book

Linux® Bible, 2008 Edition: Boot Up to Ubuntu®, Fedora®, KNOPPIX, Debian®, openSUSE®, and 11 Other Distributions

Name: Linux® Bible, 2008 Edition: Boot Up to Ubuntu®, Fedora®, KNOPPIX, Debian®, openSUSE®, and 11 Other Distributions
Author: Christopher Negus
ISBN: 9780470230190

by Christopher Negus

February 2008

Beginner

888 pages

24h 13m

English

Wiley

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Copyright
About the Authors
Credits
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Understanding the Linux MystiqueHow This Book Is OrganizedWhat You Will Get from This BookConventions Used in This Book
I. Linux First Steps
1. Starting with Linux
1.1. Taking Your First Step1.2. Starting Right Now1.3. Understanding Linux1.4. Exploring Linux History1.4.1. From a Free-Flowing UNIX Culture at Bell Labs1.4.2. To a Commercialized UNIX1.4.2.1. BSD Arrives1.4.2.2. UNIX Laboratory and Commercialization1.4.3. To a GNU Free-Flowing (not) UNIX1.4.4. BSD Loses Some Steam1.4.5. Linus Builds the Missing Piece1.5. What's So Great About Linux?1.5.1. Features in Linux1.5.2. OSI Open Source Definition1.5.3. Vibrant Communities1.5.4. Major Software Projects1.6. Linux in the Real World1.6.1. Linux in Schools1.6.2. Linux in Small Business1.6.3. Linux in the Enterprise1.7. Linux Myths, Legends, and FUD1.7.1. Can You Stop Worrying About Viruses?1.7.2. Will You Be Sued for Using Linux?1.7.2.1. Microsoft Versus Linux1.7.2.2. The SCO Lawsuits1.7.2.3. Software Patents1.7.2.4. Other Potentially Litigious Issues1.7.3. Can Linux Really Run on Everything from Handhelds to Supercomputers?1.7.4. Will Microsoft Crush Linux?1.7.5. Are You on Your Own If You Use Linux?1.7.6. Is Linux Only for Geeks?1.7.7. How Do Companies Make Money with Linux?1.7.8. How Different Are Linux Distributions from One Another?1.7.9. Is the Linux Mascot Really a Penguin?1.8. Getting Started with Linux1.9. Summary
2. Running Commands from the Shell
2.1. Starting a Shell2.1.1. Using the Shell Prompt2.1.2. Using a Terminal Window2.1.3. Using Virtual Terminals2.2. Choosing Your Shell2.2.1. Using bash (and Earlier sh) Shells2.2.2. Using tcsh (and Earlier csh) Shells2.2.3. Using ash2.2.4. Using ksh2.2.5. Using zsh2.3. Exploring the Shell2.3.1. Checking Your Login Session2.3.2. Checking Directories and Permissions2.3.3. Checking System Activity2.3.4. Exiting the Shell2.4. Using the Shell in Linux2.4.1. Locating Commands2.4.2. Rerunning Commands2.4.2.1. Command-Line Editing2.4.2.2. Command-Line Completion2.4.2.3. Command-Line Recall2.4.3. Connecting and Expanding Commands2.4.3.1. Piping Commands2.4.3.2. Sequential Commands2.4.3.3. Background Commands2.4.3.4. Expanding Commands2.4.3.5. Expanding Arithmetic Expressions2.4.3.6. Expanding Environment Variables2.5. Creating Your Shell Environment2.5.1. Configuring Your Shell2.5.1.1. Setting Your Prompt2.5.1.2. Adding Environment Variables2.5.1.3. Adding Aliases2.5.2. Using Shell Environment Variables2.5.2.1. Common Shell Environment Variables2.5.2.2. Setting Your Own Environment Variables2.5.3. Managing Background and Foreground Processes2.5.3.1. Starting Background Processes2.5.3.2. Using Foreground and Background Commands2.6. Working with the Linux File System2.6.1. Creating Files and Directories2.6.1.1. Using Metacharacters and Operators2.6.1.2. Using File-Matching Metacharacters2.6.1.3. Using File-Redirection Metacharacters2.6.1.4. Understanding File Permissions2.6.2. Moving, Copying, and Deleting Files2.7. Using the vi Text Editor2.7.1. Starting with vi2.7.2. Moving Around the File2.7.3. Searching for Text2.7.4. Using Numbers with Commands2.8. Summary
3. Getting into the Desktop
3.1. Understanding Your Desktop3.2. Starting the Desktop3.2.1. Boot to the Desktop3.2.2. Boot to a Graphical Login3.2.3. Boot to a Text Prompt3.3. K Desktop Environment3.3.1. Using the KDE Desktop3.3.2. Managing Files with the Konqueror File Manager3.3.2.1. Working with Files3.3.2.2. Searching for Files3.3.2.3. Creating New Files and Folders3.3.2.4. Using Other Browser Features3.3.3. Configuring Konqueror Options3.3.4. Managing Windows3.3.4.1. Using the Taskbar3.3.4.2. Uncluttering the Desktop3.3.4.3. Moving Windows3.3.4.4. Resizing Windows3.3.4.5. Pinning Windows on the Top or Bottom3.3.4.6. Using Virtual Desktops3.3.5. Configuring the Desktop3.3.5.1. Changing the Display3.3.5.2. Changing Panel Attributes3.3.6. Adding Application Launchers and MIME Types3.3.6.1. Adding Applications to the Panel3.3.6.2. Adding Applications to the Desktop3.4. The GNOME Desktop3.4.1. Using the Metacity Window Manager3.4.2. Using the GNOME Panels3.4.2.1. Using the Applications, Places, and System Menus3.4.2.2. Adding an Applet3.4.2.3. Adding Another Panel3.4.2.4. Adding an Application Launcher3.4.2.5. Adding a Drawer3.4.2.6. Changing Panel Properties3.4.3. Using the Nautilus File Manager3.4.4. 3D Effects with AIGLX3.4.5. Changing GNOME Preferences3.4.6. Exiting GNOME3.5. Configuring a GNOME Online Desktop3.6. Configuring Your Own Desktop3.6.1. Configuring X3.6.1.1. Creating a Working X Configuration File3.6.1.2. Getting New X Drivers3.6.1.3. Tuning Up Your X Configuration File3.6.2. Choosing a Window Manager3.6.3. Choosing Your Personal Window Manager3.7. Getting More Information3.8. Summary
II. Running the Show

