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8
ECG513/0399
Distributions Overview
The discussion in this paper covers the following three prominent Linux distributions:
x
Red Hat Software, Inc.
x
SuSE, Inc.
x
Caldera Systems, Inc.
All of these distributions include large amounts of software that can run in conjunction with
Linux, including the Apache web server. This guide will not analyze the available software by
distribution nor give a comparison of the software from one distribution to another. The focus of
the guide is exclusively on the base Linux operating system and the Apache web server, and the
components common to all three distributions.
Red Hat
Red Hat is one of the more popular versions of Linux in the United States. It is maintained by
Red Hat Software, Inc. and is available through its website located at
www.redhat.com.
SuSE
SuSE is one of the more popular versions of Linux in Europe and is gaining in popularity in the
United States. It is maintained by SuSE, Inc. and is available through its website located at
www.suse.com
.
Caldera
Caldera is another popular Linux distribution. It is maintained by Caldera Systems, Inc. and is
available through its website at
www.calderasystems.com
.
Management Summary
Each distribution vendor includes operating system and application management tools that form a
common base across one or more distributions. Red Hat’s Package Management (RPM) format,
for instance, is a commonly used software distribution mechanism. Other tools, such as each
vendor’s setup program, are specific to a particular distribution. This guide does not provide
discussion of the Operating System Management (OSM). For detailed information on the OSM,
you should refer to the particular distribution vendor.
Overview of Tests
Software Overview
Testing of the Apache web server was conducted on the Compaq ProLiant 1850R, Compaq
ProLiant 1600 and 1600R, and the Prosignia Server 720. The ProLiant 1600 and the ProLiant
1600R is identical in every respect, with one exception, the ProLiant 1600 is a tower model and
the ProLiant 1600R is a rack-mount model. Each server was tested using the following software:
