Introduction to Linux
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.......................................................................................................................................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..............................................................................................................................20
2.2. Absolute basics...............................................................................................................................21
2.2.1. The commands......................................................................................................................21
2.2.2. General remarks....................................................................................................................21
2.2.3. Using Bash features...............................................................................................................22
2.3. Getting help.....................................................................................................................................23
2.3.1. Be warned..............................................................................................................................23
2.3.2. The man pages.......................................................................................................................23
2.3.3. More info...............................................................................................................................25
2.4. Summary.........................................................................................................................................28
2.5. Exercises.........................................................................................................................................29
