Table 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.......................................................................................................................................4
6. Feedback..............................................................................................................................................4
7. Copyright information.........................................................................................................................4
8. What do you need?...............................................................................................................................5
9. Conventions used in this document.....................................................................................................5
10. Organization of this document...........................................................................................................6
Chapter 1. What is Linux?.................................................................................................................................8
1.1. History..............................................................................................................................................8
1.1.1. UNIX.......................................................................................................................................8
1.1.2. Linus and Linux.......................................................................................................................9
1.1.3. Current application of Linux systems...................................................................................10
1.2. The user interface............................................................................................................................10
1.2.1. Is Linux difficult?..................................................................................................................10
1.2.2. Linux for non−experienced users..........................................................................................11
1.3. Does Linux have a future?..............................................................................................................11
1.3.1. Open Source..........................................................................................................................11
1.3.2. Ten years of experience at your service................................................................................12
1.4. Properties of Linux.........................................................................................................................13
1.4.1. Linux Pros.............................................................................................................................13
1.4.2. Linux Cons............................................................................................................................14
1.5. Linux Flavors..................................................................................................................................15
1.5.1. Linux and GNU.....................................................................................................................15
1.5.2. GNU/Linux............................................................................................................................16
1.5.3. Which distribution should I install?......................................................................................16
1.6. Summary.........................................................................................................................................17
1.7. Exercises.........................................................................................................................................17
Chapter 2. Quickstart.......................................................................................................................................19
2.1. Logging in, activating the user interface and logging out..............................................................19
2.1.1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................19
2.1.2. Graphical mode.....................................................................................................................19
2.1.3. Text mode..............................................................................................................................21
2.2. Absolute basics...............................................................................................................................21
2.2.1. The commands......................................................................................................................21
2.2.2. General remarks....................................................................................................................22
2.2.3. Using Bash features...............................................................................................................23
2.3. Getting help.....................................................................................................................................24
2.3.1. Be warned..............................................................................................................................24
2.3.2. The man pages.......................................................................................................................24
2.3.3. More info...............................................................................................................................26
2.4. Summary.........................................................................................................................................29
2.5. Exercises.........................................................................................................................................29
Introduction to Linux
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