Firstly, what is Linux? It is a freeware Unix like operating system
originally developed by a Finish Computer Science student called Linus
Torvalds. In the last 3 years it's popularity has grown in leaps and
bounds with large amounts of software being written and exchanged via the
internet. Because of this, Linux is particularly strong in networking
software but it also has many of the usual features associated with
commercially available Unix. Although the software is freely available
on the net, most people buy distributions on CD. Companies like Red Hat,
Calderra, InfoMagic and Lasermoon in the UK provide ready built distributions
for very reasonable prices (between $20 and $90). Some distributions are
sold together with "manuals" (which are really collections of HOWTO notes)
which help users install and use Linux. Good books can also be found in
the Computer sections of large book stores.
Linux is very popular within the academic and research establishments and
also has a wide following amongst hobbyists. Most large companies are
running Linux somewhere; if they only knew where to look!
So, where does Alpha fit into this? Around a year ago, Linus expressed a
wish to port Linux to a 64-bit platform. Until then, Linux was very x86
specific. Jon (MadDog) Hall heard this and lent Linux an Alpha AXP150 PC.
Work within Digital also started at around this time (Jim Paradis in Taylor
street) and I joined in the UK last December (1994). What exists now is
Linux 1.2.8 and beyond which includes architectural support for a number of
chips/systems (including Alpha). 95% of the code is the same but Linux on
Alpha is fully 64 bits and obviously benefits from the performance
advantages of Alpha.
Why would Digital be interested in having Linux running on it's Alpha
systems and how does this affect/relate to Digital Unix? They are disjoint
and complementary. We have concentrated our efforts on low-end desk top
Alpha boards that are sold through distributors (see below). No one is
going to port Linux to a Turbo-Laser. I see Linux on Alpha as having a viable
place in the academic and research establishments, as black box packaged
solutions (eg web servers) and as X terminals.
The following is a summary of where Linux on Alpha is right now, but for
fully up to date information, I suggest that you look at the web site:
http://www.azstarnet.com/~axplinux
The Status of Linux on Alpha is (as of 22nd September 1995):
1.2.8 release kit available and shipping on Yggdrasil CD set,
1.2.<latest> available via the network (see web site) as is lots
of pre-built software (X, compilers and so on),
Currently supported systems are AxpPCI33 (TOEM) and AlphaPC64 (Digital
Semiconductor/TOEM) systems (although I've heard that
Multia is running it),
Working with Red Hat, Calderra, XFree86 and Lasermoon to add pre-build
Alpha Linux software onto their CDs.
If you want more information, then mail me or better still, drop round and
see me in DEC Park II, Reading (REO2-FB3).
Dave
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David A Rusling david.rusling@reo.mts.dec.com
Principal Engineer Digital Equipment Co. Limited
European Semiconductor P.O. BOX 121
Applications Engineering Imperial Way,
Worton Grange
Reading RG2 0TU
UK
UK-(0)1734-204380
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