Learning Linux
Linux is an open source operating system invented by Linus Torvlads in 1991. The
name Linux is pronounced the same as 'Lin' in the word Linen, and this is also
how its creator pronounces his name, though some mistakenly pronounce it 'lie
nux'. Linux is a UNIX-like operating system which is differentiated from UNIX
mostly in that it uses some variant of the kernel Linus invented. Advantages to
using Linux include system stability, a number of free applications and
languages, and relative security and lack of 'in the wild' viruses.
What is Linux?:
From the University of Maryland's Linux Users Group
Linux's
History: By Linus Torvalds
Pronunciation
of Linux: With audio of Linus himself pronouncing the name
To get started with Linux you will need to look into the following:
Selecting a Linux Distribution
Because Linux is open source there are different distributions or versions that
are maintained by independent groups or companies. The main distributions are as
follows.
The Fedora Project: The
successor to Red Hat linux
Ubuntu: A Debian Linux
derivative
Mandriva: Formerly
Mandrake Linux
Preparing Your Hard Disk
Once you have a distribution you will have to prepare you hard disk properly.
Back up your existing hard drive data in case
data recovery is required later,
or there is a problem with the installation. You might also choose to use a raid
setup to make
raid data recovery options possible, especially if you intent to use Linux
for a server.
Prepare a Network Install: Install Linux from a Network Floppy
Linux Partition How To:
How to install Linux on a partition
Installation of Linux
You can install Linux either by downloading a distribution from the Internet, or
by downloading an image, which you can burn to a CD, or by purchasing a CD-ROM
with a Linux installer.
Linux
How To: How to Install Linux
Linux Distributions: A
directory of distributions available for download or on CD-ROM
Basic UNIX Commands & Concepts
Once you have Linux installed, you'll want to familiar yourself with UNIX
concepts like the command line, and commands available. Most Linux commands are
identical or very close to ones commonly available on UNIX systems.
Linux Commands:
A practical reference to Linux commands
Basic UNIX Commands: A reference from Stanford University
UNIX 101: A basic introduction to UNIX commands
Los
Angeles Data Recovery: Linux
data
recovery services in Los Angeles California
UNIX Command Summary: A summary with information of why commands have the
names they do, which makes it easier to remember them
Introduction to Unix
commands: From Indiana University's Knowledge Base
Basic System Administration
If you're managing a multiple user system, or server, you will need to know the
basics of Linux system administration.
Linux System Administration: Best practices
Linux
Info Page: Reference of Linux Administration How-To information
The Kernel
Some software requires modifying the core of Linux; the kernel. This is done
through recompiling the kernel, installing alternative kernels, or using
different kernel models.
The Linux Kernel API: A reference
Compile the Linux Kernel: A How to guide
Compiling
Linux Kernel for x86: A Ubuntu specific guide
Customizing Linux
A number of things in Linux are customizable. Among the popular things to
customize is the Window manager, and its themes. Also different command line
shells exist, and aliasing complicated commands to simple words is helpful.
The X
Window System: Information on the GUI for Linux & UNIX
Choosing a Window Manager: A guide to Windows managers on Linux
Desktop Environments and Window Managers: Information on the Linux GUI
The Gnome Project: A popular
Window Manager
KDE: Another popular Linux
window manager
Scripts & Scripting Languages
One powerful aspect of Linux is the ability to automate tasks using
mini-programs to accomplish redundant or repetitive tasks. Linux generally comes
with support for Shell Script, Perl, PHP, and other scripting languages.
BASH: A
Linux/Unix shell
BASH
Programming: Shell scripting how-to
PERL: The Perl
programming/scripting language
PHP: The PHP programming
language
Linux, The Internet, Telecommunications, & Networking
Linux is a very network centric operating system. Linux typically comes
installed with a web server named Apache, which is the most popular web server.
It also has support for file sharing both using the Network File System (NFS),
as well as other systems like SMB using SAMBA.
Apache: The most popular Web
Server
SAMBA: SMB file sharing for
Linux/Unix
NFS: The Network File System
With viruses constantly on the rise, and the economy being tough, Linux can be a
safer, and productive alternative to mainstream systems such as Windows. Other
UNIX-like systems also about like Mac OS X, a commercial OS from Apple, as well
as FreeBSD, and Darwin, which are both UNIX based free systems. Even with all of
these choices UNIX like operating systems offer a variety of free software,
rugged security features, powerful administration capabilities, and dynamic
extensibility.
Mac OS X: Operating
System behind the Macintosh and iPhone/iPod
FreeBSD: Free open source
UNIX operating system
Darwin: A free open
source operating system largely compatible with Mac OS X technologies but
without the licensing costs
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