Sun City Summerlin Computer Club

Sun City Summerlin Computer Club
Introduction to Linux Seminar
February 5, 2008
About Linux
Linux is an operating system analogous to Apple's Mac OS or Microsoft Windows.
Linux is open source software, which is freely available as a web download. Linux is
usually available as a distribution. A Linux distribution usually consists of the Linux
operating system and a large number of user applications, such as: web browser, email,
word processing, spreadsheet .... Several of the more popular Linux distributions are:
Ubuntu, Red Hat, Fedora, SuSE, Knoppix and Mandriva.
Here at SCSCC we have decided upon the Ubuntu Linux distribution. Ubuntu is a
community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops,
desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser,
presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.
Apart from the fact that it's freely distributed, Linux's functionality, adaptability and
robustness, has made it the main alternative for proprietary Unix and Microsoft
operating systems. IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Oracle and other giants of the
computing world have embraced Linux and support its ongoing development. Well into
its second decade of existence, Linux has been adopted worldwide primarily as a server
platform. Its use as a home and office desktop operating system is also on the rise. The
operating system can also be incorporated directly into microchips in a process called
"embedding" and is increasingly being used this way in appliances and devices such as
cell phones, Sony PlayStation 3 and the Tivo DVR. Computer manufacturers such as:
Dell, Hewlett Packard and Lenovo are now offering computers with Linux pre-installed.
Some of the world's busiest web sites use Linux. Among the commercial users of Linux
are: Google and Amazon.com.
Linux and its applications are usually distributed under a license that permits copying. If
you have downloaded a Linux distribution and burned it to a CD or DVD you can make
copies of the media and share it with others. There are no serial numbers, registration
requirements, or activation codes.
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Introduction to Linux
Using Linux
The Desktop
Panels, Launchers and Workplace Switcher.
Changing the desktop theme or background (wallpaper).
The Panels
• Upper panel has the Application and System menus.
• Lower panel has the running applications and the desktop switcher.
• The panels can be moved and or resized.
The Menus
Applications
Accessories, Games, Graphics, Internet, Office-applications and Sound &
Video.
Places
Music, pictures, video, folders and Networking.
System
Preferences: mouse settings, default printer, screensaver ....
Administration: Network settings, Package and Update management.
Nautilus File Manager
Like the Macintosh Finder or Windows Explorer.
Workspace Switcher
Virtual desktops.
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Introduction to Linux
Package Manager
Use to install or remove software.
(Example: install the Thunderbird email program.)
Update Manager
Used to install updates to both operating-system files and application files.
Downloading Linux
Ubuntu Linux is available - free of cost - at:
HTTP://www.ubuntu.com
Download the Desktop Edition.
Burn the .iso file to a CD. (Don't copy the .iso file to a CD, it must be expanded.)
Running Linux from the CD
The CD is a Live-CD.
The computer can be booted (started) from the CD.
You can run and explore Linux from the CD without changing anything on your
hard drive.
The SCSCC Linux SIG
Meets -
• On the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00pm for a Q & A session.
• On the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:00am where we go into depth on
one or more Linux features.
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Introduction to Linux