4. Learning Basic Administration
4.1. Graphical Administration Tools4.1.1. Using Web-Based Administration4.1.1.1. Open Source Projects Offering Web Administration4.1.1.2. The Webmin Administration Tool4.1.2. Graphical Administration with Different Distributions4.1.2.1. Red Hat Config Tools4.1.2.2. SUSE YaST Tools4.2. Using the root Login4.2.1. Becoming Root from the Shell (su Command)4.2.2. Allowing Limited Administrative Access4.3. Exploring Administrative Commands, Configuration Files, and Log Files4.3.1. Administrative Commands4.3.2. Administrative Configuration Files4.3.3. Administrative Log Files4.4. Using sudo and Other Administrative Logins4.5. Administering Your Linux System4.6. Creating User Accounts4.6.1. Adding Users with useradd4.6.2. Setting User Defaults4.6.3. Modifying Users with usermod4.6.4. Deleting Users with userdel4.7. Configuring Hardware4.7.1. Managing Removable Hardware4.7.1.1. Removable Media on a GNOME Desktop4.7.1.2. Removable Media on a SUSE KDE Desktop4.7.2. Working with Loadable Modules4.7.2.1. Listing Loaded Modules4.7.2.2. Loading Modules4.7.2.3. Removing Modules4.8. Managing File Systems and Disk Space4.8.1. Mounting File Systems4.8.1.1. Supported File Systems4.8.1.2. Using the fstab File to Define Mountable File Systems4.8.1.3. Using the mount Command to Mount File Systems4.8.1.3.1. Mounting Removable Media4.8.1.3.2. Mounting a Disk Image in Loopback4.8.1.4. Using the umount Command4.8.2. Using the mkfs Command to Create a File System4.8.3. Adding a Hard Disk4.8.4. Checking System Space4.8.4.1. Displaying System Space with df4.8.4.2. Checking Disk Usage with du4.8.4.3. Finding Disk Consumption with find4.9. Monitoring System Performance4.10. Summary
5. Getting on the Internet
5.1. Connecting to the Network5.1.1. Connecting via Dial-Up Service5.1.2. Connecting a Single Computer to Broadband5.1.3. Connecting Multiple Computers to Broadband5.1.4. Connecting Servers5.1.5. Connecting Other Equipment5.2. Using Ethernet Connections to the Internet5.2.1. Configuring Ethernet During Installation5.2.2. Configuring Ethernet from the Desktop5.2.3. Using Network Configuration GUI in Fedora5.2.4. Identifying Other Computers (Hosts and DNS)5.2.5. Using the Network Settings GUI in Ubuntu5.2.6. Understanding Your Internet Connection5.3. Using Dial-Up Connections to the Internet5.3.1. Getting Information5.3.2. Setting Up Dial-Up PPP5.3.3. Creating a Dial-Up Connection with the Internet Configuration Wizard5.3.4. Launching Your PPP Connection5.3.5. Launching Your PPP Connection on Demand5.3.6. Checking Your PPP Connection5.3.7. Checking That Your Modem Was Detected5.4. Connecting to the Internet with Wireless5.5. Summary
6. Securing Linux
6.1. Linux Security Checklist6.1.1. Finding Distribution-Specific Security Resources6.1.2. Finding General Security Resources6.2. Using Linux Securely6.2.1. Using Password Protection6.2.2. Choosing Good Passwords6.2.3. Using a Shadow Password File6.2.3.1. Breaking Encrypted Passwords6.2.3.2. Checking for the Shadow Password File6.3. Using Log Files6.3.1. The Role of syslogd6.3.2. Redirecting Logs to a Loghost with syslogd6.3.3. Understanding the messages Log File6.4. Using Secure Shell Tools6.4.1. Starting the ssh Service6.4.2. Using the ssh, sftp, and scp Commands6.4.3. Using ssh, scp, and sftp Without Passwords6.5. Securing Linux Servers6.5.1. Controlling Access to Services with TCP Wrappers6.5.2. Understanding Attack Techniques6.5.3. Protecting Against Denial of Service Attacks6.5.3.1. Mailbombing6.5.3.1.1. Blocking Mail with Procmail6.5.3.1.2. Blocking Mail with sendmail6.5.3.2. Spam Relaying6.5.3.3. Smurf Amplification Attack6.5.4. Protecting Against Distributed DOS Attacks6.5.5. Protecting Against Intrusion Attacks6.5.5.1. Evaluating Access to Network Services6.5.5.2. Disabling Network Services6.5.6. Securing Servers with SELinux6.5.7. Protecting Web Servers with Certificates and Encryption6.5.7.1. Symmetric Cryptography6.5.7.2. Asymmetric Cryptography6.5.7.3. Secure Sockets Layer6.5.7.3.1. Creating SSL Certificates6.5.7.3.2. Using Third-Party Certificate Signers6.5.7.3.3. Creating a Certificate Service Request6.5.7.3.4. Getting Your CSR Signed6.5.7.3.5. Creating Self-Signed Certificates6.5.7.3.6. Restarting Your Web Server6.5.7.3.7. Troubleshooting Your Certificates6.6. Using Linux Live CD Security Tools6.6.1. Advantages of Security Live CDs6.6.2. Using INSERT to Check for rootkits6.7. Summary
