GameDude Computers - Server Solutions

What is Linux? Linux Freqently Asked Questions:

What is Linux?
Who makes Linux?
Who uses Linux?
What is a “Linux Distribution”?
Is Linux free?
Can I make copies of Linux to give to my friends?
Can I use Linux at work?
Can Linux network with my Microsoft Windows and/or Apple Macintosh computers?
Can Linux open my existing documents and files?
Is Linux easy to use?
Which virus scanners and firewalls come with Linux?
Which distribution does GameDude use?
I have more questions about Linux and/or GameDude's Linux-based systems.

What is Linux?

Linux is a free, open source operating system, made up of the central Linux core, and the GNU utilities. Linux distributions are collections of Linux and GNU programs bundled together by companies for easy installation and configuration on Desktops, Workstations and Servers. Many packages come bundled with Linux, including Word Processors, Spreadsheet programs, finance software, graphics, page-layout and CAD programs, games, web / file / application servers and many, many more.

With Linux often comes the GNU utiltiies. GNU is a project sponsored by the Free Software Foundation to create free software for public use:
http://www.gnu.org/

Who makes Linux?

Lots of people. Linux is open source, which means that anyone can contribute to it freely as per it's license agreement. Many individuals and companies big and small contribute to Linux. Some you will know already: IBM, HP, Dell, Sun, and many others. Many universities use Linux not only for teaching students, but also develop and “give back” to Linux. Any private individual or corporation may contribute to and improve Linux and the GNU utilities bundled with it.

Who uses Linux?

Lots of people. From household private users to large corporations like IBM, Sun, Air New Zealand, and plenty of Governments worldwide all use Linux. Linux makes sense to everyone, as it is cost effective and secure.

What is a “Linux Distribution”?

As mentioned, many people contribute to Linux. Likewise, many people bundle Linux and GNU programs to suit the specific needs of computer users. These pre-compiled bundles are referred to as “Linux Distributions”. Some people use their machines for word processing and emailing. Some for games. Some for servers. Some even as home entertainment systems! Just as there are many uses for the modern computer, there are many distributions of Linux available for PCs.

Is Linux free?

“Free” is a word with two meanings. A product can be free from cost (many Linux distributions are, including all the GNU/Linux software provided by GameDude Computers). But “free” can also mean “liberated”. Linux is free software in terms of the source is available to anyone.

Linux is licensed under the GPL (GNU Public License) :

http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html

The GPL enforces that all Linux source code (the code and scripts that are made into the software) is free to be downloaded and modified by any person or organisation. If people wish to modify any Linux or GNU program, they must also release the source for free under the same license. This ensures that no one individual or corporation can ever control or abuse Linux's development, and that it is always available to the public.

Likewise, any individual, corporate or organisation can audit the Linux source code at any time. With no need to sign NDAs or agreements, Linux becomes a paperwork-friendly alternative for may private and government organisations concerned about their IT security.

Can I make copies of Linux to give to my friends?

Yes! In fact, this is encouraged. Linux is community software, written by many people. The more people who use it, the better it becomes for everyone. All Linux distributions provided by GameDude Computers are able to be copied and distributed freely to anyone you like.

Can I use Linux at work?

Yes! Again, this is greatly encouraged. Linux is free from license restrictions. Unlike commercial software which forces you to pay “Client Access Licenses” or CALs (sometimes also called “seats”) for every extra user you add to your network, Linux does not require this. Whether you have 10 users or 10,000 users, you are not required to pay extra money with Linux.

Unlike some other free software, Linux is not licensed as “non-profit only”. All individuals and organisations are free to use Linux as they please, be it for study, work or entertainment.

Can Linux network with my Microsoft Windows and/or Apple Macintosh computers?

Yes! Linux distributions are bundled with thousands of free programs that will communicate with almost any other system you can imagine. The most popular for Windows and Mac users is a program called SAMBA.

http://www.samba.org/

SAMBA is a free implementation of the Windows file and print sharing language. With SAMBA installed, any Linux PC or Server can communicate and share files with other Windows or MacOSX machines.

For older Mac users, Linux is supplied with ATALK, a free implementation of Apple's appletalk system, which allows older Mac OS7, OS8 and OS9 machines supplied with network adaptors to share files with Linux machines.

Again, this is all supplied at no cost, and free from restrictive licenses. Attach as many or as few machines as you like without charge.

Linux distributions also are often bundled with industry standard Databases, Web and FTP servers, firewalls and many other networking-related programs. Linux can be easily tailor-made into almost any network device you can imagine. In fact, this very document you are reading now was written in Open Source software, and is being sent to you computer screen via Open Source programs and tools!

Can Linux open my existing documents and files?

Yes! Many tools are provided with Linux distributions to enable you to view, edit and create documents compatible with other programs. One of the most famous desktop programs to date is OpenOffice:
http://www.openoffice.org/

OpenOffice contains a fully-fledged word processor, spreadsheet, drawing package and presentation package. All of which are 100% compatible with the popular Microsoft Office utilities. There are literally thousands of other programs available that will perform similarly to the graphics, CAD, audio, desktop publishing, finance, education, science and other programs people are accustomed to using on other systems.

Is Linux easy to use?

This is a question many people ask, and is difficult to answer. Linux is supplied with a variety of desktop software. The two most popular are KDE and GNOME:

http://www.kde.org/
http://www.gnome.org/

KDE will be more familiar to Microsoft Windows users. GNOME is closer in appearance to Apple MacOS. Both feature intuitive “point and click” interfaces, and easy to read help instructions for new users. Anyone who has used a keyboard and mouse driven GUI (Graphical User Interface) in the past will be able to “learn” the Linux desktop quickly and easily.

Which virus scanners and firewalls come with Linux?

Linux is immune to PC viruses. The technical details are lengthy, but by its design, Linux is unable to be infected by a Windows-based virus, and as such does not need a virus scanner.

With that said, many people do use Linux servers for Windows file and email servers. Often they want a virus scanner on the system to protect their other Windows machines from themselves. As such, GameDude provides Clam AntiVirus:
http://www.clamav.net/

ClamAV, like Linux and the GNU utilities, is free (licensed under the GPL). The ClamAV virus list databases are updated regularly (often several times a day) and always provide quality and up-to-date virus protection free from charge or license restrictions.

Firewalling is available via the inbuilt IPTables tools provided with Linux, or through addon tools like Shoreline Firewall (or “Shorewall” for short). Again, these are free.
http://www.shorewall.net/

Which distribution does GameDude use?

GameDude Computers chooses to bundle Knoppix on it's CheapestPC desktops, as it is well known for it's ease of use to the new Linux user, and quick and easy hardware compatibility. No more hunting for drivers on obscure websites: everything works “out of the box”.

GameDude Computers bundles RedHat's Fedora Linux on server PCs. RedHat and Fedora are known for their reliability and rock solid security in the server industry for over a decade. Whether you want a small office file server for a Windows network, or massive online database and website, Fedora will meet your server needs.

I have more questions about Linux and/or GameDude's Linux-based systems.

Our technical and sales staff are available to answer any further questions you may have. Email linux@gamedude.com.au and a GameDude representative will get back to you shortly.