ALT Linux: Russia's Versatile Open Source Operating System
ALT Linux: Russia's Versatile Open Source Operating System
ALT Linux is a diverse family of open-source operating systems developed in Russia, offering a wide range of distributions tailored for various purposes. This comprehensive overview will explore ALT Linux's origins, development, unique features, and how it compares to other Linux distributions.
Origins and History
ALT Linux has its roots in the early 2000s, emerging from the collaboration between Russian Linux enthusiasts and developers. The project officially began in 2001 when two major Russian free software projects merged. The name ALT is a recursive acronym for ALT Linux Team reflecting the collaborative nature of its development.
The distribution's lineage can be traced back to Mandrake Linux, which itself was derived from Red Hat Linux. In 2000, the IPLabs Linux Team released Linux-Mandrake 7.0 Russian Edition, which was their first independent distribution. This was followed by the "Spring 2001" release a few months later.
The ALT Linux name was established in the summer of 2001, with the release of ALT Linux Junior 1.0, followed by version 1.1 in autumn of the same year. These early releases were single-CD distributions aimed at providing a compact yet functional Linux experience.
Development and Team
ALT Linux is developed collectively by the ALT Linux Team, a community of developers, and ALT Linux Ltd., a company that provides commercial support and services. This combination of community-driven development and commercial backing has allowed ALT Linux to evolve and expand its offerings over the years.
The project maintains its own development infrastructure and package repository called Sisyphus which serves as the foundation for all ALT Linux editions. This approach allows for greater control over the software ecosystem and enables the creation of specialised distributions for various purposes.
Unique Features
1. Diverse Range of Distributions: ALT Linux offers a wide variety of distributions catering to different needs, including desktop, server, educational, and specialised editions.
2. Multilingual Support: While the default installation process is in Russian, ALT Linux supports multiple languages, including English.
3. RPM-based Package Management: ALT Linux uses the RPM Package Manager, combined with APT for package handling, providing a robust and flexible package management system.
4. Sisyphus Repository: The project's custom package repository allows for rapid development and testing of new software packages.
5. Educational Focus: ALT Linux has an edition specifically designed for educational institutions, demonstrating a commitment to supporting learning environments.
Understanding ALT Linux Builds and Environments
The variety of ALT Linux distributions can seem overwhelming at first, but they can be categorised into several groups:
1. Desktop Distributions: These include editions like ALT Linux Desktop, ALT Linux KDesktop, and Simply Linux, which are designed for general-purpose home and office use.
2. Server Distributions: ALT Linux Server and ALT Virtualization Server are tailored for enterprise and organisational use.
3. Educational Distributions: ALT Linux School edition is specifically designed for educational institutions.
4. Starter Kits: ALT Linux offers "starter kits" that provide a base system with various desktop environments, allowing advanced users to customise their experience.
Installation and System Requirements
While specific system requirements may vary depending on the chosen edition, generally, ALT Linux can run on relatively modest hardware. For a smooth experience, aim for:
- 1 GHz or faster processor
- 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended for desktop environments)
- 10 GB free hard disk space
- Graphics card and monitor capable of 1024x768 resolution
To install ALT Linux:
1. Download the ISO image for your chosen edition from the official ALT Linux website.
2. Create a bootable USB drive or burn the ISO to a DVD.
3. Boot your computer from the installation media.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting your preferred language and installation options.
The following screenshots show how to select the English language for installation:-
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues during installation:
1. Verify that your system meets the minimum requirements for the chosen edition.
2. Ensure your installation media (USB or DVD) is properly created and not corrupted.
3. Check for read errors, which may indicate a dirty optical drive or faulty media.
4. If you receive "File Not Found" or "Permission Denied" errors, try a different version of the distribution or search for a repackaged ISO.
5. For more detailed diagnostics, use the ALT+F1 through ALT+F7 key combinations during installation to access various log screens.
Comparison with Similar Distributions
ALT Linux shares some similarities with other RPM-based distributions like Fedora and openSUSE:
- Package Management: Like Fedora, ALT Linux uses RPM packages, but it combines this with APT for easier package handling.
- Development Model: Similar to openSUSE, ALT Linux has both community-driven development and commercial support options.
- Localisation: ALT Linux puts a strong emphasis on Russian localisation, making it a popular choice in Russian-speaking regions.
Conclusion
ALT Linux stands out as a versatile and robust Linux distribution with a strong focus on meeting the needs of its user base, particularly in Russian-speaking regions. Its wide range of editions, commitment to education, and unique development model make it an interesting option for those looking to explore beyond the more commonly known Linux distributions.
Disclaimer
This article provides an overview of ALT Linux based on available information as of the current date. Features, editions, and development status may change over time. Always refer to the official ALT Linux website for the most up-to-date information before making any decisions regarding installation or use.
References
[2] ALT operating system developer - BaseALT
[3] Linux+: Linux Install 11 - Installation Troubleshooting
[4] Chapter 2. System Installation
[5] DistroWatch.com: ALT Linux
[7] What is Alt Linux ... Never heard of it!!!
[8] Starterkits - ALT Linux Wiki
[9] AL
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