Frequently Asked Questions - ELX.com.au (Australia)

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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you get in stuff I saw on Think-Geek/Other web site overseas?
Q: What is the difference between Pressed CD's and CDR's?
Q: What's the difference between XYZ distribution and ABC distribution?
Q: Are you the Linux company?
Q: I am a government or educational institution, can I send a Purchase Order?
Q: What does Preorder, Backorder, On-Demand and Buyin mean?
Q: Why don't you have "insert obscure Linux distribution"?
Q: What's the best distribution?
Q: Did you use a package for your web site? Can I buy your software?

Q: Can you get in stuff I saw on Think-Geek/Other web site overseas?

A: Merchandising like T-Shirts, Caps etc attract a 37% customs duty when imported into Australia, so it's not worth it. However, if you have a good suggestion of something, email us, we may consider getting it made here in Australia

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Q: What is the difference between Pressed CD's and CDR's?

A: Pressed CD's are manufacturered (Much like your Audio CD's you purchase at your music store). They are silver sided, and are pressed using a Glass Pressing Master. CDR's are blank CD's that are "burnt" on demand in a CD Burner. Pressed CD's have to be done in large quantities, and take 3-4 weeks to produce, but are cheap and very robust and reliable. CDR's are more expensive, less robust, but can be produced on demand.

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Q: What's the difference between XYZ distribution and ABC distribution?

A: In 2 words, Everything and Nothing. Longer answer, all the distributions generally have the same "Free/GPL" core of components (Like GCC, Apache, Samba etc). Where they generally differ is the installation, extra software, commercial software, packaging, books and support options. SuSE is currently the top selling Boxed Set edition, Redhat has higher use amongst companies and consultants. Debian is one of the most stable distributions. Mandrake is one of the most up-to-date distributions. We recommend Redhat, SuSE or Debian for servers, and Redhat, SuSE and Mandrake for Workstations, especially new users. Slackware and Debian is for more experienced users. E-Smith is highly recommended for small office server/gateways that require little end-user maintenance. Redhat boxed sets are the only distribution with local Australian 1800 installation support.

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Q: Are you the Linux company?

A: No, there is no "Linux" company. Linux is basically a Kernel which is maintained by Linus Torvalds, with a lot of GNU and Free software wrapped around it to produce a distribution. There are MANY companies, organisations and individuals who make Linux distributions, and Linux software. We are one of them. Our charter is to distribute Linux products to the masses, in a convenient and efficient manner. Our sister business Linux Help provides commercial support, consulting and contracts covering Linux and other Unix systems.

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Q: I am a government or educational institution, can I send a Purchase Order?

A: Yes, however, first we recommend you create an order on the web site and use the CMO (Cheque/Money order in advance) payment option, and use this information to create your purchase order. This will give you the opportunity to work out delivery, and put your details into our system in the way you want. Then, when you send/fax us your Purchase Order, please include the order number on it so we can match them up. Complimentary 14 day credit will only be offered to bona-fide Government and Educational organisations ONLY.