III. Choosing and Installing a Linux Distribution
7. Installing Linux
7.1. Choosing a Linux Distribution7.1.1. Linux at Work7.1.2. Other Distributions7.2. Getting Your Own Linux Distribution7.2.1. Finding Another Linux Distribution7.2.2. Understanding What You Need7.2.3. Downloading the Distribution7.2.4. Burning the Distribution to CD7.3. Exploring Common Installation Topics7.3.1. Knowing Your Computer Hardware7.3.2. Upgrading or Installing from Scratch7.3.3. Dual Booting with Windows or Just Linux?7.3.4. Using Installation Boot Options7.3.5. Partitioning Hard Drives7.3.5.1. Partitioning with Disk Druid During Installation7.3.5.1.1. Reasons for Partitioning7.3.5.1.2. Deleting, Adding, and Editing Partitions7.3.5.2. Partitioning with fdisk7.3.5.3. Tips for Creating Partitions7.3.6. Using LILO or GRUB Boot Loaders7.3.6.1. Booting Your Computer with GRUB7.3.6.2. Booting with GRUB7.3.6.3. Temporarily Changing Boot Options7.3.6.4. Permanently Changing Boot Options7.3.6.5. Adding a New GRUB Boot Image7.3.6.6. Booting Your Computer with LILO7.3.6.6.1. Using LILO7.3.6.6.2. Setting Up the /etc/lilo.conf File7.3.6.7. Changing Your Boot Loader7.3.7. Configuring Networking7.3.8. Configuring Other Administrative Features7.4. Installing from the Linux Bible CD or DVD7.5. Summary
8. Running Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux
8.1. Digging into Features8.1.1. Red Hat Installer (Anaconda)8.1.2. RPM Package Management8.1.3. Kudzu Hardware Detection8.1.4. Red Hat Desktop Look-and-Feel8.1.5. System Configuration Tools8.2. Going Forward with Fedora8.2.1. Growing Community Support for Fedora8.2.2. Forums and Mailing Lists8.3. Fedora Comes of Age8.4. Installing Fedora8.4.1. Choosing Computer Hardware8.4.2. Choosing an Installation Method8.4.2.1. Installing on Multiple Computers8.4.2.2. Installation Guides8.4.3. Choosing to Install or Upgrade8.4.4. Beginning the Installation8.4.5. Running the Fedora Setup Agent8.5. Summary
9. Running Debian GNU/Linux
9.1. Inside Debian GNU/Linux9.1.1. Debian Packages9.1.2. Debian Package Management Tools9.1.3. Debian Releases9.2. Getting Help with Debian9.3. Installing Debian GNU/Linux9.3.1. Hardware Requirements and Installation Planning9.3.1.1. Workstations9.3.1.2. Servers9.3.2. Running the Installer9.4. Managing Your Debian System9.4.1. Configuring Network Connections9.4.1.1. IP Networks: Ethernet and Wireless9.4.1.2. Dial-Up PPP Connections9.4.1.3. PPPoE Connections9.4.2. Package Management Using APT9.4.2.1. Managing the List of Package Repositories9.4.2.2. Updating the APT Package Database9.4.2.3. Finding and Installing Packages9.4.2.4. Removing Packages9.4.2.5. Upgrading Your System9.4.3. Package Management Using dpkg9.4.3.1. Installing and Removing Packages9.4.3.2. Querying the Package Database9.4.3.3. Examining a Package File9.4.4. Installing Package Sets (Tasks) with Tasksel9.4.5. Alternatives, Diversions, and Stat Overrides9.4.6. Managing Package Configuration with debconf9.5. Summary
10. Running SUSE and openSUSE Linux
10.1. Understanding SUSE and openSUSE10.2. What's in SUSE10.2.1. Installation and Configuration with YaST10.2.2. RPM Package Management10.2.3. Automated Software Updates10.2.4. Managing Software with zypper10.3. Getting Support for SUSE and openSUSE10.4. Installing openSUSE10.4.1. Before You Begin10.4.2. Starting Installation10.4.2.1. Installation Settings10.4.2.2. Configuration Settings10.5. Starting with openSUSE10.6. Summary
11. Running KNOPPIX
