Introduction to Linux

Short Description
A practical exercise for starters: install Linux on your PC. Read the installation manual for your distribution. and/or the Installation HOWTO and do it. …

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Content
Introduction to Linux
A Hands on Guide
Machtelt Garrels
Garrels.be

1.25 Edition
Copyright . 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Machtelt Garrels
20070919Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
1. Why this guide?………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1
2. Who should read this book?…………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
3. New versions and availability………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
4. Revision History…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
5. Contributions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
6. Feedback……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
7. Copyright information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
8. What do you need?………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
9. Conventions used in this document………………………………………………………………………………………..4
10. Organization of this document……………………………………………………………………………………………..5
Chapter 1. What is Linux?………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
1.1. History……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
1.1.1. UNIX……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
1.1.2. Linus and Linux………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
1.1.3. Current application of Linux systems………………………………………………………………………….9
1.2. The user interface……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9
1.2.1. Is Linux difficult?……………………………………………………………………………………………………..9
1.2.2. Linux for non-experienced users……………………………………………………………………………….10
1.3. Does Linux have a future?………………………………………………………………………………………………..10
1.3.1. Open Source………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10
1.3.2. Ten years of experience at your service……………………………………………………………………..11
1.4. Properties of Linux………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
1.4.1. Linux Pros…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
1.4.2. Linux Cons……………………………………………………………………………………………………………13
1.5. Linux Flavors…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
1.5.1. Linux and GNU………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
1.5.2. GNU/Linux……………………………………………………………………………………………………………15
1.5.3. Which distribution should I install?…………………………………………………………………………..15
1.6. Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16
1.7. Exercises……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16
Chapter 2. Quickstart……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
2.1. Logging in, activating the user interface and logging out……………………………………………………..18
2.1.1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
2.1.2. Graphical mode………………………………………………………………………………………………………18
2.1.3. Text mode………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..