Linux at BU -- Frequently Asked Questions

BU Linux Distribution
	Why should I use your distro instead of one of the many others?
		When you install BU Linux, your machine will be configured to work with the computing environment here right away — no tweaking to get things to go. We've added security fixes and a bunch of applications we think you might find helpful. Our goal is to make BU Linux the best choice for any system connected to the BU network. Furthermore, the install process is simple and easy — the install program has been modified for BU as well. (But we've also retained the ability for expert users to control what happens more directly, if they choose.) And of course, it's completely free.
	What versions of BU Linux are currently supported?
		The latest release, BU Linux 4.0 (Bossanova), will be supported until August 31, 2006. BU Linux 3.0 (Doolittle) will be supported until at least August 31, 2005. Since Red Hat / Fedora has moved to a very short product lifetime, we're working on options for maintaining the release for a reasonable time beyond that limit, aiming for a two-year lifecycle. The previous releases, Gigantic (2.5), Surfer Rosa (2.0), Caribou (1.1), and Come on Pilgrim (1.0) are no longer supported. So, in summary: 4.0 (Bossanova): supported through August 2006 3.0 (Doolittle): supported through August 2005 2.5 (Gigantic): unsupported 2.0 (Surfer Rosa): unsupported 1.1 (Caribou): unsupported 1.0 (Come on Pilgrim): unsupported
	Can I install BU Linux entirely from CD?
		Only network-based installations are supported. Since the distribution is highly network-oriented, this shouldn't be a problem in most cases.
	Can I get the installer on a floppy disk?
		Not for the latest release, but the older 3.0 (Doolittle) installer is able to start from floppies. However, we still recommend using the CD whenever possible, as floppies are slow and very unreliable. A brand-new CD-ROM drive costs about as much as a box of floppy disks anyway.
	What platforms does BU Linux run on?
		Currently, we support x86-processor based systems — anything from a 586 with 64MB of RAM up to a latest-model Athlon or Pentium IV boxes. We do not currently support PowerPC, Sparc, MIPS, or Alpha systems, but are considering at least some of these platforms for future releases. An x86_64 (Athlon64) release is also planned.
	Will you have root on my box?
		If you're a department we support, or if you want IT Operations to do backups for you, then yes. But otherwise, no — you're still in control.
	Why is your distribution based on Red Hat's?
		We made this decision for both political and technical reasons. The first political reason is that Red Hat has historically demonstrated a strong commitment to free / open source software and the GPL. And second, Red Hat Linux is the most popular distribution out there, so people are familiar with it. The technical reasons are: first, Red Hat is very good about putting out security updates, reducing the amount we have to do ourselves. Second, RPM has some advantages over Debian's packaging system when it comes to making a derived distribution. And third, it really is a good distribution and already fits nicely with our goals.
	How does BU Linux differ from Red Hat Linux?
		Although the core of BU Linux is very similar to that of Fedora Core (any packages written specifically for RH should work fine), there are many key differences. Among them: Network install tailored for the BU environment. The install program asks fewer questions, because it already knows many of the answers. Works with centralized BU login names and Kerberos authentication. Users don't need to have local passwords. (Local passwords and NIS will still work if desired.) The new '`useradd -K`' command-line option automatically configures Global UID compliant accounts. Since version 3.0, the `redhat-config-users` graphical tool also does automatic lookup of BU login names. You can access this program by logging into X as root using the default session, or by logging in as a regular user and choosing it from the System Settings menu. Tighter default security, making BU Linux systems safe to run in labs out of the box (when appropriate physical/hardware-access security is in place). Essential updates are automatically installed via `aptomatic` (which is much more robust than the earlier autorpm system). This makes it simple to keep your system up-to-date with the latest security fixes. You can also use `apt-get` or its graphical counterpart `synaptic` to install packages which you don't have on your system. OpenSSH configured for BU network. This is the preferred method for connecting between systems, replacing the older and much less secure telnet and rsh. For BU Linux 4.0: OpenAFS allows access to campus-licensed programs like Matlab, Mathematica, SPlus, and Maple. (Please check with us for licensing and access details.) Local system administrators (in the group wheel) have `sudo` privileges, allowing secure and logged access to administrative functions. Members of wheel will also have sudo-like acceses to the new graphical config tools. Automatic root alias management system attempts to insure that important system messages are delivered to a human being. Configured to automatically sync system clocks with our time servers. Many small usability tweaks and improvements to programs like `less`, `joe`, and `traceroute`. Several other packages have been updated to their latest versions. Added around 200 packages, including: Mozilla Firefox next-generation web browser Window Maker desktop environment (including wmweather+ preconfigured for Boston) FluxBox lightweight window manager Dillo web browser (tiny and fast) bash_completion (command-line junkies will wonder how they did without this) Blender, a full-featured 3D graphics creation suite Math applications: PARI/GP, calc, and others Sodipodi SVG vector-drawing program Pybliographer framework for bibliographic databases qcad 2d CAD program PARI/GP number theory-oriented computer algebra system msttcorefonts-builder makes installing several nice TrueType fonts trivial LyX document processing system BU utilities like ph, bkupfile, and flost Sweep sound editor Objective Caml compiler and programming environment 'R' statistics/graphics programming language Programmer's utilities like astyle and c_count Additional libraries — ClanLib, Allegro, and others This will make it easier for you to build other open source programs, or for us to add them to the distribution at your request Perl modules from CPAN (dozens included; we'll add others on request) Games! BSD games, LinCity, IceBreaker, Heroes, Enigma, SuperTux, TuxKart, and more
	How do I report problems?
		Easy. Use the BU Linux Bugzilla web page.
	Will you add my favorite package to the distribution?
		Very likely, if it has an open source license and builds easily. Simply file a request in Bugzilla. We really would like for BU Linux to be the distro of choice at the university, so if there's anything you need, we'll be glad to consider it.
	How can I help out with this project?
		Since BU Linux is based on Fedora Core, contributing to that project certainly helps us. Of course, we're always in need of testers and guinea pigs for our experiments. And, it's very helpful if you file reports on problems in our Bugzilla system.