Chapter 2 Linux Kernel and Distributions

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Debian’s packaging tools can be used to manage and change packages (or parts of a package), or break down packages into a more manageable size for transportation. These tools also aid in the creation of package archives and simplify the installation of remote packages from an FTP server. The Debian package follows the format

<name >_<Version Number>-<Debian Revision Number>.deb

to provide information before accessing the package. The Debian Package Management System provides many of the same features of RPM.

Tarball

Archiving by using Tar places several files or the contents of a directory or directories into one file, which is commonly called a Tarball. Using Tarballs is a good way to create backups and archives. Usually, tar files end with the .tar extension, which is often compressed by using GZIP or ZIP to create a compressed archive of the files or directory. Unlike RPM or the Debian Package Management System, a Tarball doesn’t check for dependencies, it doesn’t require documentation, and it doesn’t place the files where they belong in the Linux file structure. Tarball usage is almost required when working with Linux, but package managers are improving rapidly and someday the Tarball may be a thing of the past.

Linux Resources

1.10 Identify where to obtain software and resources

One of the best sources of information on how to use Linux commands is the MAN pages. The term MAN pages is a short form for manual pages, and they are like an on-line manual for your system. The MAN pages are an excellent resource when using any UNIX or Linux system. To access a MAN page, type man <program name> at the command prompt to display the written instructions for a program. Some programs don’t include MAN pages, but most do.

MAN pages are very useful and should be the first stop when you need information about a program and its various options and proper syntax.

When the MAN pages don’t provide enough information, the Linux HOWTO pages can provide the guidance needed to complete a task. Linux HOWTO pages are listed at many Linux Web sites. The HOWTOs are an excellent resource and often give you every bit of information that you may need to complete a given task. HOWTOs are especially useful if you are not exactly sure which program you need to provide a specific service or to complete a task. If you do know what you want to do, then you can always use the mini-HOWTOs as a refresher on how to perform a task or

42 Part I Linux Basics

provide a service. You can find both HOWTOs and mini-HOWTOs at www. linuxdoc.org, which also provides MAN pages, FAQs, and guides, which are excellent resources. The most important resources for Linux are on the Internet and free of charge; however, very complicated issues often require more than the above resources can provide. When these free resources are not enough, don’t hesitate to use the resources of the distribution that you are using.

Summary

This chapter explores more detailed information on the Linux kernel. The Linux kernel versions are listed and illustrated and the numbering methods are explained. The availability of the Linux kernel via the Web or through one of the many available distributions is demonstrated. The definition of a package and the methods that you can use to create a package are discussed. Finally, some of the many resources available for Linux uses are described.

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STUDY GUIDE

The Study Guide section provides you with the opportunity to test your knowledge about the objectives covered on the exam. The Assessment Questions provide understanding of the basics of Linux, and the Scenarios provide practice with real situations. If you get any questions incorrect, use the answers to determine the part of the chapter that you should review before continuing.

Assessment Questions

1.What allows new hardware to be supported by the Linux kernel without reinstalling the entire kernel?

A.Modules

B.Plug-in

C.Tarball

D.Patch

2.What is the first section of the Linux kernel version used to provide?

A.Major number

B.Minor number

C.Revision number

D.Patch level

3.What does the major number in the Linux kernel version mean?

A.Large changes in the kernel

B.Stability of the kernel

C.Every change to the kernel

D.Which Red Hat Linux system is applied

4.What does an odd minor number indicate?

A.Stable kernel

B.Developmental kernel

C.Pre-Release kernel

D.Beta kernel

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5.What does an even minor number indicate?

A.Stable kernel

B.Developmental kernel

C.Pre-Release kernel

D.Beta kernel

6.Where can you find a previous version of the kernel?

A.www.linux.org

B.www.linuxc.com

C.www.kernel.com

D.www.kernel.org

7.Where can you find the most up-to-date information on Red Hat Linux?

A.www.redhat.org

B.ftp.redhat.org

C.www.redhat.linux.com

D.www.redhat.com

8.Which of the following supports only the PowerPC platform?

A.Bluecat

B.Yellow Dog

C.Red Hat

D.DragonLinux

9.Kevin Fenzi was the co-author of which Linux HOWTO?

A.Linux security

B.Tar

C.Linux kernel

D.Hurd

10.KYZO Linux runs from which media?

A.Hard drive

B.Diskette Drive

C.CD-ROM

D.Flash memory

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11.Which of the following is being used in IBM’s PowerPC-based set-top box?

A.Hard Hat

B.Elfstone

C.BlueCat

D.LEM

12.Which of the following Linux distributions specializes in clustering capabilities?

A.Corel

B.LinuxPPC

C.DragonLinux

D.TurboLinux

13.The Linux creation for NASA is?

A.KRUD

B.Astaro

C.KYZO

D.FlightLinux

14.A set of files that install to create a program are called what?

A.Distribution

B.Package

C.Tarball

D.Source code

15.Red Hat Package Manager is covered under which license?

A.GNU GPL

B.Closed Source

C.Freeware

D.Artistic License

16.RPM provide all but which of the following?

A.Pristine sources

B.Package dependencies

C.System verification

D.Upgrading install packages