Operating Systems



FreeBSD

Distributions

FreeBSD comes in three different release versions. FreeBSD 2.1.x represents the most stable and reliable version (though not necessarily the most up-to-date). It is intended for universities, corporations, small businesses, or conservative users who value stability over "freshness". FreeBSD 2.2.x is pretty stable and reliable (and is very current). FreeBSD 2.2.x is probably the version you want. FreeBSD 3.x is totally experimental and essentially unsupported for commercial applications, but a great deal of fun for die-hard FreeBSD fans. :)

FreeBSD 2.2.1
Full 32-bit UNIX operating system for Intel PCs. Rock solid. Internet ready.
FreeBSD 2.1.7
Full 32-bit UNIX operating system for Intel PCs. Rock solid. Internet ready.

Books and Documentation

The Complete FreeBSD Book
Everything you ever wanted to know about how to get your computer up and running FreeBSD.
The Complete FreeBSD Book (includes 2 CDs!)
Everything you ever wanted to know about how to get your computer up and running FreeBSD. Includes 2 CDs containing the FreeBSD operating system!
BSD Docs
150,572 HTML indexed documentation files for BSD4.x including FreeBSD. HTML indicies for use under unix.


Linux

We currently have 3 distributions of Linux: Slackware, Red Hat, and MK. You're probably wondering at this very moment, "Which one is right for me?". Here's some info to help you make that decision...

Red Hat tends to be easier when installing. It also has many aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly configuration utilities. However, Red Hat has a slighly less than standard directory structure in some instances. Slackware is not quite as friendly to install, but tends to be easier when reconfiguring. Its directory structure is a bit more standard. :) Drivers and network performance are about equal between the two distributions.

If you have a MacIntosh, get MK Linux. It's the only distribution currently available.

Of course, it's not a sin to consider getting FreeBSD instead of Linux. FreeBSD doesn't usually have the latest drivers or software like Linux, but its networking performance is better. In addition, FreeBSD's documentation, online help, and organization are unparalleled by any Linux distribution.

Distributions

Linux Slackware 3.2
Official Slackware distribution of Linux plus complete archive. 4CDs.
Turbo Linux : Red Hat 4.1
A complete Red Hat Linux 4.1 distribution.
MkLinux DR 2.1
A full-featured Unix-like OS for Macintosh.
Tools and Add-Ons

Linux Toolkit
This six disc release of the Linux Toolkit features Linux software pulled from sites like tsx-11 and sunsite.unc.edu. There is a wealth of applications, source-code, and development tools among the over 23,000 files in 3.6+ gigabytes included on these discs.
Linux Developers Kit
The latest files from all the major Linux archives on the Internet!
Mo Linux
Linux hot off the Net!
Linux Games
Large collection of games, graphics, sound, and video applications, plus related development tools.

Books and Documentation

Linux Installation and Getting Started Book
Get to know and work in Linux like a pro!
Linux Complete Reference
An indispensable resource that you'll want to have at your side at all times.