                Using the Wisconsin Network - Part 40
                      by Andy Nemec, KB9ALN

     In this last part of our serious, I will answer a question
asked of me quite some time ago. It is one that may not arouse
much more than idle curiosity of you, but it may be of interest.
The question: "What is TNOS/LINUX and do I need it?"

     Actually, "TNOS/LINUX" indicates two different things. Regular
readers of this series may remember that TNOS stands for "Tampa
Network Operating System". This is a spruced-up version of the
venerable KA9Q NOS that has powered TCP/IP stations for quite a
while. It has specialized features and enhancements above the
KA9Q NOS and is widely used in Amateur Radio for gateways and
BBS's.

     The second half of that, Linux, is another thing
altogether. This is a different kind of computer operating
system - different from DOS, Windows 3.11, and Windows 95. In
fact, it is not a Microsoft product, and is quite different
from these products.

     Linux transforms a standard modern PC into a "Unix
computer". Unix is a computer operating system that has it's
origins in the AT&T corporation. It is designed to be a
multi-user, multi-tasking operating system, unlike DOS (and
some would argue Windows). Linux slightly differs from Unix in
some of it's commands, but basically is a special version of
the Unix operating system intended to be run on the Intel 80x86
processor that is the heart of most personal computers. There
is also a special version for Mac Intosh computers.

     What does this have to do with Packet Radio, you might
ask? Simple. Because Linux is Multi-user and Multi-tasking, it
allows a BBS or gateway operator a great deal of flexibility
with his system. No longer is a computer strictly devoted to
BBS use. The multi-tasking nature of Linux makes it possible
to not only run the BBS program, but also run one or more other
application programs for one or more users. While the BBS runs
quietly on one "virtual console", the Sysop can be editing
files, playing games, or actually getting some work done!

     Linux is an extremely efficient operating system, and
because of this efficiency, it can do a whole lot more than a
computer using DOS and Windows at one time. It also manages
memory by itself - no external memory managers are used to
overcome the DOS 640K memory limit. This is a real problem in
BBS's - the more users that are logged on, and the more
forwarding jobs the BBS is engaging in, the more memory is
needed to process all of this activity. Linux overcomes this
barrier.  

     Linux also has networking abilities built right in - part
of the operating system "kernel". This is particularly handy
for gateway use - a computer running Linux will not require yet
another computer to interface it to an internet provider. Some
BBS programs will not work very well for this while operating
under a DOS operating system, others cannot do it at all.
Because networking is built right into Linux (and because the
memory management is so good), this type of operation comes
naturally to it.

     Do you need Linux? If you are an average packet user, no.
 Most packet users are content to run their host or
terminal program under DOS or Windows (or maybe even OS/2).
They may only be interested in doing one thing at a time, and
do not run a BBS or a gateway. However, there are several
packet programs available for Linux, both simple and complex.
But, Linux seems to be tailor-made for "power users" mostly, or
anyone who has something they want done with a computer that is
difficult or impossible to do with DOS.

     Another consideration with Linux is that it is not an
MS-DOS system, so the file system and the very nature of the
operating system is different. You cannot pop a DOS disk into a
machine running Linux and expect it to work. You must run DOS
programs on it's DOS emulator, (or a Windows emulator for Windows
programs) While some DOS and Windows programs run well with
these emulators, not all such programs will run. And because
Linux is not nearly as popular as DOS and Windows is, you will
not find a vast quantity of ready-to-run software for it - 
somewhat of a disadvantage.

     Can you use it? Of course you can, if you are up for a
challenge. I only say that because you will have to learn the
commands associated with an entirely new operating system.
Remember the first time you used DOS? That memory will return
to you if you investigate Linux. Although there are some
familiar commands (some DOS commands have their origins in
Unix), the syntax is a little different and there are a whole
lot more of them. Linux also has a freeware Windowing system
called X-Windows. So there is plenty to learn with this
operating system.

     Do you need anything special to operate Linux? Just a
computer with a 386 or better processor. Memory is helpful, 8
megs is recommended, but 4 will work fine. I have run it on a
16 MHz 386 computer with 2 megs of RAM, and was surprised how
fast that old 386 ran. There is also a "DOS" version of Linux
that does not require you to completely reconfigure your
computer. Oddly enough, this is called "DOS-Linux" or
"Mini-Linux". This is an especially handy way to get a taste of
Linux without completely dumping your existing operating
system.  The computer boots to MS-DOS, and when you get the
C:\> prompt, Linux is started. Linux then loads, and stores
files in a format that MS-DOS can read. While it this version
is compatible in file storage, one can't run DOS programs this
way.

     So, if you are bored with your computer and want an
interesting challenge that will reward you with some amazing
capabilities, you may wish to investigate Linux. If you have
Internet access, browse the Web page for the official Linux
site: www.sunsite.unc.edu. If you are the slightest bit
interested, you will find hours of reading material there.
There are also several CD vendors that sell Linux "kits" for a
nominal price. One vendor, Slackware, targets it's package
toward amateurs and includes a lot of ham-related programs in
it's package.

     You can also find amateur radio packet programs to use
with Linux from various Web sites. www.lantz.com is the
official site for TNOS, for example.

     So if you are up to a challenge and want to learn more
about networking, look to Linux. If you are content with DOS
and Windows, and you find your packet program meets your needs,
then you may find your questions answered.

     That's all for this series. 73 from Andy.
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