INFOBrief
Red Hat Linux 7.2
Key Points
R
Red Hat Linux 7.2 has many features designed for corporate enterprise computing. It provides improvements in capacity, storage management, and symmetric multi-processing.
ed Hat® Linux® 7.2 is based on the Linux version 2.4 kernel, which provides improved performance and scalability. Red Hat Linux 7.2 can be used with more powerful hardware (both IA32 and IA64) than earlier versions, offering support for more processors and memory up to 64GB. These improvements help advance the use of Linux for a broader range of enterprise applications.
Linux provides a cost-effective, optimal operating environment for the front end of an Internet infrastructure using Dell™ PowerEdge™ servers, PowerEdge SC servers, and PowerApp™ server appliances. There are no license fees or per seat fees associated with Red Hat Linux software, which is an important contribution to lower TCO.
Ease-of-use has been significantly enhanced with Red Hat 7.2 through graphical configuration and installation tools.
Now Red Hat Linux offers support for raw I/O, large memory, thousands of processes, and a journal file system for data integrity. With these features, Red Hat 7.2 is an attractive operating system for database applications.
Background
In August 1991, Linus Torvalds began building an operating system (OS) that eventually became Linux, a full-featured OS that has evolved as a project of programmers worldwide. Linux is similar but not identical to UNIX. It runs on a wide variety of hardware, including systems based on Intel, Alpha, PowerPC and other processors.
The Linux operating system is developed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), making it freely distributable. Freely distributable means that the source code for the kernel (the core technology within any operating system) and most software cannot be withheld. It does not mean that companies cannot charge for it. The GNU GPL is intended to guarantee the freedom to share and change free software. Companies and developers may charge money for Linux enhancements and service as long as the source code remains available for free.
As a result, although Linux initially referred strictly to the kernel (the core of the operating system), it now also includes a collection of configured software that runs on top of the Linux kernel. These “collections of software” are known as distributions. Currently, a number of vendors including Red Hat, Caldera, and SuSE offer distributions of Linux that include various enhancements as well as service and support.
Dell has chosen Red Hat as a strategic partner, and to distribute Red Hat’s versions of Linux. Red Hat maintains a strictly open source policy for its Linux offerings, which is consistent with Dell’s commitment to industry standards. Through this partnership, Dell provides customers with Red Hat Linux factory-installed on PowerEdge and PowerEdge SC servers. Red Hat Linux 7.2 is fully supported by Dell as a standard OS choice for PowerEdge servers, PowerEdge SC servers, and PowerApp.web appliances, and is also supported by all NICs, SCSI RAID controllers, and SCSI storage offered by Dell.
Premiere Enterprise Services & Support is available for customers selecting Linux as their operating system on Dell PowerEdge and PowerEdge SC servers. Sample offerings include training, phone and email support, and annual contracts (8 x 5 or 24 x 7). Bundled warranty for Linux on Dell PowerEdge and PowerEdge SC servers includes 90 days phone, 90 days email, 180 days of Red Hat Network and one advanced configuration incident.
Product Description
Red Hat Linux 7.2, based on the Linux 2.4 kernel, includes new feature improvements over prior versions: improved large memory support (up to 64 GB of RAM), SMP support for up to eight processors, increased device support, enhanced security features, and new graphical kick-start configuration tools for quick system set-up.
Additional enterprise-class availability enhancements that are now part of the operating system are the journal file system, raw I/O support for databases, and a logical volume manager.
Assisting in the management of Dell PowerEdge servers running Red Hat Linux are tools such as Network configuration tools, Red Hat Network for OS change management, user management tools, as well as hardware viewing tools. These features are elements of the operating system and come ready to use with each factory-installed Red Hat Linux server from Dell.
Red Hat has also included some popular Internet applications in Red Hat Linux 7.2:
Apache Web Server
The Apache Project is a collaborative software development effort aimed at creating a freely available source code implementation of an HTTP (Web) server. Apache Web Server software is widely used by Web server domains. The Apache server is well suited for e-commerce applications, where security and stability are key system requirements.
Red Hat TUX Web Server
TUX is a kernel-based web server licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). The TUX Web server serves static web pages, and can do so very efficiently from within the Linux kernel. The TUX Web Server is ideal for development environments, where performance and system response are critical.
Sendmail Switch
The Sendmail Internet mail platform is for Internet mail routing and hosting – drives most of the Internet's mail servers.
Samba
Samba is an open-source implementation of Microsoft's Server Message Block protocol that facilitates file sharing between Unix or Linux systems and Windows clients and servers. Samba provides the necessary services to transparently integrate Unix-based systems into NT domain-based environments. By using Samba, administrators can insert Linux machines into Microsoft networking environments to provide added functionality.
