| Linux Bible 2006 Edition is here to open your eyes to what Linux is, where it came from, and where it’s going. But, most of all, the book is here to hand you Linux and help you get started. Because Linux is the operating system of free speech and free choice, Linux Bible gives you choices in selecting the Linux that is right for you.
On the DVD and CD that come with this book are 12 different Linux distributions that you are free to install and try out. You learn how those distributions are alike or different, and the book leads you through the basics of installing and setting up your Linux system as:
✦ A desktop computer—You have a full range of office, music, gaming, graphics, and other applications to use. ✦ A server computer—Using some of the world’s best server software, you can set up your computer to be a Web server, file server, mail server, or print server. ✦ A workstation—You can draw on thousands of open source programming tools to develop your own software applications.
Unlike other books on Linux, this book doesn’t tie you to one Linux distribution. The book teaches you the essentials of Linux graphical interfaces, shell commands, and basic system administration. Separate chapters break down most of the major Linux distributions available today. Then descriptions of the major software projects in most Linux distributions (KDE and GNOME desktops, Apache Web servers, Samba file and printer sharing, and so on) guide you in setting up and using those features, regardless of which Linux you choose. |