Introducing Linux-Plus free distribution

Objective of Linux-Plus Core

Important notes on Linux and Open Source S/W

Main contents of Linux-Plus Core

Additional modules

Hardware Requirements

Introducing Linux-Plus free distribution (contd.)

A team of experts at Linux-Plus handled all necessary modifications so that the new distribution would meet the needs of Arab users. They also made sure the distribution would fit on a single CD instead of three as is the case with the usual distribution without compromising the functionality of the original Fedora Linux distribution. The compliment distribution also comprises an array of applications that are not part of the Fedora release, but will be of great use to Arab users, Sobhy added.

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Objective of Linux-Plus Core

The prime objective behind releasing Linux-Plus Core, which is freely distributed by Loghat Al Asr nationwide and across the Arab world, is to help young people learn to use open source software so that we would ultimately have technically-equipped and reliable cadres. That way we may have a chance to keep abreast of global developments in the domain of Linux OS and open source software in general.

It is indeed noteworthy that the trend to use Linux and open source software is sweeping all over the world. To name only a few examples, both China and Germany publicly switched to Linux and open source software applications in all their government organizations and institutions.

Sobhy further explained that the worldwide movement to adopt open source systems is not only limited to governments, but has managed to find its way to gigantic multinational companies such as Toyota and Amazon, as well as many other large-scale economic organizations, banks and stock exchanges. Hence, it is imperative that we go in line with this global drive by introducing to PC users in Egypt and the entire Arab world Linux OS and offering them as much help as can, so that we would not be left lagging behind in this area. Linux-Plus has therefore decided to join hands with Al Ahram in what comes as a first step that will surely be followed by vast leaps in the future.

In brief, this distribution offers all kinds of utilities one would need to perform daily desktop tasks easily and smoothly, all on a single CD. The CD comprises a complete operating system, akin to Windows, along with complete office application package Open Office-, an internet browser, as well as other applications needed by most users on daily basis. It ought to be marked that Open Office package is able to open and read all MS Office files, all types of images and all web files with all formats.

Another important advantage of using Linux over Windows is that it is immune to all kinds of viruses that infect Windows applications and files. Besides, Linux is accompanied by a variety of applications, software and games, all freely downloadable online. In addition, Linux applications multiply by the day. Significantly, Linux is very close to Unix OS, produced and used by renowned multinational companies such as IBM, Sun and HP. Linux specialists are therefore able to find numerous job opportunities both in Egypt and abroad.

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Important notes on Linux and Open Source S/W

In order to genuinely assess the true capabilities of Linux, it is important to realize that it is made up of several open source software modules that are rapidly developed almost on daily basis by a team of experts throughout the world which, in turn, makes it the fastest-growing system worldwide.

Before reviewing the components of the new distribution and how to install and run it, it is necessary to make the following points clear:

1. The CD comprises an operating system, an office software package, and an internet browser, which makes the distribution a consummate and powerful replacement for users instead of Windows, MS Office and Explorer, etc., all using open source software and mechanisms.

2. Open source software is licensed to all users permitting them to use it. Users, however, are not entitled to sell open source software or claim its ownership. To find detailed information on open source software license, visit the GNU website; www.gnu.org.

3. Open source software is far more developed, reliable and confidential than closed source software. Linux is generally safe from all kinds of viruses - MS Windows users' worst nightmare- .

4. This particular Linux distribution supports Arabic and its related applications. Besides, it is easy to use as it operates according to XWindow. It is thus quite similar to all MS Windows applications. Further, you can install and run Linux on the same PC while retaining Windows, and choose to start the system using either of them. You can also read and use many of the files present under Windows, after having booted the system with Linux.

5. What is the value of having many Linux distributions? Is not Linux an OS similar to Windows?

The answer is yes, but since all components are based on open source technology, some companies have compiled these components, tested them and added to them a group of applications, tools and utilities to facilitate using the system. They also offer technical support and training services. Linux systems are then issued under their names such as the various Red Hat^TM distributions, Fedora^TM, Suse^TM, Mandrake^TM and others.

It should be pointed out here that all major components of these distributions, such as the Kernel, XWindow and the various interfaces (KDE and GNOME), are all completely based on open source technology and not produced by any of these companies. Companies, however, develop the tools and utilities such as the system administration, printers and users administration, Network Management utilities... etc.

In brief, in order to put together this special distribution, a group of the most important OS modules, supporting utilities, application packages from the standard Fedora Linux distribution were compiled and verified in order to be all distributed on a single CD. As such, the Linux-Plus Core distribution constitutes the nucleus of the first Arab Egyptian Linux distribution. The distribution will also be nurtured, developed and regularly distributed among users later on. We hope the distribution would live up to your expectations and contribute in developing users' capabilities in this direction in Egypt and around the Arab countries.

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The Standard Contents of Linux-Plus Core

Linux-Plus Core consists of the following modules, which are standard modules of Fedora Core 1 operating system :

• The kernel through which the system deals with the user on one hand and the PC on the other. Further, the kernel also manages the operating and all components of the PC.
• The files system which manages users' files or the OS files and also divides the hard disk.
• The desktop and XWindows system, which corresponds to the Windows OS on Microsoft systems. The desktop software is concerned with running and managing various applications using the mouse.
• Internet-related software such as an e-mail software and an Internet browser etc.
• Office package software, a spread sheet software, a writer and an Impress software.
• Development tools used in creating databases, creating and designing Internet websites as well as tools used in writing and developing software and various applications. It is noteworthy that developing tools must be bought separately in case of close source operating systems.
• Different kinds of servers software, including mail servers, Web servers and others, all of which are not available on Windows, but have to be separately purchased.
• A variety of tools, including a text editor, system administration software, printers administration utilities, networks management and other similar tools.