Other features of version 7.2 of Red Hat Linux include the following:
USB support for “hot-pluggable” or removable devices such as CD-ROM drives, zip drives, cameras, printers, scanners, and many other peripherals.
Improved network performance on multiprocessor systems
New configuration tools for BIND and Apache
More support options, including installation support designed to significantly ease the installation process
A feature comparison between Red Hat Linux versions 7.1 and 7.2 is shown in Table 1.
Table 1
Feature Comparison of Red Hat Linux versions 7.1 and 7.2
Feature
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Red Hat Linux 7.1
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Red Hat Linux 7.2
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Kernel
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2.4.3-6
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2.4.7-10
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Release
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Major
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Minor
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Factory installed
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All PowerEdge & PowerEdge SC servers
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All PowerEdge & PowerEdge SC servers
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Scalability
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Linear scalability to 8 processors
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Linear scalability to 8 processors
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Languages
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English, French, German, Japanese
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English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish
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Serviceability
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Dell Server Assistant agent, Dell Remote Assistant Card (DRAC), Premier Enterprise Services and Support
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OMSA, Premier Enterprise Services and Support
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Primary Features
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First 2.4 release
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Journal filesystem,
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Supports up to 64GB RAM
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Configuration tools
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Target Markets/Applications
Dell’s Linux-based solutions are targeted at users who want to gain the advantages of the Linux operating system for more cost-effective server applications. Linux has been described as a solution in key application areas that “is both stable and performs adequately for at least modest workloads” by analyst firm D.H. Brown Associates (Linux, How Good Is It? April 1999). These application areas include low-end to mid-range Web servers, e-mail servers, and LAN file & print servers. With the introduction of Red Hat 7.2, Dell PowerEdge Servers with Red Hat Linux can be effectively used as database servers and data marts due to raw I/O support, large memory support, and an increase in the number of open processes.
Features and Benefits of Red Hat Linux
The key features and benefits of Red Hat Linux 7.1 and 7.2 are detailed in Table 2; Table 3 shows the additional features and benefits of Red Hat Linux 7.2.
Table 2
Key Features of Red Hat Linux 7.1 and 7.2
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Feature
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Function
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Benefit
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Multi-threaded Operating System
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Built-in support for Symmetric Multi-Processing, currently up to eight microprocessors for an Intel-based system
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Scalable performance enables the system to handle increasing workloads, extending the productive life of the system
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No License Fees or Per Seat charges
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No license fees, supports an unlimited number of users
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Lower overall TCO, the solution scales, not the cost.
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2.4 Kernel, Highly scalable and reliable
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With 2.5 million lines of kernel code, Linux is relatively small and more efficient than other operating systems
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The efficiency of the kernel results in better system performance as well as reliability
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Certification Program
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Red Hat's certification program validates systems and peripherals have been tested and function properly
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Helps to ensure system productivity from the outset.
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Wide range of hardware compatibility
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Due to the open source of the OS, there are many public companies, educational institutions, government organizations, and individual developers contributing device drivers to Linux.
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Widening selection of hardware options for use with Linux enables system flexibility as well as the opportunity to incorporate legacy hardware
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Tested and Validated
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User developments and changes are validated and included in official releases of the OS
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Provides certification and standardization that makes it possible to provide users consistent service and support
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Peer Review Process
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New Linux releases undergo worldwide public development review.
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Extensive review and testing results in a highly reliable and robust operating system
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"Unix-like" operating system
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Leverages the large pool of developers and system administrators with related Unix experience.
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Minimizes software development and training costs
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Table 3
Key Features of Red Hat Linux 7.2
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Feature
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Function
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Benefit
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GNOME 1.4 with Nautilus File Manager
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Graphical display of files and directories
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Easily move, copy or delete files
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Icon images represent file contents
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Quickly browse images and text files through file manager interface
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New Control Panel
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Access Red Hat configuration tools from one central location
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URL-based naming
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Seamlessly view content locally or on the web
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Multiple user interface levels
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Choose the right user interface for your level of expertise, from novice to expert
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Improved and upgraded installer
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Automatic partitioning
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Selects the best partition setup for a system
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Graphical Partitioning Tool
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Quickly and easily add, remove or modify partition setup
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Auto-kickstart profiling
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Automatically profiles an installation for easy installation and upgrading of other systems
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Automatic migration to ext3 journaling file system
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Effortlessly convert existing ext2 partitions to ext3 without loosing data
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Network Configuration Tool
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Set up modems or network cards with one tool
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Ease-of-use improvement for setting up network connections
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User Management Tool
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Add, remove and modify users, users in groups. Create, delete and add user accounts
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Easier graphical system administration
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Hardware Viewing Tool
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Shows peripheral or system hardware with a graphical tool
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Allows hardware diagnostics and visual inspection of the system
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Ext3 Journaling file system
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Adds file journaling features to the file system, writing changes to disk in two places
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Provides increased reliability to data as changes are recorded and stored on disk at least once.
