Linux for Dummies, 9th Edition

For Dummies, 2009

by Richard Blum



Description

Feature-rich, fast, and free — what's not to love about Linux?
You're going to love Linux, the open-source operating system that lets you create documents, browse the Web, work with audio and video files, and everything else you need without tossing your wallet out the windows. This easy-to-use guide tells you what you need to know to get a Linux desktop system installed, personalized, and working just for you!


Start here — if you're new to Linux, learn what it is, how it works, and how to install it on your computer
Get to know the GNOME — and the KDE®, the two Linux desktops

Now the fun begins — enjoy music, video, and games; use the GIMP image editor; explore the Internet; and make Skype phone calls

Got work to do? — use the word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software suite from OpenOffice.org

A teeny bit techie — discover how to handle file formats, create and manage user accounts, secure your system, and use virtual servers

Open the book and find:


What "open source" means and how it works
When to consider a dual boot installation

An overview of different Linux distributions

How to use the Linux filesystem

Tips for adding software to Linux

Troubleshooting advice

How to burn CDs and listen to Internet radio

Cool Google Gadgets and how to add them to your desktop

Bonus DVD Includes
ISOs of Ubuntu Linux 9.04 and Fedora Core 11 Preview Edition for you to try

Table of Contents

Introduction.
Part I: Getting Your Feet Wet.

Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with Linux.

Chapter 2: Prepping Your Computer for Linux.

Chapter 3: Installing Linux.

Chapter 4: Examining the GNOME Desktop.

Chapter 5: Examining the KDE Desktop.

Part II: Getting Up to Speed with Linux.

Chapter 6: Getting to Know the Linux Filesystem.

Chapter 7: Using the Filesystem.

Chapter 8: Connecting to the Internet.

Part III: Getting Things Done.

Chapter 9: Using the Internet.

Chapter 10: E-Mailing the World.

Chapter 11: Putting the X in Text.

Chapter 12: Word Processing and More with OpenOffi ce.org.

Chapter 13: Messing with Audio.

Chapter 14: Messing with Video and Graphics.

Chapter 15: Playing with Google Gadgets.

Part IV: Junior Administrator Boot Camp.

Chapter 16: Adding Software to Linux.

Chapter 17: Working without the GUI.

Chapter 18: Basic System Administration.

Chapter 19: A Secure Linux Box Is a Happy Linux Box.

Chapter 20: The Virtual World.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 21: Ten Steps to Setting Up a Samba Server.

Chapter 22: Ten Troubleshooting Tips.

Part VI: Appendixes.

Appendix A: Common Linux Commands.

Appendix B: About the DVD.

Index.

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