Linux is a computer operating system and its kernel. It is among the most famous examples of free software and of open-source development. The term Linux strictly refers to the Linux kernel, but is commonly used to describe entire Unix-like operating systems (also known as GNU/Linux) that are based on the Linux kernel combined with libraries and tools from the GNU project. Linux distributions often bundle large quantities of software with the core system. It was originally developed for Intel 386 microprocessors by Linus Torvalds, but now supports a variety of computer architectures and is maintained by developers around the world. It is deployed in applications ranging from personal computers to supercomputers and embedded systems such as mobile phones and personal video recorders. Initially developed and largely used by individual enthusiasts, Linux has since gained the support of IT industry mammoths from IBM to Hewlett-Packard, and is overtaking most proprietary versions of Unix and Microsoft Windows in the server space. Proponents and many analysts attribute this success to its vendor independence, low cost of implementation, security and reliability.
The above description is from the Wikipedia "Linux" article and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
PSS-UNIX mirrors a number of freely available Linux distributions including:
The mirrors as well as other Linux software and documentation are available at ftp://linuxserv.uga.edu/pub/unix/linux/ .
UGA also has a site license for Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Installation instructions can be found at our RHN page.
Just as with any other Unix box, it is very important that you keep up with security advisories.
PSS-UNIX, formerly WSG, has created a script for keeping RPM based distributions updated called updateme. While it is no longer supported, it can still be found at ftp://linuxserv.uga.edu/pub/unix/linux/updateme-3.5.6-1.noarch.rpm. PSS-UNIX no longer supports updateme because we believe there are better technologies that accomplish the same goals. We reccommend that you use the update mechanisms provided by your distribution of choice.
Most of the information in our Red Hat 7.2 Security Tips is still valid, we plan to update this information soon.
export $LANG="en_US" The system wide setting is located in
/etc/sysconfig/i18n.