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Fast file system recovery
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Ext3 recovers each file system in seconds in the event of a crash
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Data Consistency
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After a crash or power loss data files are consistent with the state of the file system, no “garbage” shows up in the files after a crash
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Increased Device Support
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Several new drivers and Ethernet cards are included, such as the National Semiconductor 83820 gigabit Ethernet card, SSL hardware acceleration, additional consumer-level IDE RAID cards
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Compatible with a broader spectrum of hardware including hot-pluggable devices.
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Graphical Configuration Tool Set
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Apache Configuration
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Assists with managing virtual hosts
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BIND Configuration
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Makes DNS configuration easier
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Printing Configuration
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Supports over 500 printers
Scalable architecture
Upgrades old systems configured with printtool
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Firewall Configuration
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Configure a firewall during installation
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Added security that is customizable
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Graphical Kickstart Configuration
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Graphical interface for creating kickstart configurations
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Allows custom, unattended installs to be created
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Complete set of server solutions “in the box”
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Web, mail, ftp, file and print servers
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No license or user fees associated
No additional software investment necessary
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Key Customer Benefits
Optimized Solutions for Internet Infrastructures
Dell PowerEdge and PowerApp.web servers based on Red Hat Linux provide a variety of optimized solutions for Internet infrastructures in environments that range from small businesses to global enterprises.
Scalable Solutions
Red Hat Linux 7.2 provides enterprise scalability and is optimized for machines with up to eight processors. According to e-Week, Red Hat Linux when used on a Dell system provides revolutionary performance breakthroughs.
Reliable Solutions
Linux can run for extended periods of time without having to be rebooted. And because the source code is open, bugs can be fixed quickly and easily without having to wait for proprietary vendors to issue fixes on-schedule.
High Availability Clustering for Web Servers
The most recent versions of Red Hat Linux (7.0 and 7.2) provide fail-over protection against downtime for business-critical servers.
Lower Cost to Deploy
Red Hat Linux costs less than other commercial operating systems, making it highly attractive to low-cost projects where licensing costs are an issue, and to users who want to deploy a multitude of servers in an environment where Linux is an optimal OS choice (i.e. ISPs with Web serving farms).
Software RAID
Software RAID configuration at installation provides protection against data loss through disk failure. Software RAID works with a variety of inexpensive SCSI cards. Red Hat Linux supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 5.
Open Source Software
Open source software refers to software for which the license requires that its source code be open, extensible and freely re-distributable. Open source software takes advantage of the work of a broad base of development efforts.
Flexibility
Linux is highly customizable, enabling fine-tuning and optimization for a specific application/deployment.
Service and Support
Dell support options for systems installed with Red Hat Linux 7.2 are designed to be tailored to specific customer environments.
Premier Enterprise Support
Premier Enterprise Support features tiered packages of services (Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze) to help satisfy the mission-critical needs of Dell’s server and storage customers. Since maximizing system uptime is crucial for enterprise customers, many features of Dell’s Premier Enterprise Support Service Tiers Gold and Platinum levels are focused on preventing issues – such as remote monitoring, pre-failure alerting, change notification, and change management.
Other services are focused on rapid resolution to quickly resolve any issues as they occur. Services range from on-site2 service for hardware to remote software and storage support with seamless support for select third party products. Gold and Platinum customers benefit from engineer-to-engineer support, on-site troubleshooting, on-site engineers, and on-site spares.
Today’s mission-critical environments require maximum uptime enabled by problem prevention and rapid resolution if issues do occur. Through the Premier Enterprise Support program, Dell offers a tiered service offering to help satisfy the unique needs of server and storage customers across a range of computing environments.
Premier Enterprise Support offers four tiers of service: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each of these service tiers is designed to meet the varied needs of our enterprise customers.
Platinum Support: For around-the-clock, mission-critical environments, Platinum support provides fully integrated and comprehensive custom solutions for all Dell strategic operating systems. Some of the key program features include: Dedicated Technical Account Manager, On-site Troubleshooting, Customer Training, Seamless Support and a 2-hour on-site response1 and 6-hour repair2 commitment.
Gold Support: For Linux-, Microsoft-, and Novell-based business-critical systems, Gold support offers a rich suite of high-end services designed to help manage key environments. Some of the key program features include: Seamless Support, Technical Account Manager Team, Customer-Defined Call Priority, and 4-hour response.1
Silver or Bronze Support: For systems that require basic levels of support, the Silver or Bronze tiers enable customers implementing Red Hat Linux to choose from a variety of services based on their requirements. These options include: DirectLine Plus (see description below), annual contracts offering resolution 24x7 or 8 x5, and incident packages for either 5 or 10 incidents (annual contracts cover a specific server; incident packs cover any server.)