11.1. KNOPPIX Features11.2. Understanding KNOPPIX11.2.1. KNOPPIX News11.2.2. Looking Inside KNOPPIX11.2.3. What's Cool About KNOPPIX11.2.4. Examining Challenges with KNOPPIX11.2.5. Seeing Where KNOPPIX Comes From11.2.6. Exploring Uses for KNOPPIX11.3. Starting KNOPPIX11.3.1. Getting a Computer11.3.2. Booting KNOPPIX11.3.3. Correcting Boot Problems11.3.3.1. Customizing KNOPPIX11.3.3.2. Special Features and Workarounds11.4. Using KNOPPIX11.4.1. Getting on the Network11.4.2. Installing Software in KNOPPIX11.4.3. Saving Files in KNOPPIX11.4.3.1. Writing to Hard Disk11.4.3.1.1. Mounting Linux Partitions for Writing11.4.3.1.2. Mounting Windows Partitions for Writing11.4.3.2. Creating a Persistent Home Directory11.4.4. Keeping Your KNOPPIX Configuration11.4.5. Restarting KNOPPIX11.5. Summary
12. Running Yellow Dog Linux
12.1. Understanding Yellow Dog Linux12.2. Going Forward with Yellow Dog12.3. Digging into Yellow Dog12.4. Installing Yellow Dog Linux12.4.1. Hardware Support12.4.2. Planning Your Installation12.4.2.1. Installing Mac OS X and Yellow Dog Linux on One Hard Drive12.4.2.2. Installing Mac OS 9 or Earlier and Yellow Dog Linux on One Hard Drive12.4.2.3. Installing Mac OS 9 or Earlier, Mac OS X, and Yellow Dog Linux on Multiple Hard Drives12.4.2.4. Yellow Dog Linux 3.0.1 Special Considerations12.4.3. Beginning the Installation12.4.4. Rebooting Your Linux Mac12.5. Updating Yellow Dog Linux12.6. Running Mac Applications with Mac-on-Linux12.7. Support Options12.8. Summary
13. Running Gentoo Linux
13.1. Understanding Gentoo13.1.1. Gentoo's Open Source Spirit13.1.2. The Gentoo Community13.1.3. Building, Tuning, and Tweaking Linux13.1.4. Where Gentoo Is Used13.2. What's in Gentoo13.2.1. Managing Software with Portage13.2.2. Finding Software Packages13.2.3. New Gentoo Features13.3. Installing Gentoo13.3.1. Getting Gentoo13.3.1.1. Live CD Install13.3.1.2. Minimal/Universal Install CD13.3.2. Starting Gentoo Installation from a Live CD13.3.3. Starting Gentoo Installation from a Minimal CD13.3.4. Getting Software with emerge13.4. Summary
14. Running Slackware Linux
14.1. Getting into Slackware14.2. Characterizing the Slackware Community14.2.1. The Slackware Creator14.2.2. Slackware Users14.2.3. Slackware Internet Sites14.3. Challenges of Using Slackware14.4. Using Slackware as a Development Platform14.5. Installing Slackware14.5.1. Getting Slackware14.5.2. New Features in Slackware 12.014.5.3. Hardware Requirements14.5.4. Starting Installation14.6. Starting with Slackware14.7. Summary
15. Running Linspire and Freespire
15.1. Overview of Linspire15.2. Which Version Is Right for You?15.2.1. Installing Software with Click-N-Run15.2.2. Other Installation Options15.3. Linspire and Freespire Support15.3.1. Forums and Information15.3.2. Audio Assistant15.4. Installing Linspire or Freespire15.4.1. Hardware Requirements15.4.2. Installing Linspire or Freespire15.5. Securing Linspire and Freespire15.6. Summary
16. Running Mandriva
16.1. Mandriva Features16.2. Exploring Mandriva16.2.1. Mandriva Installer (DrakX)16.2.2. RPM Package Management with RPMDrake16.2.3. Mandriva Linux Control Center16.3. The Mandriva Community16.3.1. RPM Repository on Mandriva Club16.3.2. Mandriva Forums16.4. Installing Mandriva Limited Edition16.4.1. The Right Hardware for Mandriva16.4.2. Installing Mandriva with the DrakX Installer16.5. Summary
17. Running Ubuntu Linux
17.1. Overview of Ubuntu17.1.1. Ubuntu Releases17.1.2. Ubuntu Installer17.1.3. Ubuntu as a Desktop17.1.4. Ubuntu as a Server17.1.5. Ubuntu Spin-Offs17.1.6. Challenges Facing Ubuntu17.2. Installing Ubuntu17.3. Starting with Ubuntu17.3.1. Trying Out the Desktop17.3.2. Adding More Software17.4. Getting More Information About Ubuntu17.5. Summary
18. Running a Linux Firewall/Router
18.1. Understanding Firewalls18.2. Protecting Desktops with Firewalls18.2.1. Starting Your Firewall in Fedora18.2.2. Configuring a Firewall in Mandriva18.3. Using Firewalls with iptables18.3.1. Starting with iptables18.3.1.1. Setting Some Rules18.3.1.2. Saving Firewall Settings18.3.1.3. Checking Your Firewall18.3.2. Using iptables to Do SNAT or IP Masquerading18.3.3. Adding Modules with iptables18.3.4. Using iptables as a Transparent Proxy18.3.5. Using iptables for Port Forwarding18.3.5.1. Getting iptables Scripts18.3.5.2. Finding Out More About iptables18.4. Making a Coyote Linux Bootable Floppy Firewall18.4.1. Creating a Coyote Linux Firewall18.4.2. Building the Coyote Linux Floppy18.4.3. Running the Coyote Linux Floppy Firewall18.4.4. Managing the Coyote Linux Floppy Firewall18.4.4.1. Using a Web Interface18.4.4.2. Using a Remote Login18.5. Using Other Firewall Distributions18.6. Summary
