All these distributions are available on CD-ROM (some of the non-commercial ones only show up on network-archive snapshots). Most of these are available for free over the network (but the commercial ones won't support you if you buy this way). They are custom-assembled, rather than just being re-packagings of a pre-existing network release.
They are listed in alphabetical order.
Caldera, Inc.
633 South 550 East
Provo, Utah 84606
Net:
info@caldera.com
WWW:
http://www.caldera.com
FTP:
ftp://ftp.caldera.com
Vox: (801)-377-7678
Fax: (801)-377-8752
Caldera is shipping OpenLinux 1.1 in a three-tiered family of products: OpenLinux Lite, OpenLinux Base, and OpenLinux Standard.
OpenLinux Lite is a freely available evaluation of the OpenLinux product (it includes a 90-day evalutation of the Caldera integrated Desttop--the full licensed version of the desktop is included in the Base and Standard products). OpenLinxu Lite can be downloaded from Caldera's ftp site, or obtainded on CD for the cost of shipping. It is also designed for use by book and software publishers to provide a commercially stable Linux offering with their books and software products.
OpenLinux Base contains everything that is in Lite plus it is a complete, easy-to-install Linux operating system, with integrated Desktop, Internet client and server components, and Intranet connectivity. OpenLinux Base includes Netscape Navigator and full documentation.
OpenLinux Standard includes what is in Base plus more high-end, name brand, commercial software components (such as Netscape FastTrack Web Server, Netscape Navigator Gold Web browser and authoring tools, ADABAS D database, StarOffice productivity suite, Caldera OpenDOS, and NetWare client and administration tools).
All three tiers of the OpenLinux 1.1 release are currently available.
With Caldera OpenLinux, you can see a whole world of powerful new computing, even the power of a UNIX workstation on your PC! By using a Linux kernel, OpenLinux gives you speed and stability that compare to systems costing thousands of dollars. Open Linux also gives you:
No other Linux system includes a complete, integrated desktop interface with configuration tools and graphical editor. Its powerful drag-and-drop capabilities come pre-configured with thousands of icons and application settings. The Desktop provides a convenient place where you can store your favorite programs and data files for instant access. The Desktop gives you:
By email with PGP key, by phone, by fax, or by conventional mail. Full ordering details are at http://www.caldera.com/mpro/orinfo/orderinfo.html.
Caldera is one of the only Linux distributers to offer E-mail and telephone support. OpenLinux Base (E-mail only) and Standard (Telephone and E-mail) users are fully supported (Standard users receive 5 free incident calls during the first 30 days). There is no technical support for the Lite product.
OpenLinux Base and Standard ship with full licensed versions of the Caldera Desktop, which do not expire. OpenLinux Lite ships with a 90-day evaluation version of the Desktop.
24 November 1996
12 August 1997
Craftwork Solutions, Inc.
4320 Stevens Creek Blvd. #170
San Jose, CA 95129
Net:
info@craftwork.com
WWW:
http://www.craftwork.com
Vox: (408)-985-1878
Fax: (408)-985-1880
Craftworks Linux v2.2 is a commercial distribution of Linux for Intel and AXP (BeBox support is in the works). It is completely ELF, built one program at the time from the latest "stable" sources and organized using a methodology we call: CRAFT (Component Replacement And Fabrication Technology).
CRAFT accounts for each file in the system, groups them logically as true components which are filed into catalogs. For example from the 'System Install' catalog, the 'Main Operating System Component' which accounts for 3788 files (approx. 19MB), when combined with the 'Linux Standard Devices' component constitute an operational, network ready, GNU/Linux system.
CRAFT can now install RPM packages.
Security measures including shadow password are enforced throughout the distribution. Network information services (NYS) and domain name services (DNS) as provided, coexist to complement each other. Screen savers and a desktop environment are there for X Windows. Extensive use of kernel loadable modules including streaming tape (ftape) support have been utilized to minimize the need to provide various kernel configurations or requiring the end user to build one. These are some of the highlights, and the overall thought that went into this distribution, which provides a powerful modern UN*X environment for workstations and servers.
The Craftworks Linux v2.2 package includes:
Updates between releases are found in ftp://ftp.craftwork.com/pub/v2.2. FAQs and up-to-date product information http://www.craftwork.com.
Current upgrades bring the kernel to level 2.0.28.
Directly from Craftwork Solutions, Inc. or from distributors and stores. Suggested retail price $59.95 (Intel), $89.95 (AXP). Intel (80386/486/Pentium) version. Discounts available to dealers and educational institutions.
