Linux In Libraries:

1. Linux In Libraries: Ready for Primetime?

2. Michael J. Dargan Technical Systems Administrator Waterloo and Cedar Falls Public Libraries

3. ILA 2001 River Center - Davenport, IA October 10-12, 2001

4. Sara asked who I wanted to introduce me

5. I said Charo! (Of course)

6. Charo was booked, But Eunice was able to stand in for her!

7. Thanks Eunice!

8. Introductions • Who are you? • Where are you from? • Are you using Linux now? • If so, how’s it going? • Do you think you might be taking the plunge?

9. A bit about the OS • TRS-DOS • Apple DOS • UNIX • DR-DOS • PC-DOS • MS-DOS • CP/M • BDOS

10. What is Linux? Linux is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world. Developed under the GNU General Public License, the source code for Linux is freely available to everyone.

11. 1991: Rise of Linux Linus Torvalds writes primitive “Posix clone” and invites other programmers to make make improvements By 1999 about 7 million copies were in use; in 2000 about 25 percent of shipped servers had Linux installed as the OS

12. Torvald’s Legacy: A “free” OS

13. Is GNU for You?

14. CopyLeft? • The freedom to run the program, for any purpose . • The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs. Access to the source code is a precondition for this. • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor. • The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

15. Why Linux? Servers & Workstations

16. Webserver FTP TFTP Terminal Email DNS NFS Proxy Bootp DHCP Printer Samba LTSP Firewall Router NAT Linux as Server:

17. No license fees Less Hardware intensive Free support Configurable Flexible Stable Secure Home made bias Written support is less available. Microsoft: 8275 items on Amazon Linux: 638 on Amazon Fewer training opportunities Certification less definitive Linux ServersPros & Cons

18. Entire suite of Internet applications MS/Office compatible applications (e.g., StarOffice 5.2) KDE Gnome Accessories Games GIMP (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) Programming (C, C++, Perl, Java) Multiple Desktops Thousands of free applications Workstations

19. No licenses for OS or applications Very flexible and compatible Less hardware intensive Abundant free online support GUI can be hard to configure Training materials tend to be weak and less abundant Future of Office products murky Workstation Pros & Cons

20. RedHat SuSe Inc. Mandrake Debian Slackware Corel VALinux Caldera Linux Distributions

21. Redhat $79.99 Suse Inc. $59.99 Slackware N/A Mandrake $89.00 Corel $22.50 FTP or Buy?

22. Why buy when it’s free? • Full distributions are huge; as much as 3 gigs. • Documentation is expensive to print and bind • Shrink wrapped versions may come with phone support

23. Free Installation • Should have highspeed access • Ideally a CD-Burner • A large HD partition would also do • A local FTP server would also work • A couple of 3.5” floppies

24. Helpful installation accessories:

26. Office Applications • Corel Wordperfect Office 2000-2 • Sun StarOffice 5.2-6.0

27. Barriers to Linux in Libraries: • Economical academic licenses for MS products • Most PCs come with OS license • Store bought security cheap and effective • Lack of Linux cultural literacy • TCO may be higher

28. Possible library uses for Linux: Economical WebOPACs & Public Internet Access Proxy Services DNS caching

30. LTSP Diskless Workstations • Obsolete PCs use network card to boot • Sever provides the application over the network • PC merely displays what server processes

31. LTSP Advantages: • Extends useful life of PCs • Simplifies integration of diverse equipment into network • Centralizes management • No software licenses • No anti-virus software • Simplifies security

32. LTSP Disadvantages: • Lends itself to large installations • Powerful server with lots of memory is a must • Requires serious thought to create and implement • Inhibits local configurations • Office products a hard sell

33. LTSP in Action: • http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/linux/ • Complete instructions for setting up an LTSP network

34. Linux as Proxy Server:

35. Pros & Cons of Linux Proxy: • Free OS and Proxy Applications • Apache Proxy Module is easy to setup • Caches file requests for better use of bandwidth • Logs traffic for analysis • Requires client configuration • “Funny” behavior at times

36. Analyze your Proxy Stats: http://www.statslab.cam.ac.uk/~sret1/analog/

37. Linux Support • www.redhat.com • www.linux.org • slashdot.com • www.tucows.com • comp.os.linux.* (about 20 newsgroups) • Numerous mail lists

38. Favorite Linux Books: Linux System Administration by Vicki Stanfield, Roderick Smith, Roderick W. Smith

39. Favorite Linux Books: Running Linux (3rd Edition)by Matt Welsh, Matthias Kalle Dalheimer, Lar Kaufman, Matthew Welsh

40. Favorite Linux Books: Linux Apache Web Server Administration (Linux Library) by Charles Aulds

41. Favorite Linux Books: Linux System Administration by Vicki Stanfield, Roderick Smith, Roderick W. Smith

42. Favorite Linux Books: Linux Samba Server Administration (Craig Hunt Linux Library)by Roderick W. Smith

43. Favorite Linux Books: Linux Network Servers 24 Sevenby Craig Hunt

44. Favorite Linux Books: Red Hat Linux System Administration Handbook by Cary Collett, Mark F. Komarinski

45. Linux in Libraries: It depends Probably for “special” needs for the near future: Webservers Proxy servers Print servers

46. Iowa Library Linux User’s Group? Contact Mike Dargan: darganm@iren.net

47. Thanks for listening!Questions? Comments?