19. Running Bootable Linux Distributions
19.1. Overview of Bootable Linux Distributions19.2. Choosing a Bootable Linux19.2.1. Security and Rescue Bootables19.2.1.1. BackTrack Network Security Suite19.2.1.2. SystemRescueCd19.2.1.3. KNOPPIX Security Tools Distribution19.2.1.4. The Inside Security Rescue Toolkit19.2.2. Demonstration Bootables19.2.3. Multimedia Bootables19.2.3.1. MoviX19.2.3.2. GeeXboX19.2.3.3. KnoppMyth19.2.3.4. Dyne:bolic19.2.4. Tiny Desktops19.2.4.1. Damn Small Linux19.2.4.2. Puppy Linux19.3. Special-Purpose Bootables19.4. Customizing a Bootable Linux19.5. Summary
IV. Running Applications
20. Playing Music and Video
20.1. Playing Digital Media and Obeying the Law20.1.1. Copyright Protection Issues20.1.2. Exploring Codecs20.2. Playing Music20.2.1. Setting Up Audio Cards20.2.2. Choosing an Audio CD Player20.2.2.1. Playing CDs with gnome-cd20.2.2.2. Playing Music with the Rhythmbox Audio Player20.2.2.3. Playing Music with the XMMS Multimedia Player20.2.2.3.1. Using the Equalizer20.2.2.3.2. Using the Playlist Editor20.2.3. Using MIDI Audio Players20.2.4. Performing Audio File Conversion and Compression20.2.4.1. Converting Audio Files with SoX20.2.4.2. Compressing Music Files with oggenc20.3. Recording and Ripping Music20.3.1. Creating an Audio CD with cdrecord20.3.2. Ripping CDs with Grip20.3.3. Creating CD Labels with cdlabelgen20.4. Working with TV, Video, and Digital Imaging20.4.1. Watching TV with tvtime20.4.1.1. Getting a Supported TV Card20.4.1.2. Running tvtime20.4.2. Video Conferencing with Ekiga20.4.2.1. Getting a Supported Webcam20.4.2.2. Opening Your Firewall for Ekiga20.4.2.3. Running Ekiga20.5. Watching Movies and Video20.5.1. Watching Video with xine20.5.1.1. Using xine20.5.1.2. Creating Playlists with xine20.5.1.3. xine Tips20.5.2. Using Helix Player and RealPlayer 1020.6. Using a Digital Camera with gtkam and gPhoto220.6.1. Downloading Digital Photos with gtkam20.6.2. Using Your Camera as a Storage Device20.7. Summary
21. Working with Words and Images
21.1. Using OpenOffice.org21.2. Other Word Processors21.2.1. Using StarOffice21.2.2. Using AbiWord21.2.3. Using KOffice21.2.4. Getting Away from Windows21.3. Using Traditional Linux Publishing Tools21.4. Creating Documents in Groff or LaTeX21.4.1. Text Processing with Groff21.4.1.1. Formatting and Printing Documents with Groff21.4.1.2. Creating a Man Page with Groff21.4.1.3. Creating a Letter, Memo, or White Paper with Groff21.4.1.4. Adding Equations, Tables, and Pictures21.4.2. Text Processing with TeX/LaTeX21.4.2.1. Creating and Formatting a LaTeX Document21.4.2.2. Using the LyX LaTeX Editor21.4.2.3. Printing LaTeX Files21.4.3. Converting Documents21.4.4. Building Structured Documents21.4.4.1. Understanding SGML and XML21.4.4.2. Understanding DocBook21.4.4.2.1. Creating DocBook Documents21.4.4.2.2. Converting DocBook Documents21.5. Printing Documents in Linux21.5.1. Printing to the Default Printer21.5.2. Printing from the Shell21.5.3. Checking the Print Queues21.5.4. Removing Print Jobs21.5.5. Checking Printer Status21.6. Displaying Documents with ghostscript and Acrobat21.6.1. Using the ghostscript and gv Commands21.6.2. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader21.7. Working with Graphics21.7.1. Manipulating Images with GIMP21.7.2. Acquiring Screen Captures21.7.3. Modifying Images with KPaint21.8. Using Scanners Driven by SANE21.9. Summary
22. E-Mailing and Web Browsing