Craftwork Solutions, Inc. provides 30 days support with each copy. Longer term support as well as special projects support available on a contract or fee basis.
The CRAFT-1.0 specification is available from http://www.craftwork.com. It includes a complete component listing for the distribution.
23 August 1996.
13 March 1997.
Debian Linux Association
Software in the Public Interest
P.O. Box 70152
Pt. Richmond CA 94807-0152
Net:
info@debian.org
WWW:
http://www.debian.org
FTP:
ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian
Debian Linux is the result of a volunteer effort to create a high-quality non-commercial Linux distribution. Debian Linux 1.3 is a complete and fully-functional Unix-compatible operating system for the personal computer. The system uses ELF executables, but also includes optional packages you can install to fully support development and maintenance of a.out programs. At present, Debian Linux is available for the IBM PC architecture (386/486/Pentium) with versions for Sparc, m68k and Alpha architectures well under way.
Debian Linux is an easy-to-upgrade distribution that mostly consists of freely redistributable software from a number of different sources and systems. Support for shadow passwords is available, although it should be considered experimental in the 1.1 release. Non-free packages may also obtained, making Debian a well-rounded system.
The benefits of Debian Linux are its upgradability, well-defined dependencies between packages, and its open development. It is the only distribution of Linux that is being developed co-operatively by many individuals through the Internet, in the same spirit as Linux and other Free Software. More than 100 package maintainers are working on about 500 packages and improving Debian Linux. A sophisticated bug tracking system allows users to easily report bugs and security concerns which are quickly dealt with by the Debian community. A new release of the package will soon occur on well-known ftp archives.
Debian Linux is a very dynamic distribution. Snap-shot releases are made about every three months, the ftp archives are updated daily.
For more information about Debian Linux, please refer to the files at ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/doc/ or visit our World Wide Web page at http://www.debian.org/.
If you're interested in joining this project you are invited to subscribe to either debian-user@lists.debian.org or debian-devel@lists.debian.org by sending a mail to debian-user-request@lists.debian.org (or debian-devel-request respectively) with the word "help" in the subject line.
Debian Linux is available via anonymous FTP from ftp://ftp.debian.org/debian/ and on a mirror near to you.
2 June 1997 (1.3)
13 March 1997
Kent Robotti
FTP:
ftp://ftp.sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/distributions/doslinux
A linux-elf slip/ppp networking system for use with DOS (formerly called `DILINUX'). It can be dropped into a subdirectory of any DOS system and booted from DOS without messing with disk partitions. About 22 mbytes unzipped, 22 mbytes uncompressed. Noncommercial.
By anonymous ftp or WWW from wauug.erols.com archives (see URL below).
WWW:
ftp://wauug.erols.com/pub/people/kent-robotti/doslinux/index.html
FTP:
ftp://wauug.erols.com/pub/people/kent-robotti/doslinux
2 Oct 1997
2 Oct 1997
As the author says, not a general-purpose release. Probably best suited to sites that primarily run DOS but want better networking tools for hooking up to an Internet service provider.
WorkGroup Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 460190
Aurora, CO 80046-0190
Vox: (303)-699-7470
Fax: (303)-699-2793
Net:
info@wgs.com (orders)
FTP:
ftp://ftp.wgs.com/pub2/wgs
The charter of the WGS Linux Pro CD is different from all other distributions currently on the market. We are actively pursuing penetration into the commercial marketplace for Linux. Everything we do is aimed at increasing the size of the Linux community, and helping Linux to become THE one true operating system, not just an operating system.
WGS Linux Pro consists of our Main "Stable" Linux CD, for which we select what we consider to be the best Linux distribution available. Then we make bug fixes & minor enhancements. This CD often contains software older than the latest, under the theory that "the latest is not always the greatest". Together with this approach we provide technical support as well as support agreements. For this reason WGS Linux Pro is considered a primary Linux distribution. Optionally, and in addition to our primary CD, we supply supplemental CDs containing all the latest Linux software (including current archives of the tsx-11, sunsite, and Red Hat sites). Virtually anything you will get with anyone's Linux product can be found on these supplemental CDs. We continually add more to these supplemental CDs as software becomes available. Even with all this, pricing on our product line is very favorable when correctly compared to other Linux distributions. Also optional (included with Linux Pro+) is a professionally produced and printed manual containing the Linux documentation project and more!
Current version is 4.0a; kernel is 1.2.13 with installable 2.0.x on the CD.
Look in http://www.wgs.com for a list of WGS products, and latest information on the CD-ROM.
