The iconic Debian Project has long been a Linux leader. Debian is built by a worldwide army of hundreds of developers. The focus is on freedom: Debian is 100% free software, with no proprietary applications or drivers. And Debian is stable. The long release cycles and thorough testing process are reasons why this volunteer distro serves as the source for dozens of other Linux projects, including Ubuntu, Knoppix, Mepis, and Xandros.
Debian 4.0 "Etch" is the latest in a line of big, stable, all-purpose GNU/Linux releases from the Debian Project. We are proud to bring you Debian 4.0 Etch as this month's Linux Magazine DVD. This multi-architecture DVD includes Etch versions for the i386, PowerPC, and AMD64 chips.
Debian Etch comes with Linux kernel version 2.6.18. Debian officially switches from the XFree86 to the X.org window system with this release. X.org 7.1 includes better autodetection and support for a wider range of hardware. You'll also find the KDE 3.5.5 and GNOME 2.14 desktops, as well as OpenOffice 2.0.4, GIMP 2.2.13, and IceWeasel (an unbranded version of Mozilla Firefox).
Debian's popular Apt package system provides a simple and reliable structure for installing and managing software. You can install packages easily from the command line, or you can use one of the many GUI-based tools designed for managing Debian packages. More than 18,000 software packages are available for Debian systems.
Although the installation options are similar for GUI and text-based installation, Debian's new graphic installer makes the system easier and more approachable for the non-expert. Either installer helps you choose a language, partition your hard drive, and select networking options. Udev device management provides reliable hardware discovery and device support.
This single DVD will help you get started with Debian on a standard Intel system, an AMD 64-bit system, and even a PowerPC Mac. Slip the disk in your drive and you will find the easiest Debian install ever, with an optional GUI and improved hardware detection.
The highly regarded Debian package system will help you keep current and easily find the applications you need in Debian's vast repository. We hope you enjoy this month's Debian Etch multi-architecture DVD.
| Supported Hardware |
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Intel 386: The term is slightly misleading because Etch needs at least a 486 CPU, a compatible CPU by AMD or VIA, an Athlon XP, or a P4 Xeon. AMD64: Standard computer with the AMD 64-bit extension or Intel EM64T. PowerPC: Many Power Macs built in 1999 or later, including the G4, but also Power Books and I-Books, 64-bit PowerPC architecture in IBM's P-Series, RS/6000, Apple G5 Power Macs, and Motorola servers. Etch does not support Apple Apus and Apple Nubus. |
| Installing from the DVD |
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Verify that your computer is configured to boot from the DVD drive, then boot to the Debian multi-arch DVD. The boot screen shown in Figure 1 will appear. If you don't do anything, the text-based installer version will start. Press "F1" for boot help. Enter installgui at the prompt to start the the graphical installer for either the PPC or Intel 32-bit version. If you'd like to install the AMD64 version, enter amd64-installgui. |
| Help & Support |
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For questions about Debian installation, see the Debian 4.0 Installation Guide http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/installmanual. You'll also find useful information on installation and configuration at the Debian wiki http://wiki.debian.org/. See http://forums.debian.net/ for a summary of Debian support forums. |
| Highlights |
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Linux kernel 2.6.18 GNOME 2.14 KDE 3.5.5a X.org 7.1 GCC 4.1.1 glibc 2.3.6 OpenOffice 2.0.41 GIMP 2.2.13 IceWeasel 2.0.0 Evolution 2.6.3 Gaim 2.0.0 GStreamer 0.10.10 Apache 2.2.3 Samba 3.0.24 Sendmail 8.13.8 MySQL 5.0.32 PostgreSQL 8.1.8 Synaptic 0.57.11 Perl 5.8.8 Python 2.4.4/2.5 PHP 4.4.4/5.2.0 |
| Additional Resources |
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[1] Debian Project: http://www.debian.org [2] Debian GNU/Linux FAQ: http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debian-faq/ [3] Debian 4.0 Release Notes: http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/releasenotes |