22.1. Using E-Mail22.1.1. Choosing an E-Mail Client22.1.2. Getting Here from Windows22.1.3. Getting Started with E-Mail22.1.4. Tuning Up E-Mail22.1.5. Reading E-Mail with Thunderbird22.1.5.1. Connecting to the Mail Server22.1.5.2. Managing Incoming Mail22.1.5.3. Composing and Sending E-Mail22.1.5.4. Filtering E-Mail and Catching Spam22.1.6. Managing E-Mail in Evolution22.1.6.1. Receiving, Composing, and Sending E-Mail22.1.6.2. Managing E-Mail with Search Folders22.1.6.3. Filtering E-Mail Messages22.1.7. Reading E-Mail with Mozilla Mail22.1.8. Working with Text-Based E-Mail Readers22.1.8.1. Mutt Mail Reader22.1.8.2. Pine Mail Reader22.1.8.3. Mail Reader22.2. Choosing a Web Browser22.3. Exploring the Mozilla Suite22.4. Using Firefox22.4.1. Setting Up Firefox22.4.1.1. Setting Firefox Preferences22.4.1.2. Adding Plug-ins22.4.1.3. Changing Firefox Themes22.4.2. Securing Firefox22.4.3. Tips for Using Firefox22.4.4. Using Firefox Controls22.4.5. Improving Firefox Browsing22.4.5.1. Adding a Preferences Toolbar22.4.5.2. Adding Java Support22.4.6. Doing Cool Things with Firefox22.4.6.1. Blocking Pop-ups22.4.6.2. Using Tabbed Browsing22.4.6.3. Using the DOM Inspector22.4.6.4. Resizing the Web Page22.5. Using Text-Based Web Browsers22.6. Summary
23. Gaming with Linux
23.1. Overview of Linux Gaming23.2. Basic Linux Gaming Information23.2.1. Where to Get Information about Linux Gaming23.2.2. Choosing a Video Card for Gaming23.2.2.1. Binary-Only Video Card Drivers23.2.2.2. Open Source Video Drivers23.3. Running Open Source Linux Games23.3.1. GNOME Games23.3.2. KDE Games23.3.3. Games in Fedora23.3.3.1. Freeciv23.3.3.1.1. Beginning with Freeciv23.3.3.1.2. Building Your Civilization23.3.3.1.3. Exploring Your World23.3.3.1.4. Using More Controls and Actions23.3.4. PlanetPenguin Racer (TuxRacer)23.4. Commercial Linux Games23.4.1. Getting Started with Commercial Games in Linux23.4.2. Playing Commercial Linux Games23.4.3. id Software Games23.4.3.1. Quake III Arena23.4.3.2. Return to Castle Wolfenstein23.4.4. Playing TransGaming and Cedega Games23.4.5. Loki Software Game Demos23.4.5.1. Civilization: Call to Power23.4.5.2. Myth II: Soulblighter23.4.5.3. Heretic II23.4.5.4. Neverwinter Nights23.5. Summary
V. Running Servers
24. Running a Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP (LAMP) Server
24.1. Components of a LAMP Server24.1.1. Apache24.1.2. MySQL24.1.3. PHP24.2. Setting Up Your LAMP Server24.2.1. Installing Apache24.2.2. Installing PHP24.2.3. Installing MySQL24.3. Operating Your LAMP Server24.3.1. Editing Your Apache Configuration Files24.3.2. Adding a Virtual Host to Apache24.3.3. User Content and the userdir Setting24.3.4. Installing a Web Application: Coppermine Photo Gallery24.4. Troubleshooting24.4.1. Configuration Errors24.4.2. Access Forbidden and Server Internal Errors24.5. Securing Your Web Traffic with SSL/TLS24.5.1. Generating Your Keys24.5.2. Configuring Apache to Support SSL/TLS24.6. Summary
25. Running a Mail Server
25.1. Internet E-Mail's Inner Workings25.2. About the System and the Software Used25.3. Preparing Your System25.3.1. Configuring DNS for Direct Delivery25.3.2. Configuring for Retrieval from a Mail Host25.4. Installing and Configuring the Mail Server Software25.4.1. Installing Exim and Courier25.4.2. Installing ClamAV and SpamAssassin25.5. Testing and Troubleshooting25.5.1. Checking Logs25.5.2. Common Errors (and How to Fix Them)25.5.2.1. Messages Rejected by Exim25.5.2.2. Messages Not Delivered by Exim25.5.2.3. Login Failures When Connecting to Courier25.6. Configuring Mail Clients25.6.1. Configuring Fetchmail25.6.2. Configuring Web-Based Mail25.7. Securing Communications with SSL/TLS25.8. Summary
26. Running a Print Server
26.1. Common UNIX Printing Service26.2. Setting Up Printers26.2.1. Using Web-Based CUPS Administration26.2.2. Using the Red Hat Printer Configuration Window26.2.2.1. Configuring Local Printers in Fedora26.2.2.1.1. Adding a Local Printer in Fedora26.2.2.1.2. Editing a Local Printer in Fedora26.2.2.2. Configuring Remote Printers in Fedora26.2.2.3. Adding a Remote CUPS Printer26.2.2.4. Adding a Remote UNIX Printer26.2.2.5. Adding a Windows (SMB) Printer26.3. Working with CUPS Printing26.3.1. Configuring the CUPS Server (cupsd.conf)26.3.2. Starting the CUPS Server26.3.3. Configuring CUPS Printer Options Manually26.4. Using Printing Commands26.4.1. Printing with lpr26.4.2. Listing Printer Status with lpc26.4.3. Removing Print Jobs with lprm26.5. Configuring Print Servers26.5.1. Configuring a Shared CUPS Printer26.5.2. Configuring a Shared Samba Printer26.5.2.1. Understanding smb.conf for Printing26.5.2.2. Setting Up SMB Clients26.6. Summary
27. Running a File Server
