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Linux Essentials

Linux Essentials

by Roderick W. Smith
Publisher: Sybex
Release Date: April 2012
ISBN: 9781118106792
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Book Description

A unique, full-color introduction to Linux fundamentals

Serving as a low-cost, secure alternative to expensive operating systems, Linux is a UNIX-based, open source operating system. Full-color and concise, this beginner's guide takes a learning-by-doing approach to understanding the essentials of Linux. Each chapter begins by clearly identifying what you will learn in the chapter, followed by a straightforward discussion of concepts that leads you right into hands-on tutorials. Chapters conclude with additional exercises and review questions, allowing you to reinforce and measure your understanding.

  • Offers a hands-on approach to acquiring a foundation of Linux skills, aiming to ensure Linux beginners gain a solid understanding

  • Uses the leading Linux distribution Fedora to demonstrate tutorials and examples

  • Addresses Linux installation, desktop configuration, management of files and filesystems, remote administration, security, and more

This book is essential reading for anyone entering the world of Linux!

Table of Contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Dear Reader,
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  7. CONTENTS AT A GLANCE
  8. Contents
  9. INTRODUCTION
    1. What Is Linux?
    2. What Is the Linux Essentials Certification?
    3. Who Should Read This Book?
    4. How This Book Is Organized
    5. Conventions Used in This Book
  10. CHAPTER 1: Selecting an Operating System
    1. What Is an OS?
    2. Investigating User Interfaces
    3. Where Does Linux Fit in the OS World?
    4. What Is a Distribution?
  11. CHAPTER 2: Investigating Linux's Principles and Philosophy
    1. Linux through the Ages
    2. Using Open Source Software
    3. Understanding OS Roles
  12. CHAPTER 3: Understanding Software Licensing
    1. Investigating Software Licenses
    2. The Free Software Foundation
    3. The Open Source Initiative
    4. The Creative Commons
    5. Using Open Source Licenses
  13. CHAPTER 4: Using Common Linux Programs
    1. Using a Linux Desktop Environment
    2. Working with Productivity Software
    3. Using Server Programs
    4. Managing Programming Languages
  14. CHAPTER 5: Managing Hardware
    1. Learning About Your CPU
    2. Identifying Motherboard Capabilities
    3. Sizing Your Power Supply
    4. Understanding Disk Issues
    5. Managing Displays
    6. Handling USB Devices
    7. Managing Drivers
  15. CHAPTER 6: Getting to Know the Command Line
    1. Starting a Command Line
    2. Running Programs
    3. Manipulating Files
    4. Using Shell Features
  16. CHAPTER 7: Managing Files
    1. Manipulating Files
    2. Manipulating Directories
  17. CHAPTER 8: Getting Help
    1. Using man Pages
    2. Using info Pages
    3. Finding Additional Documentation
  18. CHAPTER 9: Using Programs and Processes
    1. Understanding Package Management
    2. Understanding the Process Hierarchy
    3. Identifying Running Processes
    4. Using Log Files
  19. CHAPTER 10: Searching, Extracting, and Archiving Data
    1. Using Regular Expressions
    2. Searching for and Extracting Data
    3. Redirecting Input and Output
    4. Archiving Data
  20. CHAPTER 11: Editing Files
    1. Understanding the Role of Text Files
    2. Choosing an Editor
    3. Launching an Editor
    4. Editing Files with pico or nano
    5. Editing Files with Vi
    6. Using Configuration File Conventions
    7. Editing Formatted Text Files
  21. CHAPTER 12: Creating Scripts
    1. Beginning a Shell Script
    2. Using Commands
    3. Using Arguments
    4. Using Variables
    5. Using Conditional Expressions
    6. Using Loops
    7. Using Functions
    8. Setting the Script's Exit Value
  22. CHAPTER 13: Understanding Users and Groups
    1. Understanding Accounts
    2. Using Account Tools
    3. Working as root
  23. CHAPTER 14: Creating Users and Groups
    1. Creating New Accounts
    2. Modifying Accounts
    3. Deleting Accounts
    4. Managing Groups
  24. CHAPTER 15: Setting Ownership and Permissions
    1. Setting Ownership
    2. Setting Permissions
  25. CHAPTER 16: Navigating the Linux Filesystem
    1. Understanding Where Things Go
    2. Using Special Permission Bits and File Features
  26. CHAPTER 17: Managing Network Connections
    1. Understanding Network Features
    2. Configuring a Network Connection
    3. Testing Your Network Connection
    4. Protecting Your System from the Bad Guys
  27. APPENDIX A: Answers to Review Questions
    1. Chapter 1
    2. Chapter 2
    3. Chapter 3
    4. Chapter 4
    5. Chapter 5
    6. Chapter 6
    7. Chapter 7
    8. Chapter 8
    9. Chapter 9
    10. Chapter 10
    11. Chapter 11
    12. Chapter 12
    13. Chapter 13
    14. Chapter 14
    15. Chapter 15
    16. Chapter 16
    17. Chapter 17
  28. APPENDIX B: LPI's Certification Program
    1. The Linux Essentials Certification
    2. Certification Objectives Map
  29. INDEX