“The Caldera Linux Technology Preview (LTP) is an actual
boxed, two-CD distribution that offers a taste of Linux to come.
Based on pre-release versions of the 2.4 kernel, KDE 2.0 and the
newest XFree86, the LTP is the first kit I’ve seen in a while that
easily allows those unversed in kernel installation to examine
future developments.”
“The package is clearly aimed at developers, specifically to
attract them to the Caldera platform. The release of the LTP
parallels that of Caldera’s OpenLinux Developer Network (ODN), a
virtual meeting and resource area. Clearly Caldera is interested in
attracting new application developers to ODN, those who may not
care about the guts of the new system but want to get a head start
on understanding, for example, the totally-new-for-2.4 Linux
firewalling mechanism. For good measure, the LTP also includes a
number of Java development tools and Sun’s HotSpot, a Java virtual
machine.”
“The LTP is available in a box for $20 from Caldera’s website.
There’s also a $20 rebate, so you can basically get it for the cost
of shipping. Alternatively, you can burn your own CD with the
downloadable version from Caldera’s FTP site.”
“Actually, LTP may even be easier to install than most
production distributions of Linux. It uses Caldera’s Lizard
installer which has always been one of the better ones among Linux
distros. Furthermore, this was the only installation I can recall
where my “plug-and-pray” ISA sound card was recognized immediately
— no doubt a result of the 2.4 kernel’s new PnP smarts.”