27.1. Setting Up an NFS File Server27.1.1. Getting NFS27.1.2. Sharing NFS File Systems27.1.2.1. Configuring the /etc/exports File27.1.2.1.1. Hostnames in /etc/exports27.1.2.1.2. Access Options in /etc/exports27.1.2.1.3. User Mapping Options in /etc/exports27.1.2.2. Exporting the Shared File Systems27.1.2.3. Starting the NFS Daemons27.1.3. Using NFS File Systems27.1.3.1. Manually Mounting an NFS File System27.1.3.2. Automatically Mounting an NFS File System27.1.3.2.1. Mounting noauto File Systems27.1.3.2.2. Using mount Options27.1.3.3. Using autofs to Mount NFS File Systems on Demand27.1.4. Unmounting NFS File Systems27.1.5. Other Cool Things to Do with NFS27.2. Setting Up a Samba File Server27.2.1. Getting and Installing Samba27.2.2. Configuring Samba with SWAT27.2.2.1. Turning on the SWAT Service27.2.2.2. Starting with SWAT27.2.2.3. Creating Global Samba Settings in SWAT27.2.2.3.1. Base Options27.2.2.3.2. Security Options27.2.2.3.3. Logging Options27.2.2.3.4. Performance Options27.2.2.3.5. Printing Options27.2.2.3.6. Browse Options27.2.2.3.7. WINS Options27.2.2.4. Configuring Shared Directories with SWAT27.2.2.5. Checking Your Samba Setup with SWAT27.2.3. Working with Samba Files and Commands27.2.3.1. Editing the smb.conf File27.2.3.2. Adding Samba Users27.2.3.3. Starting the Samba Service27.2.3.4. Testing Your Samba Permissions27.2.3.5. Checking the Status of Shared Directories27.2.4. Using Samba Shared Directories27.2.4.1. Using Samba from Nautilus27.2.4.2. Mounting Samba Directories in Linux27.2.5. Troubleshooting Your Samba Server27.2.5.1. Basic Networking in Place?27.2.5.2. Samba Service Running?27.2.5.3. Firewall Open?27.2.5.4. User Passwords Working?27.3. Summary
VI. Programming in Linux
28. Programming Environments and Interfaces
28.1. Understanding Programming Environments28.2. Using Linux Programming Environments28.2.1. The Linux Development Environment28.2.1.1. The Process Model28.2.1.2. CPU and Memory Protection28.2.1.3. The Security Model28.2.1.4. Preemptive Multitasking28.2.1.5. Multiuser by Design28.2.1.6. Interprocess Communication28.2.1.7. The Building Blocks Philosophy28.2.2. Graphical Programming Environments28.2.2.1. Eclipse: The Universal Tool Platform28.2.2.2. KDevelop: KDE's IDE28.2.2.3. Code Crusader28.2.3. The Command-Line Programming Environment28.3. Linux Programming Interfaces28.3.1. Creating Command-Line Interfaces28.3.1.1. Creating Text-Mode User Interfaces with ncurses28.3.1.2. Creating Text-Mode User Interfaces with S-Lang28.3.2. Creating Graphical Interfaces28.3.3. Application Programming Interfaces28.4. Summary
29. Programming Tools and Utilities
29.1. The Well-Stocked Toolkit29.2. Using the GCC Compiler29.2.1. Compiling Multiple Source Code Files29.2.2. GCC Command-Line Options29.3. Automating Builds with make29.4. Library Utilities29.4.1. The nm Command29.4.2. The ar Command29.4.3. The ldd Command29.4.4. The ldconfig Command29.4.5. Environment Variables and Configuration Files29.5. Source Code Control29.5.1. Source Code Control Using RCS29.5.1.1. Checking Files In and Out29.5.1.2. Making Changes to Repository Files29.5.1.3. Additional Command-Line Options29.5.2. Source Code Control with CVS29.6. Debugging with GNU Debugger29.6.1. Starting GDB29.6.2. Inspecting Code in the Debugger29.6.3. Examining Data29.6.4. Setting Breakpoints29.6.5. Working with Source Code29.7. Summary
A. Media
A.1. Finding Linux Distributions on the DVDA.1.1. Fedora LinuxA.1.2. KNOPPIX LinuxA.1.3. Slackware 12A.1.4. Ubuntu 7.10A.1.5. MandrivaA.1.6. BackTrack 2 Linux Security SuiteA.1.7. Gentoo 2007.1 LinuxA.1.8. Freespire 2.0A.1.9. openSUSE LinuxA.2. Finding Linux Distributions on the CDA.2.1. Debian GNU/LinuxA.2.2. Gentoo Minimal 2007 LinuxA.2.3. Damn Small LinuxA.2.4. Inside Security Rescue ToolkitA.2.5. System Rescue CDA.2.6. Coyote LinuxA.2.7. SLAXA.2.8. Puppy LinuxA.3. Linux Distributions Not on the DVD or CDA.4. Creating Linux CDsA.5. Getting Source Code
B. Entering the Linux Community
B.1. General Linux SitesB.2. Linux DistributionsB.3. Companies and Groups Supporting LinuxB.4. Major Linux ProjectsB.5. Linux User GroupsB.6. Advocating Linux

