Unix FAQ

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Question

Hi Expert
I want to start learning Linux... But I don't know anything about it. At this time, I am a PHP and MySQL developer, but todays a developer need to learn working by Linux, too.I have heard a lot about Linux. I know there is a lot of versions of Linux, such as SUSE or Redhat. But as a developer, which one is better to start?

I heard that it is necessary to knoe how to compile Linux, and I will need a lot of information about the kernel and other specifications about it. How much is it true? As a developer, need I information about compiling or building Linux?

These persons told me for the above reasons, it is recommended to use an older version of Linux (instead of recently published versions, look like Windows). Are you in agree with them?
Thanks a lot,
Amir.

Answer

Amir,

You are not alone. I've responded to several people in recent months who have asked similar questions.

If you've only been used to using Windows, then probably the most difficult thing to get to grips with is the command line - "shell" in Unix jargon. If you're a developer though it should not be that much of an issue.

At this time, I am a PHP and MySQL developer, but todays a developer
need to learn working by Linux, too. I have heard a lot about Linux. I know there is a lot of versions of Linux, such as SUSE or Redhat. But as a developer, which one is better
to start?

Linux is a developer's dream come true. Just about every programming language ever created is available free.

Traditionally SUSE has been regarded as the better distribution for developers, but that's for 'C', 'Fortran', etc. If you're going to continue to focus on web development then either SUSE or Redhat will fit your needs fine. The 'personal' editions of both come with all the programming languages you're interested in.

If you're focusing on web development you may want to ensure you get one with the Apache webserver included - I'm not sure if the personal editions include it.

Just because you choose one particular distribution you aren't tied to that for life. We're talking about Linux here, and you can mix & match later on if you find the need.

There are some useful software links on my page;
http://argray.org/unixfaq/appsw.html

I heard that it is necessary to knoe how to compile Linux, and I will need a lot of information about the kernel and other specifications about it. How much is it true? As a developer, need I information about compiling or building Linux?

It's certainly a useful skill but I wouldn't say it was essential. All the good open source software is available in 'RPM' format. This allows you to install software on SUSE and Redhat and other other distribution that support it, without having to compile.

BTW You definitely don't won't need information about the kernel. Whoever told you this is at least 5 years out of date.

These persons told me for the above reasons, it is recommended to use an older version of Linux (instead of recently published versions, look like Windows. Are you in agree with them?

No, I definitely do not agree with this.

With Linux it's always best to get the latest versions as Linux improves with every release. If you get an older version you risk compatibility problems with your hardware (assuming you've got newish h/w).

This is especially true if you intend to be installing RPMs later. Stuff like shared libraries (DLL's if you like) are revised frequently and you may have trouble with RPMs needing more recent libraries than you have.

You can get away with older versions if you have the skills to be able build programs and libraries. It's doesn't sound like you want to be doing this, at least initially.

The two main GUIs for Linux are KDE and Gnome. KDE is more widely used and is my preference. Gnome is newer and arguably less stable. Gnome has been choosen by the likes
of Sun, HP and IBM as their next generation user interface.

Some of the distributions are trying to put a Windows type front-end on Linux. Most of these are actually customised versions of KDE (http://www.kde.org). Again I should stress these are just GUI fronts for Linux, what goes on "under-the-hood" is essentially the same for all the distributions.

If you are trying to learn Linux to skill yourself up for the corporate world you probably want to stick to Redhat, with possibly SUSE as a second choice. Redhat defaults to Gnome but KDE is an install option. SUSE uses KDE.

If however you want a gentle introduction to Linux there are a couple of distributions that may feel more comfortable;

Xandros http://www.xandros.com/

Windows like GUI (KDE based), boot sequence. Simple installation
Uses RPM (a major plus for you)
Built-in support for many Window apps. - uses Wine
http://www.winehq.org/

Lindows http://www.lindows.com/

The most faithful reproduction of the Windows XP UI available,
they even have Drive letters (!).
Click&Run application download's and upgrades
Built-in support for many Windows apps, again Wine based.
[ I'm not sure about RPM support. ]

Distribution	comments
Redhat	Probably the biggest Linux distribution, seem to be focusing on corporate market currently. Gnome is standard GUI, KDE an option.
Suse	The one I know the best, good software installation (YaST) and excellent GUI setup (Sax). KDE is standard GUI. One of the few to still include substantial printed documentation.
Debian	Installation is probably the most involved of all distributions. Focus with Debian is reliability and staying up-to-date. This is probably best left to aficionados and advanced Linux users.
Xandros	Look & Feel mimics Windows, though not so much as to irritate most experienced Linux users. Based on Debian though with considerably more friendly o/s and package installation. Good support for running native Windows application via Wine.
Gentoo	Lightweight approach to Linux install which downloads and builds applications as they are requested. Results in lower disk usage and above average performance. Best suited to mid & advanced Linux users.
Lindows	Probably the state-of-the-art in Windows lookalikes - even replicates Windows Drive letters(!). Features 'Click&Run' download, install & update of applications. Lindows has been described as Linux with training wheels.
Desktop/LX	Windows XP look + Control panel. KDE is the default GUI and many of the cpu intensive graphic options are enabled by default.
Mandrake	Generally reckoned to be the easiest distribution to install. KDE is standard GUI, Gnome an option.
Knoppix	Run's from CD. No installation. Good for people who want to try but not commit to Linux.