Linux (an "open source" unix operating system) has grown into a global phenomenon spurring new industries for distribution, training, and support. Distributors are actively marketing easier to install, easier to use Linux systems and making real inroads onto the desktop of home, corporate, government, and educational users.
Currently, the UND Computer Center(CC) Support Staff does not support Linux. We do not have the staff, resources, or training to support this product. We are aware that vendors now give the option to ship their PC's with the Linux operating systems pre-installed. Because of this, we will try to address questions that can be answered quickly or resolved with little research.
If you do choose Linux, please keep in mind that Linux, by default, installs "wide open" as a networked workstation. This can cause problems for your machine as well as for the rest of the campus network. Steps must be taken to secure your system so that only authorized users can access your machine. If your Linux system causes security problems or consumes excessive network resources, its network access may be removed by CC Network Services.
For security and administration of Linux systems, we recommend the following books:
Red Hat Linux System Administration Handbook
Authors Mark F. Komarinski and Cary Collett
Prentice Hall PTR
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Securing Linux Step by Step
If you are planning on installing Red Hat 6.0, we also strongly recommend running the Bastille-Linux hardening script. This script is an interactive script that will secure your Red Hat box on the internet. The Bastille Linux homepage is:
Questions or comments concerning Bastille Linux can be sent to:
If you have problems securing your Linux system or security is breeched, please contact the Help Center at 777-2222 or CC_Helpdesk@mail.und.nodak.edu