GNU/Linux Support at the UW
Overview
GNU/Linux is an increasingly popular freely-available Unix-like operating system more commonly known as Linux. Linux can be a fine choice of operating system for a wide variety of desktop and server environments at the University of Washington. Linux is known for being stable and robust, and has a wide range of rapidly evolving applications and services available.
Linux is not for everyone. Unlike the Windows and Macintosh operating systems, Linux does little to hide its complexity from the end user. In running Linux, you must invest time in learning how it works, how to use the system, and how to manage the system so that its computing ability isn't abused by unauthorized users. Recent Linux distributions make this easier, but can't be expected to do everything for you. For instance, we recommend everyone learn how to change the services running on his or her machine.
Ultimately, knowledge is your best security measure.
UW Technology can provide limited support for the Linux operating system. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is used internally, so we are more likely to be able to help with that distribution than with others, such as Debian, Gentoo, Knoppix, Mandrake, Red Hat Fedora, SuSE or Slackware. Support for applications not part of the base operating system may or may not be available.
If you require more detailed help than is avilable through UW Technology Customer Services, you should purchase a support contract from your distribution vendor or a third party. We encourage you to make use of the many Linux resources available at the UW and worldwide. A list of some recommended resources is available here.
UW RHN Satellite Server
UW Technology has negotiated a site subscription for Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and maintains a Red Hat Network Satellite server for the benefit of the University of Washington community.
This proxy server acts as a replacement for Red Hat's RHN server for people who wish to take advantage of the site subscription. using the Red Hat Update Agent for updates and management.
For information on how to download and configure Red Hat Enterprise Linux to use the UW's Red Hat Network Satellite server, please read these instructions.
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