KYZO

KYZO’s unique LinuxROM distribution runs entirely from a bootable Flash ROM, which gives you the server system security, reliability, and ease of use that isn’t available from hard drive-based operating systems. The KYZO LinuxROM distributions use a special compact flash card and circuit board with an IDE connector to turn any PC into a file, print and CD servers, Internet and VPN gateway, and Web cache services. It eliminates the use of the hard drive to improve reliability. KYZO provides demonstration versions for download at www.kyzo.com/.

FlightLinux

FlightLinux is a concept that uses a real-time variation of the Open Source Linux Operating System for onboard spacecraft use. The Open Source Linux concept with a modified, real-time, embeddable kernel better addresses the unique problems of spacecraft onboard computers. FlightLinux is the subject of a NASA Advanced Information System Technology (AIST) research effort. More information is available at http://flightlinux.gsfc.nasa.gov/.

LEM

LEM is an embedded version of Linux that can fit on less than an 8 Meg Disk Partition (Base install + Graphical User Interface). LEM is supported by Mandrake Linux, is based on Mandrake 6.1, and is easily scalable. The base version includes all the basic shell commands. You can also add Xfree SVGA windows system, and TCP/IP is built-in. This is not the smallest embedded version of Linux, but LEM may be used when an X windows server is needed. The LEM distribution is available at http://linux-embedded.com/.

NetMAX

NetMAX Linux is a good example of how companies can use Open Source distributions to create a niche for themselves. NetMAX is based on Red Hat, and provides services that range from file servers to ISP (Internet Service Provider) hosting. The customized version of Red Hat allows NetMAX to sell the distribution at a premium and creates an easy-to-use software package that non-technical users can implement. Although Netmax provides an excellent niche solution for ISPs, all of these types of services are available from other distributions without the complex licensing that NetMAX uses. NetMAX is available at www.netmax.com/.

Packages and Packaging Solutions

1.7 Identify strengths and weaknesses of different distributions and their packaging solutions (e.g., tar ball vs. RPM/DEB)

40 Part I Linux Basics

Almost every distribution listed in the preceding sections originally began as a customized version of the Red Hat or Debian distribution. Several outstanding distributions were not originally created from one of these distributions, but most distributions include many of the same GNU packages. A package is a set of binary code that creates a program, which can be as simple as PING or as complex as an Office suite application. These binary code sets are packaged together to allow a user to download one file that contains an entire program, instead of all the individual files that comprise the program. These packages are usually compressed and sometimes use a package manager. The most common package types are Tarball, RPM, and DEB. Each of these package types provides the package in a single file.

Red Hat Package Manager

One of the most popular tools for the installation of applications and programs is the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM), which was originally created for the Red Hat distribution. RPM is an open utility available to everyone and is distributed under the GNU GPL. RPM provides features that make it easier for users to maintain a Linux system by enabling the RPM to control installing, uninstalling, and upgrading software packages. The advantages of RPM are outlined in the following list:

RPM manages upgrading to allow the intelligent, fully automated, in-place upgrades of your system including notification of needed software dependencies.

RPM supports powerful queries that search through individual files to indicate which package a file belongs to; these queries also search through entire system databases for the installed packages.

RPM can perform system verification. For example, when a user deletes files, the RPM can verify that no files required for a package have been deleted. If a file required by a package has been deleted, RPM will identify which file (or files) is missing and the package can be reinstalled.

RPM supports the Pristine Sources concept, which can provide the original source software with any patches that were used.

A complete set of instructions is also included to provide details to users of the RPM package. Packages with Red Hat Package Manager use the extension of .rpm. For more information on the RPM, see www.redhat.com.

Debian Package Management System

Much like the Red Hat Package Manager, the Debian Package Management System is used to create easier installation of packages from binary code containing executables, configuration files, MAN/info pages, copyright information, and other documentation. These packages are distributed in a Debian-specific archive format that uses the .deb extension.