Chapter 2. Some general words about Linux, mostly for new users.
- Table of Contents
- Some words about Linux..
- Is there any software for Linux ?
- Some words about partitions, Linux way of accessing (E)IDE disks, Linux way of using partitions and some other talk..
- Some other commands for the beginner
- More talk about commands and programs
- Dealing with user rights in the filesystem.
- Booting Linux with LILO
- Virtual Terminals - VT's
- Environment variables
- Shell scripts
- Linux configuration
- The system init files (or, "Where is the autoexec.bat file ?")
- BASH's init files
- Customizing your prompt.
- Using your mouse - gpm
- Daemons ?
- There are so many directories, I don't understand the file structure !
- Setting up a PPP connection to your ISP
- Doing things periodically - Using CRON
- Accessing a computer in a secure way - SSH
The operating system I run is Linux, a free 32 bit truly multitasking multiuser OS. It's fast, it's powerful, it has a TUI (Text User Interface), it has a GUI (Graphic User Interface), I can say positive things about it all day :-)
Here I'll try to assemble some information that is good to know for the new user. It's all availiable in other documentation, but if you don't know where to look, it's hard to find something useful. There will also be some tips and tricks for a more experienced user.
Some words about Linux..
What to say more about Linux ?? Linux isn't easy for the beginner, you have to dig deep into the documentation to understand it, and use it. After you've learnt, you get a lot more out of your computer, than you get with a commercial and not truly 32 bit "multitasking" OS (no names, I won't say those words on this page)
Linux runs on a variety of hardware platforms. Most Linux machines of today run som kind of Intel processor, or an Intelclone such as K6. Linux also runs on Digital Alpha, MIPS, ARM, Motorola 68x00, PowerPC, Sparc and even on PalmPilot !
Linux isn't easy to install and setup, but it isn't impossible, if you have some talent for computers, and can read English texts. It's getting easier, with a growing community of Linux users ready to help you with your problems. That's one of Linux's real advantages over other OS's.. if you ask a question in one of the numerous discussion groups on computer networks as Internet and fidonet, you get answers. Good answers, from people who know what they talk about.
Isn't there anything negative to say ? Of course there is.. I've already said it's a hard beginners operating system, but, perhaps that's an advantage. Personally, I don't think it's possible to combine user friendliness, and powerfulness in a computer. If you want the raw power, you still have to understand a few advanced commands. There is a very good GUI, The X window system, but it's a bit hard to setup..