS partitions).
To run Linux, you will need:
[*] A 386 or 486 machine with an ISA-bus. EISA machines
also work if the expansion cards are compatible with their
ISA counterparts, but Linux won't be able to take
advantage of the new features offered by EISA. MCA is
not currently supported.
[*] A hard disk implementing the standard AT hard disk
interface (i.e. IDE, RLL, MFM, etc.). Several SCSI
adapters are also supported.
[*] A high-density disk drive, either 5.25" (1.2MB) or 3.5"
(1.44MB).
[*] At least 2 megabytes of memory, although 4 MB is a
good idea for most applications.
[*] A Hercules, CGA, EGA, or VGA video card. Xfree86
currently only supports VGA, and only a few chipsets
(ET4000 is the most common) are supported in the higher
(SVGA) resolutions.
The FAQ for Linux along with the SLS distribution (a handy way to get all the neat stuff, including X11) can be found on tsx-11.mit.edu in the pub/linux directory. The info above is from an article that will be published in the March '93 issue of UnixWorld detailing how to get and install Linux. I'd be happy to answer any questions (if I can) or you can check out comp.os.linux.