Linux in the Medium

Linux also refers to more than just the operating system. Many companies put together Linux ``distributions''. There are many thousands of open source projects. Each of these projects is packaged up into installable file formats such as .tgz (tar gzipped), RPM (Redhat Package Manager), or apt (debian apt-get) format. Since there are literally hundreds of editor and dozens of screen managers it is very difficult and time consuming to find, download, install, and configure compatible sets of tools. The distribution companies have taken on the task of packaging a set of tools that work together into simple installable CD sets.