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| author | Daniel Baumann <daniel@debian.org> | 2008-12-20 11:18:45 +0100 |
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| committer | Daniel Baumann <daniel@debian.org> | 2011-03-09 19:05:40 +0100 |
| commit | 1ec7ddaa62e53173b4e1d2982f2bc0a3c8993fa7 (patch) | |
| tree | 0c7974e616b2637fc0d30efa0ac2dd3f0a4ee842 /includes/sid/common/doc/FAQ/html/ch-basic_defs.en.html | |
| parent | d391837f66a5722d17d49e785cd9528b1696e92c (diff) | |
| download | live-build-1ec7ddaa62e53173b4e1d2982f2bc0a3c8993fa7.zip live-build-1ec7ddaa62e53173b4e1d2982f2bc0a3c8993fa7.tar.gz | |
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diff --git a/includes/sid/common/doc/FAQ/html/ch-basic_defs.en.html b/includes/sid/common/doc/FAQ/html/ch-basic_defs.en.html deleted file mode 100644 index aac1358..0000000 --- a/includes/sid/common/doc/FAQ/html/ch-basic_defs.en.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,431 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0//EN"> - -<html> - -<head> - -<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> - -<title>The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ - Definitions and overview</title> - -</head> - -<body> - -<p><a name="ch-basic_defs"></a></p> -<hr> - -<p> -[ <a href="index.en.html">previous</a> ] -[ <a href="index.en.html#contents">Contents</a> ] -[ 1 ] -[ <a href="ch-getting.en.html">2</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-compat.en.html">3</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-software.en.html">4</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-ftparchives.en.html">5</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-pkg_basics.en.html">6</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-pkgtools.en.html">7</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-uptodate.en.html">8</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-kernel.en.html">9</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-customizing.en.html">10</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-support.en.html">11</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-contributing.en.html">12</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-redistrib.en.html">13</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-nexttime.en.html">14</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-faqinfo.en.html">15</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-getting.en.html">next</a> ] -</p> - -<hr> - -<h1> -The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ -<br>Chapter 1 - Definitions and overview -</h1> - -<hr> - -<h2><a name="s-whatisfaq"></a>1.1 What is this FAQ?</h2> - -<p> -This document gives frequently asked questions (with their answers!) about the -Debian distribution (Debian GNU/Linux and others) and about the Debian project. -If applicable, pointers to other documentation will be given: we won't quote -large parts of external documentation in this document. You'll find out that -some answers assume some knowledge of Unix-like operating systems. We'll try -to assume as little prior knowledge as possible: answers to general beginners -questions will be kept simple. -</p> - -<p> -If you can't find what you're looking for in this FAQ, be sure to check out <a -href="ch-support.en.html#s-debiandocs">What other documentation exists on and -for a Debian system?, Section 11.1</a>. If even that doesn't help, refer to <a -href="ch-faqinfo.en.html#s-feedback">Feedback, Section 15.2</a>. -</p> - -<hr> - -<h2><a name="s-whatisdebian"></a>1.2 What is Debian GNU/Linux?</h2> - -<p> -Debian GNU/Linux is a particular <em>distribution</em> of the Linux operating -system, and numerous packages that run on it. -</p> - -<p> -In principle, users could obtain the Linux kernel via the Internet or from -elsewhere, and compile it themselves. They could then obtain source code for -many applications in the same way, compile the programs, then install them into -their systems. For complicated programs, this process can be not only -time-consuming but error-prone. To avoid it, users often choose to obtain the -operating system and the application packages from one of the Linux -distributors. What distinguishes the various Linux distributors are the -software, protocols, and practices they use for packaging, installing, and -tracking applications packages on users' systems, combined with installation -and maintenance tools, documentation, and other services. -</p> - -<p> -Debian GNU/Linux is the result of a volunteer effort to create a free, -high-quality Unix-compatible operating system, complete with a suite of -applications. The idea of a free Unix-like system originates from the GNU -project, and many of the applications that make Debian GNU/Linux so useful were -developed by the GNU project. -</p> - -<p> -For Debian, free has the GNUish meaning (see the <code><a -href="http://www.debian.org/social_contract#guidelines">Debian Free Software -Guidelines</a></code>). When we speak of free software, we are referring to -freedom, not price. Free software means that you have the freedom to -distribute copies of free software, that you receive source code or can get it -if you want it, that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new -free programs; and that you know you can do these things. -</p> - -<p> -The Debian Project was created by Ian Murdock in 1993, initially under the -sponsorship of the Free Software Foundation's GNU project. Today, Debian's -developers think of it as a direct descendent of the GNU project. -</p> - -<p> -Debian GNU/Linux is: -</p> -<ul> -<li> -<p> -<strong>full featured</strong>: Debian includes more than 18347 software -packages at present. Users can select which packages to install; Debian -provides a tool for this purpose. You can find a list and descriptions of the -packages currently available in Debian at any of the Debian <code><a -href="http://www.debian.org/distrib/ftplist">mirror sites</a></code>. -</p> -</li> -</ul> -<ul> -<li> -<p> -<strong>free to use and redistribute</strong>: There is no consortium -membership or payment required to participate in its distribution and -development. All packages that are formally part of Debian GNU/Linux are free -to redistribute, usually under terms specified by the GNU General Public -License. -</p> - -<p> -The Debian FTP archives also carry approximately 444 software packages (in the -<samp>non-free</samp> and <samp>contrib</samp> sections), which are -distributable under specific terms included with each package. -</p> -</li> -</ul> -<ul> -<li> -<p> -<strong>dynamic</strong>: With about 1950 volunteers constantly contributing -new and improved code, Debian is evolving rapidly. New releases are planned to -be made every several months, and the FTP archives are updated daily. -</p> -</li> -</ul> - -<p> -Although Debian GNU/Linux itself is free software, it is a base upon which -value-added Linux distributions can be built. By providing a reliable, -full-featured base system, Debian provides Linux users with increased -compatibility, and allows Linux distribution creators to eliminate duplication -of effort and focus on the things that make their distribution special. See <a -href="ch-redistrib.en.html#s-childistro">I am making a special Linux -distribution for a "vertical market". Can I use Debian GNU/Linux for -the guts of a Linux system and add my own applications on top of it?, Section -13.3</a> for more information. -</p> - -<hr> - -<h2><a name="s-linux"></a>1.3 OK, now I know what Debian is... what is Linux?!</h2> - -<p> -In short, Linux is the kernel of a Unix-like operating system. It was -originally designed for 386 (and better) PCs; today Linux also runs on a dozen -of other systems. Linux is written by Linus Torvalds and many computer -scientists around the world. -</p> - -<p> -Besides its kernel, a "Linux" system usually has: -</p> -<ul> -<li> -<p> -a file system that follows the Linux Filesystem Hierarchy Standard <code><a -href="http://www.pathname.com/fhs/">http://www.pathname.com/fhs/</a></code>. -</p> -</li> -</ul> -<ul> -<li> -<p> -a wide range of Unix utilities, many of which have been developed by the GNU -project and the Free Software Foundation. -</p> -</li> -</ul> - -<p> -The combination of the Linux kernel, the file system, the GNU and FSF -utilities, and the other utilities are designed to achieve compliance with the -POSIX (IEEE 1003.1) standard; see <a href="ch-compat.en.html#s-otherunices">How -source code compatible is Debian with other Unix systems?, Section 3.3</a>. -</p> - -<p> -For more information about Linux, see Michael K. Johnson's <code><a -href="ftp://ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/INFO-SHEET">Linux Information -Sheet</a></code> and <code><a -href="ftp://ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/META-FAQ">Meta-FAQ</a></code>. -</p> - -<hr> - -<h2><a name="s-non-linux"></a>1.4 Does Debian just do GNU/Linux?</h2> - -<p> -Currently, Debian is only available for Linux, but with Debian GNU/Hurd and -Debian on BSD kernels, we have started to offer non-Linux-based OSes as a -development, server and desktop platform, too. However, these non-linux ports -are not officially released yet. -</p> - -<p> -The oldest porting effort is Debian GNU/Hurd. -</p> - -<p> -The Hurd is a set of servers running on top of the GNU Mach microkernel. -Together they build the base for the GNU operating system. -</p> - -<p> -Please see <code><a -href="http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/">http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/</a></code> -for more information about the GNU/Hurd in general, and <code><a -href="http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/">http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/</a></code> -for more information about Debian GNU/Hurd. -</p> - -<p> -A second effort is the port to a BSD kernel. People are working with both the -NetBSD and the FreeBSD kernels. -</p> - -<p> -See <code><a -href="http://www.debian.org/ports/#nonlinux">http://www.debian.org/ports/#nonlinux</a></code> -for more information about these non-linux ports. -</p> - -<hr> - -<h2><a name="s-difference"></a>1.5 What is the difference between Debian GNU/Linux and other Linux distributions? Why should I choose Debian over some other distribution?</h2> - -<p> -These key features distinguish Debian from other Linux distributions: -</p> -<dl> -<dt>Freedom:</dt> -<dd> -<p> -As stated in the <code><a href="http://www.debian.org/social_contract">Debian -Social Contract</a></code>, Debian will remain 100% free. Debian is very -strict about shipping truly free software. The guidelines used to determine if -a work is "free" are provided in <code><a -href="http://www.debian.org/social_contract#guidelines">The Debian Free -Software</a></code>. -</p> -</dd> -</dl> -<dl> -<dt>The Debian package maintenance system:</dt> -<dd> -<p> -The entire system, or any individual component of it, can be upgraded in place -without reformatting, without losing custom configuration files, and (in most -cases) without rebooting the system. Most Linux distributions available today -have some kind of package maintenance system; the Debian package maintenance -system is unique and particularly robust (see <a -href="ch-pkg_basics.en.html">Basics of the Debian package management system, -Chapter 6</a>). -</p> -</dd> -</dl> -<dl> -<dt>Open development:</dt> -<dd> -<p> -Whereas other Linux distributions are developed by individuals, small, closed -groups, or commercial vendors, Debian is the only major Linux distribution that -is being developed cooperatively by many individuals through the Internet, in -the same spirit as Linux and other free software. -</p> - -<p> -More than 1950 volunteer package maintainers are working on over 18347 packages -and improving Debian GNU/Linux. The Debian developers contribute to the -project not by writing new applications (in most cases), but by packaging -existing software according to the standards of the project, by communicating -bug reports to upstream developers, and by providing user support. See also -additional information on how to become a contributor in <a -href="ch-contributing.en.html#s-contrib">How can I become a Debian software -developer?, Section 12.1</a>. -</p> -</dd> -</dl> -<dl> -<dt>The Universal Operating System:</dt> -<dd> -<p> -Debian comes with <code><a href="http://packages.debian.org/stable/">more than -18347 packages</a></code> and runs on <code><a -href="http://www.debian.org/ports/">10 architectures</a></code>. This is far -more than is available for any other GNU/Linux distribution. See <a -href="ch-software.en.html#s-apps">What types of applications and development -software are available for Debian GNU/Linux?, Section 4.1</a> for an overview -of the provided software and see <a href="ch-compat.en.html#s-arches">On what -hardware architectures/systems does Debian GNU/Linux run?, Section 3.1</a> for -a description of the supported hardware platforms. -</p> -</dd> -</dl> -<dl> -<dt>The Bug Tracking System:</dt> -<dd> -<p> -The geographical dispersion of the Debian developers required sophisticated -tools and quick communication of bugs and bug-fixes to accelerate the -development of the system. Users are encouraged to send bugs in a formal -style, which are quickly accessible by WWW archives or via e-mail. See -additional information in this FAQ on the management of the bug log in <a -href="ch-support.en.html#s-buglogs">Are there logs of known bugs?, Section -11.4</a>. -</p> -</dd> -</dl> -<dl> -<dt>The Debian Policy:</dt> -<dd> -<p> -Debian has an extensive specification of our standards of quality, the Debian -Policy. This document defines the qualities and standards to which we hold -Debian packages. -</p> -</dd> -</dl> - -<p> -For additional information about this, please see our web page about <code><a -href="http://www.debian.org/intro/why_debian">reasons to choose -Debian</a></code>. -</p> - -<hr> - -<h2><a name="s-gnu"></a>1.6 How does the Debian project fit in or compare with the Free Software Foundation's GNU project?</h2> - -<p> -The Debian system builds on the ideals of free software first championed by the -<code><a href="http://www.gnu.org/">Free Software Foundation</a></code> and in -particular by <code><a href="http://www.stallman.org/">Richard -Stallman</a></code>. FSF's powerful system development tools, utilities, and -applications are also a key part of the Debian system. -</p> - -<p> -The Debian Project is a separate entity from the FSF, however we communicate -regularly and cooperate on various projects. The FSF explicitly requested that -we call our system "Debian GNU/Linux", and we are happy to comply -with that request. -</p> - -<p> -The FSF's long-standing objective is to develop a new operating system called -GNU, based on <code><a -href="http://www.gnu.org/software/hurd/">Hurd</a></code>. Debian is working -with FSF on this system, called <code><a -href="http://www.debian.org/ports/hurd/">Debian GNU/Hurd</a></code>. -</p> - -<hr> - -<h2><a name="s-pronunciation"></a>1.7 How does one pronounce Debian and what does this word mean?</h2> - -<p> -The project name is pronounced Deb'-ee-en, with a short e in Deb, and emphasis -on the first syllable. This word is a contraction of the names of Debra and -Ian Murdock, who founded the project. (Dictionaries seem to offer some -ambiguity in the pronunciation of Ian (!), but Ian prefers ee'-en.) -</p> - -<hr> - -<p> -[ <a href="index.en.html">previous</a> ] -[ <a href="index.en.html#contents">Contents</a> ] -[ 1 ] -[ <a href="ch-getting.en.html">2</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-compat.en.html">3</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-software.en.html">4</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-ftparchives.en.html">5</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-pkg_basics.en.html">6</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-pkgtools.en.html">7</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-uptodate.en.html">8</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-kernel.en.html">9</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-customizing.en.html">10</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-support.en.html">11</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-contributing.en.html">12</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-redistrib.en.html">13</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-nexttime.en.html">14</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-faqinfo.en.html">15</a> ] -[ <a href="ch-getting.en.html">next</a> ] -</p> - -<hr> - -<p> -The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ -</p> - -<address> -version 3.1.5, 17 January 2007<br> -<br> -Authors are listed at <a href="ch-faqinfo.en.html#s-authors">Debian FAQ Authors</a><br> -<br> -</address> -<hr> - -</body> - -</html> - |