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Linux Installation and Configuration Guide for AlphaServer 7
ECG513/0100
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to discuss the basics of installation and configuration of the Linux
operating system on the Compaq AlphaServer DS10, DS20, DS20E, ES40 and AlphaStation
XP1000 computers. Numerous references to external sources and materials are used in this guide,
and Compaq recommends that you refer to these sources where additional detail is needed. You
can find an extensive list of these in Appendix A of this document.
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.
Document Structure
The structure of this document is intended to be convenient for users to follow when installing
Linux software on the AlphaServer and AlphaStation computers. There is a major section
dedicated to each platform, with subsections, which discuss hardware options, software
distributions, and software installation procedures. At the end of the document readers will find
an extensive list of external sources of information and a glossary of terms.
Distributions Overview
The discussion in this document focuses on the following two Linux distributions:
• Red Hat Software, Inc., version 6.0 only
• SuSE, Inc., version 6.1 only
All of these distributions include large amounts of software that can run in conjunction with
Linux. 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 process required configuring and installing the software.
Red Hat
Red Hat is one of the most popular distributions of Linux in the United States. It is created by
Red Hat Software, Inc. and is available through its website located at http://www.Red Hat.com.
The distribution used in the creation of this document was 6.0. This document does not
accurately reflect proceedures and requirements for any other Red Hat software version!
SuSE
SuSE is one of the most popular distributions 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
http://www.suse.com. The distribution used in the creation of this document was 6.1. This
document does not accurately reflect proceedures and requirements for any other SuSE
software version!