Fermi Linux
| Company type | Linux distribution |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Connie Sieh |
| Headquarters | Batavia, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Scientific Linux Fermi, Fermi Linux LTS, STS |
Fermi Linux denotes a series of Linux distributions specifically created and utilized at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). These versions have been identified under several titles such as Fermi Linux, Fermi Linux LTS, STS, and Scientific Linux Fermi (SLF), all representing Fermilab-customized Linux editions.
At present, the sole officially endorsed variant is Scientific Linux Fermi, which is derived from Scientific Linux.
History
The inception of Fermi Linux traces back to the PC Farms Pilot Project, an initiative spearheaded by Connie Sieh at Fermilab, designed to implement cost-efficient computing solutions for the Tevatron. The high maintenance expenses associated with SGI and AIX systems motivated the transition toward Linux-based platforms.
Initial iterations of Fermi Linux were essentially customized versions of Red Hat Linux. Following the release of Scientific Linux, Fermi Linux transitioned into a tailored Scientific Linux distribution specific to Fermilab’s environment.
Releases
| Release Date | Version | Codename |
|---|---|---|
| August 31, 1998 | 5.0.2 | n/a |
| August 16, 1999 | 5.2.1 | Charm |
| April 7, 2000 | 6.1.1 | Strange |
| August 29, 2001 | 7.1.1 | Top |
| September 13, 2002 | 7.3.1 | Bottom |
| April 7, 2003 | 9.0.1 | Up |
| August 27, 2003 | 7.1.2 | Top |
| January 26, 2004 | LTS 3.0.1 | Feynman |
| February 27, 2004 | 7.3.2 | Bottom |
| October 1, 2004 – August 29, 2005 | Scientific Linux Fermi LTS 3.0.3–3.0.5 | Feynman |
| September 20, 2005 – October 25, 2006 | Scientific Linux Fermi LTS 4.x | Wilson |
| November 10, 2006 – October 25, 2007 | Scientific Linux Fermi LTS & STS releases | Feynman / N/A |
| May 19, 2007 – December 22, 2010 | Scientific Linux Fermi STS versions | N/A |
| September 10, 2007 – March 7, 2013 | Scientific Linux Fermi releases (5.x) | Lederman |
| January 7, 2010 – November 22, 2011 | Scientific Linux Fermi LTS (4.x) | Wilson |
| December 14, 2011 – November 18, 2014 | Scientific Linux Fermi (6.x) | Ramsey |
Support policy
The update and support schedule for Fermi Linux follows the lifecycle established by Scientific Linux.
An engaged Fermilab Linux community exists, featuring active mailing lists and periodic gatherings organized by the Scientific Linux development team.
Fermi Linux LTS
The term Fermi Linux LTS describes a recompiled version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Personnel at Fermilab rebuild Red Hat Enterprise Linux source RPMs into binary RPMs while complying with the original licensing terms. This process generates a distribution nearly identical to Red Hat Enterprise Linux in functionality and compatibility, facilitating enterprise-level certification and application support.
See also
- Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab)
- Scientific Linux
- Linux
- Red Hat Linux
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), the commercial base for Fermi Linux
- CentOS, another distribution derived from RHEL