|
Linux/BSD
|
|
|
|
Computer Buzz has sifted through most of the significant Linux-oriented websites and come up with a list of same for your consideration. The following list does not contain any proprietary or single-flavor sites (e.g., Red Hat, SUSE, Mandriva, etc.). All of these sites are general interest sites that have information and/or downloads for dozens, if not hundreds, of different Linux distributions.
Most websites that feature Linux also include at least a few major distros of BSD, the branch of Unix that lends itself to free and open experimentation. While there are approximately 600 active Linux distros now, there are only a couple of dozen BSDs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
LinuxCD.org
|
|
At LinuxCD you can purchase a large selection of Linux and BSD distros on CDs for $1.59 and on DVDs for $5.75. We used to order from these guys all the time, and we never had any reason to regret it. We stopped ordering from them when we finally noticed that we could download the exact same disk image ISOs from them for free. Duh.
This is a class act, and Computer Buzz highly recommends LinuxCD.
Official Website: www.linuxcd.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
MadTux.org
|
|
The name of this website is a takeoff on Tux, the penguin mascot for Linux. It claims to have the world's largest dedicated Linux ISO download repository with over 3 TeraBytes of ISO images. You can certainly download all of the major distros here and many of the lesser ones. MadTux has servers in California and Washington, DC that are connected to the Internet via multiple Gigabit ethernet links. You can download the Linux disk images for free, and they also have an online store where you can purchase a brand new Pentium PC with Linux installed on the HD for $179.
We're still not sure what Tux is mad about.
Official Website: www.MadTux.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linux Online
|
|
Linux Online is one of the best of the best in our opinion. They have a VERY large list of Linux and BSD distros for you to download. And you can search through their download list using filters for language, category, and platform. And, of course, they offer relevant news stories, freeware application downloads, and all the rest.
Official Website: www.linux.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
On-Disk.com
|
|
On-Disk sells Linux CDs and DVDs through the mails. Unlike some other websites, they offer no free downloads. They claim to be the "first Open Source product distribution service to be geared specifically to help these hard working developers pay the bills." In other words, part of the proceeds of their sales go to the folks who write the distros. O-D's prices are just about the highest we've surveyed, although they are still quite affordable. Prices for different products vary in a manner that is not totally predictable, but a DVD will average about $6, and a CD will be anywhere from $4 to $6.
Official Website: www.On-Disc.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linux Distro Timeline
|
|
This is just a one-page website, but we think its important enough to warrant an honorable mention. It is a schematic diagram showing how the various versions of Linux have developed from the earliest distros to the present. Of course, it cannot depict every single one of the almost 1000 Linux distros that have ever appeared, but it certainly does a nice job of tracking all the significant ones.
Official Website: www.DistroTimeLine.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
OSDisc.com
|
|
OSDisc is another excellent website for people interested in purchasing their Linux and BSD on CD/DVD instead of downloading it. They have a large selection of distros, and Computer Buzz is numbered among their satisfied customers. A CD will cost you $1.95 and a DVD will run $5.95. Worldwide shipping is free on all orders of $20 or more. There are no free downloads here.
Official Website: www.OSDisc.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
LinuxTracker
|
|
LinuxTracker is a website that provides free Linux distros and open source applications exclusively via bit torrents. If you're not familiar with bit torrents, please take a quick look at the info elsewhere on Computer Buzz at:
http://www.Computer Buzz.com/Computer-Buzz/Directory-cat.asp?media1Id=1302
LinuxTracker also has a forum where you can trade misinformation with other Linux enthusiasts. This is clearly one of the major Linux sites on Earth, and we recommend it.
Official Website: http://linuxtracker.org/
|
|
|
|
|
|
DistroWatch: The Big Enchilada
|
|
DistroWatch is undoubtedly the one single most popular Linux/BSD website on Planet Earth at this time. This is a one-man show published by Ladislav Bodnar, an eastern Europen living somewhere in the South Pacific. Whether you're a Linux newbie or an old pro, DistroWatch is where you'll want to check out and download (mostly for free) the newest Linux OS versions first thing every morning.
DistroWatch is reviewed in greater depth elsewhere on the Computer Buzz website.
Official Website: http://distrowatch.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linux Format
|
|
Linux Format is the website for a hard-copy magazine of the same name published in the UK. They have any number of discussion forums going at any one time. The site really doesn't have much that you'd want to download, but their magazine archives are online and available to all.
Official Website: http://www.linuxformat.co.uk/
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Back to Reviews Page |
|
