Linux Cluster HOWTO

Linux Cluster HOWTO is written by Ram Samudrala. This document describes how we set up our Linux computing clusters for high-performance computing which we need for our research.

Unlike other documentation that talks about setting up clusters in a general way, this is a specific description of how our lab is setup and includes not only details the compute aspects, but also the desktop, laptop, and public server aspects.

Following are the topic covered in this Linux cluster documentation.

• Hardware: Node hardware, Server hardware, Desktop and terminal hardware, Miscellaneous/accessory hardware, Putting-it-all-together hardware, Costs
• Software: Operating system: Linux, of course, Networking software, Parallel processing software, Costs
• Set up, configuration, and maintenance: Disk configuration, Linux Package configuration, Linux Operating system installation and maintenance, Known hardware issues, Known software issues
• Performing tasks on the Linux cluster: Rough benchmarks, Uptimes

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Linux Kernel Development

Linux Kernel Development is written by Greg Kroah-Hartman, Jonathan Corbet and Amanda McPherson. This linux ebook explains you about linux kernel development, how fast it is going, who is doing kernel developments, why they are doing and who is sponsoring it, etc.

The kernel which forms the core of the Linux system is the result of one of the largest cooperative software projects ever attempted. Regular 2-3 month releases deliver stable updates to Linux users, each with significant new features, added device support, and improved performance. The rate of change in the kernel is high and increasing, with over 10,000 patches going into each recent kernel release. These releases each contain the work of over 1000 developers representing around 200 corporations.

Since 2005, over 5000 individual developers from nearly 500 different companies have contributed to the kernel. The Linux kernel, thus, has become a common resource developed on a massive scale by companies which are fierce competitors in other areas.

A number of changes have been noted since this paper was first published in 2008:

• We have seen a roughly 10% increase in the number of developers contributing to each kernel release cycle.
• The rate of change has increased significantly; the number of lines of code added to the kernel
• each day has nearly tripled.
• The kernel code base has grown by over 2.7 million lines
• The overall picture shows a robust development community which continues to grow both in size and in productivity.

Introduction
The Linux kernel is the lowest level of software running on a Linux system. It is charged with managing the hardware, running user programs, and maintaining the overall security and integrity of the whole system. It is this kernel which, after its initial release by Linus Torvalds in 1991, jump-started the development of Linux as a whole. The kernel is a relatively small part of the software on a full Linux system (many other large components come from the GNU project, the GNOME and KDE desktop projects, the X.org project, and many other sources), but it is the core which determines how well the system will work and is the piece which is truly unique to Linux.

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Introduction to Linux : A Hands on Guide

Introduction to Linux : A hands on Guide is written by Machtelt Garrels. This linux ebook covers linux history, properties of linux, linux absolute basics, linux files and file system, linux file security, linux partitions, linux processes, I/O redirection, Linux text editors, X window system, linux shell environment, linux graphics, linux printing, linux backup techniques, linux networking, network security, sound and video, and more.

Why this guide?
Many people still believe that learning Linux is difficult, or that only experts can understand how a Linux system works. Though there is a lot of free documentation available, the documentation is widely scattered on the Web, and often confusing, since it is usually oriented toward experienced UNIX or Linux users. Today, thanks to the advancements in development, Linux has grown in popularity both at home and at work. The goal of this guide is to show people of all ages that Linux can be simple and fun, and used for all kinds of purposes.

Who should read this book?
This guide was created as an overview of the Linux Operating System, geared toward new users as an exploration tour and getting started guide, with exercises at the end of each chapter. For more advanced trainees it can be a desktop reference, and a collection of the base knowledge needed to proceed with system and network administration. This book contains many real life examples derived from the author's experience as a Linux system and network administrator, trainer and consultant. We hope these examples will help you to get a better understanding of the Linux system and that you feel encouraged to try out things on your own. Everybody who wants to get a "CLUE", a Command Line User Experience, with Linux (and UNIX in general) will find this book useful.

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Oracle Unbreakable Linux FAQ

Following are the linux faq covered in this oracle unbreakable linux article.

• What is Oracle Unbreakable Linux?
• What does Oracle deliver with Unbreakable Linux support?
• Who can take advantage of Oracle’s Linux support?
• How can Oracle provide enterprise-quality support for Linux while lowering cost?
• Why is Oracle offering Linux support?
• How does Oracle work with the Linux community?
• Does Oracle run its business and product development on Linux?
• How much do I pay for Linux support from Oracle?
• Does Oracle indemnify users against intellectual property infringement claims?
• Is Oracle taking Red Hat’s source code?
• What happens to third party application certification if I start using Oracle’s Linux Support?
• What happens if Red Hat does not take Oracle's patches in their release?
• Which hardware platforms does Oracle support?
• How can I find out which third party providers have endorsed Oracle?
• What is the Unbreakable Linux Network (ULN)?
• How can users manage their Linux servers once they download patches from ULN?
• Is cluster software included with Unbreakable Linux support?
• How does Oracle support Linux x86, Linux x86-64, and Linux Itanium architectures?
• What Red Hat code does Oracle Enterprise Linux offer – AS, ES or WS?
• Does Oracle provide support for Red Hat Global File System (GFS), Red Hat Cluster Suite (RHCS), or Red Hat Application Server (RHAS)?
• What is the transition path for existing Red Hat and Novell Linux users?
• When switching to Unbreakable Linux support for my current Red Hat Enterprise Linux installations, am I required to remove any Red Hat logos or other Red Hat files from my system?
• Will Oracle continue to support other operating systems?
• Will Oracle continue to support customers that are using Oracle products on Red Hat RHEL, Novell SLES,and Asianux?
• How do I get more information and purchase Linux support from Oracle?

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