Learning Red Hat Linux, Third Edition

Chapter 9. Configuring and Administering Linux

GNOME and KDE include three menus that provide access to utilities for configuring and administering your system: System Settings, System Tools, and Server Settings. Most of these utilities are also available via the Start Here folder. This chapter explain the utilities, equipping you to perform common system administration tasks. In particular, the chapter explains how to manage user accounts, how to configure a printer, how to configure your system’s sound adapter, how to view system log files, and how to administer services. Many of these operations require root access. If you launch one of the Red Hat Linux tools when not logged in as root, the tool will conveniently ask you for the root password. Once you’ve logged in as the root user, the desktop will display an icon resembling a set of keys. So long as this icon appears, the system will automatically extend you root privileges when necessary. You can cancel this authorization by clicking on the icon and then clicking Forget Authorization.

Configuring Red Hat Linux by Using the System Settings Menu

The GNOME and KDE System Settings menu provides access to 15 utilities that help you configure your system. Chapter 8 explained one of these, the package management tool. The tools available are:

Authentication

Provides access to the Authentication Configuration tool, which lets you configure password settings

Date & Time

Provides access to the Date/Time Properties tool, which lets you ...