WGS Linux Pro is available on CD from dealers and distributors worldwide, and soon from our FTP site.
You may call, fax, email, or mail us, to purchase, or request additional information. We will be happy to respond to any question you have. We accept American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard, or purchase orders with approval of credit.
Complete information is available on our FTP site.
WGS publishes a free E-Mail newsletter on Linux and FlagShip to which you may subscribe by just emailing us your request.
In addition we carry Motif, FlagShip, A line of books, and other products to make your experience with Linux more complete and fulfilling. Check us out!
1 October 1996.
13 March 1997
They describe their current distribution as "Red Hat 3.03 plus".
Red Hat Software
3201 Yorktown Rd, Suite 123 DeKalb Center
Durham, NC 27713
Vox: (800) 546-7274 or (919) 572-6500
Fax: (919) 572-6726
Net:
redhat@redhat.com
WWW:
http://www.redhat.com
FTP:
ftp://ftp.redhat.com
Red Hat 4.2 is based on the 2.0.30 kernel and is available for Intel, Sparc and Alpha platforms.
Four installation innovations make Red Hat the easiest Linux to install ever. Our graphical installation mode brings you straight up into X for most of the installation. Our boot disk creation script eases selection of the proper boot disk, and it saves your existing network configuration information and XF86Config so you don't have to configure TCP/IP or X! Our FTP install allows you to install simply by downloading 3 floppy disk images -- the rest is done automatically! And finally, the installation includes seamless support for PCMCIA devices -- install Red Hat on your laptop as easily as on your desktop machine!
After installing Red Hat Linux once, you will never need to reinstall Linux again! The new RPM packaging system is sophisticated enough to allow upgrading to new Red Hat releases without reinstalling your system - no partitioning, no backing up all your files, no headaches.
Available directly from Red Hat Software and most distributors of Linux related products. Please contact Red Hat Software for ordering details (on-line ordering is available through Red Hat's Web). Suggested retail price is for the Intel version is $49.95, for the Sparc and Alpha versions $99.95.
Early May 1997.
27 June 1997.
The big selling point of this distribution is RPM, the Red Hat Package Manager. This piece of software is a remarkable advance; it allows you to cleanly install and de-install applications and operating-system components, including the kernel and OS base itself. Red Hat has issued this under GPL, which is a good thing for other distributors; it is the considered opinion of this editor that those who do not adopt it will shortly have their lunches eaten by those who do.
Trans-Ameritech
2342A Walsh Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Net:
info@trans-am.com
WWW: http://www.zoom.com/tae
Vox: (408)-727-3883
Fax: (408)-727-3882
BBS: (408)-980-9840
Trans-Ameritech has published 10 releases of Linux by early 1997. Traditionally, Trans-Ameritech has set new standards for combining ease of use and straightforward installation, even for a first-time user, with its line of LinuxWare CD-ROMs. This is a flexible, easy-to-install operating system geared toward those interested in learning Unix as well as technical people, students and home PC users.
Many applications are included:
All the sources are available on the CD-ROM. The often needed sources are uncompressed and can be used directly from the CD-ROM.
An uncompressed Linux filesystem is available for references and disk space conversaion. You can run programs directly from the CD-ROM! There is a large info directory for on-line reference and many manpages.
For hacker's reference, uncompressed FreeBSD and netBSD sources are provided.
The latest upgrades and patches are always available through Trans-Ameritech Linux BBS:(408) 980 9840. It's free for all Trans-Ameritech customers.
Our distribution is targeted for Windows and DOS users who want an easy migration path upwards, rather than for UNIX experts.
Email orders are taken at
order@trans-am.com
The price for our current release of LinuxWare 2.5 is $19.95
The price for a package order: LinuxWare 2.5,Supplement 5 and Supplement 4 (Ultimate LinuxWare Bundle) in one shipment is $30
If you order with a credit card (VISA, MC, AmEx, Discovery), please, indicate the card number, expiration date and your mailing address.
Shipping and handling in US: single CD-ROM or Ultimate LinuxWare Bundle is $5(first class US mail).
Overseas shipping is $8 for single CD-ROM , $12 for the bundle.
COD is available in the US only for $4.50. California residents, please add 7.75% sales tax.
Annual subscription (4 releases) is available for $80 plus S&H (note: there are 4 shipments in a subscription). Example: subscription in US is:$80+$5x4=$100. Subscription in Europe/Japan etc. $80 + $8x4 = $112.
If you have any further questions,please contact us through E-mail: info@trans-am.com or order@trans-am.com.