DirectLine Plus Software Support Services for Red Hat Linux
For customers needing expert assistance with server software, Dell offers optional, customized toll-free priority access software support for PowerEdge servers and PowerApp appliance servers. With Dell and Red Hat, customers may select from a variety of support offerings based on their needs.
Red Hat Linux DirectLine Plus from Dell includes enhanced support with full 24x7 coverage and a guaranteed response time of 1 hour for critical issues and 2 hours for non-critical issues - or the resolution is free (The guarantee does not apply to Red Hat Linux support or single resolutions purchased individually.) DirectLine Plus applies to either factory-installed or customer-installed software.
More Information on Dell Services for Red Hat Linux
For the United States, an overview of services for Linux can be downloaded from the following URL (Microsoft Word Format):
http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/topics/linux/lweservicesflier1.doc
For Europe, Middle East, Africa, an overview of services for Linux can be downloaded from the following URL (Microsoft Word Format):
http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/topics/linux/LWEServicesFlier2.zip
An overview of the Dell Services for Red Hat Linux can be found at the following URL:
http://www.dell.com/us/en/esg/topics/linux_linux_services.htm
Hardware Warranty and Support
Dell PowerEdge servers and PowerApp appliances come with the following standard support:
Three-year limited warranty3 supplemented with three years of standard Next Business Day4 on-site parts replacement and one year of Next Business Day4 on-site labor
Pre-Failure Alert Program5 for storage systems with a hard disk drive
24-hour/7-day Lifetime Telephone Technical Support for troubleshooting and diagnosis of Dell hardware
24-hour/7-day E-support services featuring extensive online support capabilities
Dell PowerEdge SC servers come with the following standard support:
One-year limited warranty3 supplemented with one year of standard Next Business Day on-site4 parts replacement and one year of Next Business Day labor
30-day Getting Started Technical Support Program6
24-hour/7-day One-Year Telephone Technical Support for troubleshooting and diagnosis of Dell hardware
24-hour/7day Online Support Services
Services vary by region. For more information on the available services in your area, please visit http://www.dell.com/
1 Service may be provided by a third party following phone-based troubleshooting. Available within a 125- mile radius of over 80 metropolitan areas. Customers not located within a 125- mile radius of the stocking locations are not eligible for this offering. Not available with any other Dell systems. Available in the U. S. only. For 24/ 7 service, Dell will dispatch a service technician within 4 hours of determining the hardware problem. For 5/ 10 service, Dell will dispatch a technician to the customer site within 4 hours of determining the hardware problem. The service technician may not arrive until the following business day if dispatched after 4: 00 pm local time.
2 Service may be provided by a third party following phone-based troubleshooting. Available within a 25- mile radius of over 60 metropolitan areas. Customers not located within a 25- mile radius of the stocking locations are not eligible for this offering. Available on select Dell PowerEdge and PowerVault models in the U. S. only. Dell will, if necessary after phone- based troubleshooting, dispatch a technician to the customer site within 2 hours of determining the hardware problem. Service is subject to the terms and conditions of the service contract. See http://www.dell.com/us/en/biz/services/service_peservmain.htm for details.
3For a complete copy of our guarantees or limited warranties, please write to Dell USA L. P., One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682, Attn: Warranty.
4Service may be provided by third-party. Technician will be dispatched if necessary following phone- based troubleshooting. To receive next business day service, Dell must notify the service provider before 5: 00 pm (depending on service contract) customer time. Availability varies.
5The Pre-Failure Alert program is available only in the United States on selected Dell PowerEdge servers (1xx0, 2xx0, 4x00, 6xx0, 8450) and select PowerVault products. PowerEdge 300 is not included. Your system must be monitored by Dell-recognized system management applications in order to participate in the Pre-Failure Alert Program. The Pre-Failure Alert Program covers Dell products utilizing applications that can acquire information from the HIP and OpenManage Server Agent.
6The 30-Day Telephone Support Program helps customers with installation and configuration questions during the 30 days after shipment of your Dell server for factory-installed MICROSOFT, NOVELL, OR RED HAT operating systems. Support provided after the 30-Day Getting Started Program will be only for the Dell hardware and only for as long as you own the system. Beyond 30 days from the invoice date, Dell’s DIRECTLINE NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM TELEPHONE support service is available for purchase.
Dell, PowerVault and PowerEdge are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
©Copyright 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden. For more information contact Dell. Dell cannot be responsible for errors in typography or photography.
Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page November 2001
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