Content preview from Linux® Bible, 2008 Edition: Boot Up to Ubuntu®, Fedora®, KNOPPIX, Debian®, openSUSE®, and 11 Other Distributions

Chapter 3. Getting into the Desktop

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding your desktop
Using the K desktop environment
Using the GNOME desktop environment
Configuring your own desktop
Playing with desktop eye candy using AIGLX

In the past few years, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) available for Linux have become as easy to use as those on the Apple Mac or Microsoft Windows systems. With these improvements, even a novice computer user can start using Linux without needing to have an expert standing by.

You don't need to understand the underlying framework of the X Window System, window managers, widgets, and whatnots to get going with a Linux desktop system. That's why I start by explaining how to use the two most popular desktop environments: KDE (K desktop environment) and GNOME. After that, if you want to dig deeper, I tell you how you can put together your own desktop by discussing how to choose your own X-based window manager to run in Linux.

Understanding Your Desktop

When you install Linux distributions such as Fedora, SUSE, Mandriva, and Ubuntu, you have the option to choose a desktop environment. Distributions such as Gentoo and Debian GNU/Linux give you the option to go out and get whatever desktop environment you want (without particularly prompting you for it). When you are given the opportunity to select a desktop during installation, your choices usually include one or more of the following:

K desktop environment (www.kde.org)—In addition to all the features you would expect to find ...

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Linux® Bible 2009 Edition: Boot up Ubuntu®, Fedora®, KNOPPIX, Debian®, SUSE®, and 13 Other Distributions

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Linux® Bible, 2008 Edition: Boot Up to Ubuntu®, Fedora®, KNOPPIX, Debian®, openSUSE®, and 11 Other Distributions

by Christopher Negus

Chapter 3. Getting into the Desktop

Understanding Your Desktop

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