January 1997 (Supplement 5)
13 March 1997
Walnut Creek CDROM
4041 Pike Lane, Suite D
Concord, CA 94520
Net: info@cdrom.com (information), order@cdrom.com (orders), support@cdrom.com (support).
Ftp.cdrom.com is the home of Slackware Linux. We are the publishers of the Official Slackware Linux CDROM. Our distribution is a 2-disc set with the current version being Slackware 96. The current disc is based on the 2.0.0 kernel.
Slackware Linux is a full featured distribution of the Linux operating system designed for 386/486 computers with a 3.5" floppy and CD-ROM drive.
WWW:
http://www.cdrom.com/titles/os/slack96.htm
FTP:
ftp:ftp.cdrom.com/pub/linux/slackware
The cost of the CD-ROM set from Walnut Creek is $39.95.
August 1996.
13 March 1997.
Yggdrasil Computing, Incorporated
4880 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 205
San Jose, CA 95129-1034
Net:
info@yggdrasil.com
WWW:
http://www.yggdrasil.com
FTP:
http://ftp.yggdrasil.com
Vox: (800) 261-6630, (408) 261-6630
Fax: (408) 261-6631
Yggdrasil Plug-and-Play Linux is a complete CD-ROM distribution
of the Linux operating system. It includes a great deal of
software---nearly every package that you would expect to find
on a complete UNIX system is available. A complete file
list is available via FTP from yggdrasil.com.
The Linux Bible is a compendium of Linux documentation, including 5 books from the Linux Documentation Project, The Yggdrasil installation manual, and the complete set of Linux HOWTO guides. We publish this and offer this separately from the CD-ROM distribution.
At the top of the sophistication hierarchy, programmers who want to explore or add the occasional feature know that Yggdrasil is the Linux distribution with a fully buildable source tree and with the ability to automatically trace installed files back to their sources.
Everybody, especially new users, will appreciate the Plug-and-Play operation for which Yggdrasil's product is named. Put the media in a computer with supported hardware, turn the computer on, and it's running everything, straight from the CDROM. (This is no longer unique to Yggdrasil, but Yggdrasil did it first.)
The login screen lists a number of preconfigured user names,
including "install", which installs the system, giving
paragraphs of explanation about every question that it asks the
user. X windows configuration is automated too, prompting the user
for configuration information the first time xinit is run.
From X windows, a graphical control panel allows simple ``fill in the blanks'' configuration of networking, SLIP, outgoing UUCP, the printer, NNTP, and many other features that previously required the knowledge of a system administrator to configure.
For more information, send mail to info@yggdrasil.com,
surf to www.yggdrasil.com, FTP to yggdrasil.com, or
contact us by any convenient method.
Plug-and-Play Linux costs $34.95 is and available directly from Yggdrasil or from your local computer, software or technical book store. If Plug-and-Play Linux is not available from your favorite reseller, help promote Linux by making it your mission to change that. Give your reseller our phone number and demand that they carry Plug-and-Play Linux.
Yggdrasil offers a $7 discount for upgrades or crossgrades. Send us your old Yggdrasil release and a check for $27.95 + $5 shipping and handling to upgrade. Or do the same, but send us a competing distribution such any version of SCO, Esix, minix, or one of the CD's with the slackware floppy images, and tell us where you got it, so that we can make sure that your favorite reseller carries our products too.
Yggdrasil also sells OSF/Motif and The Linux Bible, a compilation of works from the Linux Documentation project. In addition to a copy of the Plug-and-Play Linux manual, The Linux Bible includes Linux Installation and Getting Started, Network Administrator's Guide, System Administrator's Guide, Linux User's Guide, and HOWTO guides on hardware compatibility, distributions, dos emulation, ethernet, floppy tape, installation, mail, networking version 2, MGR (an alternative to X windows), X windows, usenet news, printing, SCSI, serial communications, sound, and UUCP. The Linux Bible costs $39.95 and is printed on recycled paper. $1 from every copy sold is donated to the Linux Documentation Project. OSF/Motif costs $149.95, $5 of which is donated to the development of a free Motif clone.
Mid-August 1995. (Yes, 1995. They have a next release in pre-production but don't want to commit to a ship date yet.)
13 March 1997
Yggdrasil includes lots of well-chosen stuff with their distribution; the CD-ROM-only demo mode is impressive; installation and administration are easy enough to live up to their "Plug And Play" name. The 167-page manual is very nice. Their previous problems in the installation scripts seem to have been fixed. Their only drawback is that they haven't yet adopted Red Hat's RPM technology or created an equivalent. They claim they're going to by RPM-compatible in their upcoming release.