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Modifications and Additional Modules

In light of this simplified and very brief explanation of the regular components of the Fedora Linux OS, it should be noted that the Linux-Plus Core comprises additional utilities so that the CD would stand as the ideal solution to Arab users who wish to use Fedora along with the additional utilities, without needing to look for them, or to develop them themselves. The distribution is all set and ready to be used straightaway. The additional packages and the main modifications can be summarized as follows:

1. The basic installer program:

The installer is the first and the most difficult step to be successfully handled, making it easier for the CD to reach users. The installer has been especially developed so as to accept all the modifications that will be named shortly. Through the installer, some preset software was used, thus enabling the normal user to install all software he wants very easily.

2. Office Application Package - OpenOffice 1.1:

3. Chatting software:

An online chatting software was also added. The software is capable of dealing with various types of chatting techniques such as Yahoo, ICQ and MSN, all at the same time, which is an important and unique privilege for users to enjoy.

4. Graphics software:

The distribution also contains GIMP, an outstanding software in managing pictures and drawings that is, to a great extent, similar to Photoshop. To find out more about this software, please visit www.gimp.org

The distribution also includes Kuick show, another graphics software package that views pictures and drawings, is very easy to operate and is able to handle and open most types of pictures.

5. Internet browsers:

The CD includes two of the best Internet browsers; the first is Mozilla, the 2003 Best Browser award-winning, which is widely acclaimed for its efficiency and ability to handle different types of web pages.

The second is Konqueror which undertakes the same jobs that Mozilla performs in addition to the ability to view system files.

6. Audio and video players:

The distribution includes XMMS which, by far, resembles Winamp, i.e. it is capable of playing MP3 files in addition to various types of audio files. Another software package was added to play video files of various types such as: avi, mpg, wmv, mov etc.

The CD also includes a RealPlayer package that performs similar functions.

7. Development and language tools:

General programming languages such as C and C++ were added, in addition to scripting languages such as Perl, PHP and Python.

The distribution also includes a database software package. Notably, the world-renowned MySQL package has been added, being one of the most powerful databases and at the same time one of the fastest and easiest to learn.

Added to all the above are the development tools which contribute in making programmers' job easier. That way, Linux-Plus Core offers a complete set of development tools for those interested in learning development and using it to produce Linux-based applications. Expanding the use and development of open source software tops our list of goals.

8. Various Servers:

Linux-Plus Core, as part of the Fedora distribution, comprises the following servers:

Sendmail Server: an email administration server which is, by far, the most popular in this field worldwide.

Apache Server: also the most popular Web server across the world. It is noteworthy that the Apache server, together with the scripting language PHP and the MySQL, all enable users to design their own web site and upload whatever data they wish easily and without having to purchase any outside component. This is evidently am umquestionably powerful replacement for similar Windows-based software such as IIS, ASP, and MS Access.

Samba: which is largely the most important server for Windows software users through which they can access files on other computers through a Windows-operated LAN and share all files on these computers as well as use and administrate printers and other connected devices.

9. General tools:

Some tools that Windows users are accustomed to were also included so they would not feel that that something is missing in the new Linux distribution. Among these tools are:

• Karchiver, an electronic file archiving software capable of compressing and decompressing files
• K3b, a software for burning CDs or DVDs with an easy-to-use interface

In addition to modems and printers administration utilities and LAN administration utilities, all of which are basic tools available in the original the Fedora distribution.

We highlighted in detail only those features added to the Fedora distribution in order to encourage new users to switch to the Linux environment, use its development tools and benefit from all the advantages it offers. Conversely, most such features and tools are not available in the close source operating systems but have to be purchased separately.

Required hardware specifications for installing Linux-Plus Core are:

To install Linux-Plus Core on a PC that is already running under Windows and without altering the Windows files as is the case with most new users users are advised to follow the detailed instructions listed in the Linux installation chapter in Introduction to Red Hat Linux Operating system, which was distributed with Loghat Al Asr magazine issued on August 2004, "Installation" chapter (pages 7 to 25) as well as the Fedora Linux notes (page 222). Alternatively, the instructions can be downloaded from:

http://www.linux4arab.com/files/RH9-Book-Net2.pdf

It is important to note, however, that installing Linux-Plus Core on your PC will be preformed completely using One CD instead of three CDs in case of installing "Red Hat 9" described in the book.

Installation options:

Having gone through the exciting journey of installing Linux-Plus Core together, let us again stress that this is only the beginning. You are now standing on the threshold of the vast realm of open source software. We sincerely hope you will take further steps in the fields of programming, development, technical support etc.

Further, we eagerly hope that Linux-Plus Core would only be the nucleus of our own Arab and Egyptian Linux distribution. The idea is, by no means, far-fetched. We pride ourselves on hundreds, if not thousands, of university and institution students across the Arab world, who look forward to arduous, yet rewarding, work. Let us all, therefore join hands and work for the prosperity and progress of our Arab nation.

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