book

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

Name: Linux® Bible 2009 Edition: Boot up Ubuntu®, Fedora®, KNOPPIX, Debian®, SUSE®, and 13 Other Distributions
Author: Christopher Negus
ISBN: 9780470373675

by Christopher Negus

January 2009

Beginner

881 pages

24h 14m

English

Wiley

Read now

Unlock full access

Copyright
About the Author
Credits
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Understanding the Linux MystiqueHow This Book Is OrganizedWhat You Will Get from This BookConventions Used in This Book
I. Getting off the Ground with Linux
1. Starting with Linux
1.1. Taking Your First Step1.1.1. What Comes in Linux Systems?1.1.2. What Do You Need to Get Started?1.1.3. Starting Right Now1.1.3.1. Trying KNOPPIX1.1.3.2. Trying Damn Small Linux1.1.3.3. Trying Other Linux Distributions1.2. Understanding Linux1.3. What's So Great About Linux?1.4. Summary
2. Linux Projects, Activities, and Careers
2.1. Making Things with Linux2.1.1. Linux in Outer Space2.1.2. Linux in Gadgets2.1.3. Linux in Projects2.2. Getting Involved with Linux2.2.1. Joining a Linux User Group2.2.2. Joining Linux Communities2.2.3. Companies and Groups Supporting Linux2.3. Keeping Up with Linux2.3.1. Major Linux Projects2.3.2. Exploring Linux Distributions2.4. Linux in the Real World2.4.1. Linux in Schools2.4.2. Linux in Small Business2.4.3. Linux in the Enterprise2.5. Becoming a Linux Professional2.6. Summary
II. Running a Linux Desktop
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 Dolphin and Konqueror3.3.3. Using the Dolphin File Manager3.3.3.1. Working with Files3.3.3.2. Searching for Files3.3.3.3. Creating New Files and Folders3.3.4. Using the Konqueror Web Browser/File Manager3.3.4.1. Using Bookmarking Features in Konqueror3.3.4.2. Configuring Konqueror Options3.3.5. Managing the KDE Desktop3.3.5.1. Managing Windows in the Taskbar3.3.5.2. Uncluttering the Desktop3.3.5.3. Moving Windows3.3.5.4. Resizing Windows3.3.5.5. Pinning Windows on the Top or Bottom3.3.5.6. Using Virtual Desktops3.3.5.7. Adding Widgets3.3.6. Configuring the Desktop3.3.6.1. Changing Panel Attributes3.4. The GNOME Desktop3.4.1. Using the Metacity Window Manager3.4.2. Using the GNOME Panels3.4.2.1. Using the Applications 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

4. Playing Music and Video
4.1. Playing Digital Media and Obeying the Law4.1.1. Copyright Protection Issues4.1.2. Exploring Codecs4.2. Playing Music4.2.1. Using Sound Systems in Linux4.2.2. Adjusting Sound with PulseAudio4.2.3. Setting Up Audio Cards4.2.4. Choosing an Audio CD Player4.2.4.1. Playing Music with the Rhythmbox Audio Player4.2.4.2. Playing Music with the XMMS Multimedia Player4.2.4.2.1. Using the Equalizer4.2.4.2.2. Using the Playlist Editor4.2.5. Using MIDI Audio Players4.2.6. Performing Audio File Conversion and Compression4.2.6.1. Converting Audio Files with SoX4.2.6.2. Compressing Music Files with oggenc4.3. Recording and Ripping Music4.3.1. Creating an Audio CD with cdrecord4.3.2. Ripping CDs with Grip4.3.3. Creating CD Labels with cdlabelgen4.4. Working with TV, Video, and Digital Imaging4.4.1. Watching TV with tvtime4.4.1.1. Getting a Supported TV Card4.4.1.2. Running tvtime4.4.2. Video Conferencing with Ekiga4.4.2.1. Getting a Supported Webcam4.4.2.2. Opening Your Firewall for Ekiga4.4.2.3. Running Ekiga4.5. Watching Movies and Video4.5.1. Watching Video with xine4.5.1.1. Using xine4.5.1.2. Creating Playlists with Xine4.5.1.3. Xine Tips4.5.2. Using Totem Movie Player4.6. Using a Digital Camera4.6.1. Displaying Images in gThumb4.6.2. Using Your Camera as a Storage Device4.7. Summary
5. Working with Words and Images
5.1. Desktop Publishing in Linux5.1.1. Using Text Editors and Notepads5.1.2. Using Word Processors5.1.2.1. Using the OpenOffice.org Office Suite5.1.2.2. Other Word Processors5.1.2.3. Using StarOffice5.1.2.4. Using AbiWord5.1.2.5. Using KOffice5.1.3. Transitioning Documents from Windows5.1.4. Converting Documents5.1.5. Building Structured Documents5.1.5.1. Understanding SGML and XML5.1.5.2. Understanding DocBook5.1.5.3. Creating DocBook Documents5.1.5.4. Converting DocBook Documents5.1.6. Doing Page Layout with Scribus5.2. Working with Graphics5.2.1. Manipulating Images with GIMP5.2.2. Creating Vector Graphic Images with Inkscape5.2.3. Acquiring Screen Captures5.2.4. Viewing Images5.3. Displaying PDF and PostScript Documents5.3.1. Using the ghostscript and ggv Commands5.3.2. Using Adobe Reader5.4. Using Scanners with SANE5.5. Web Publishing5.6. Summary
6. E-Mailing and Web Browsing
6.1. Using E-Mail6.1.1. Choosing an E-Mail Client6.1.2. Getting Here from Windows6.1.3. Getting Started with E-Mail6.1.4. Tuning Up E-Mail6.1.5. Reading E-Mail with Thunderbird6.1.5.1. Setting Up an E-Mail Account6.1.5.2. Connecting to the Mail Server6.1.5.3. Managing Incoming Mail6.1.5.4. Composing and Sending Mail6.1.5.5. Filtering Mail and Catching Spam6.1.6. Managing E-Mail in Evolution6.1.6.1. Receiving, Composing, and Sending E-Mail6.1.6.2. Managing E-Mail with Search Folders6.1.6.3. Filtering E-Mail Messages6.1.7. Reading E-Mail with SeaMonkey Mail6.1.8. Working with Text-Based E-Mail Readers6.1.8.1. Mutt Mail Reader6.1.8.2. Pine Mail Reader6.1.8.3. Mail Reader6.2. Choosing a Web Browser6.3. Exploring the SeaMonkey Suite6.4. Using Firefox6.4.1. Setting Up Firefox6.4.1.1. Setting Firefox Preferences6.4.1.2. Adding Add-ons and Plug-ins6.4.1.3. Changing Firefox Themes6.4.2. Securing Firefox6.4.3. Tips for Using Firefox6.4.4. Using Firefox Controls6.4.5. Improving Firefox Browsing6.4.6. Doing Cool Things with Firefox6.4.6.1. Blocking Pop-ups6.4.6.2. Using Tabbed Browsing6.4.6.3. Resizing Web Page Text6.5. Using Text-Based Web Browsers6.6. Summary
7. Gaming with Linux
7.1. Jumping into Linux Gaming7.2. Overview of Linux Gaming7.3. Basic Linux Gaming Information7.4. Choosing Gaming Hardware for Linux7.4.1. Binary-Only Video Card Drivers7.4.1.1. Open Source Video Drivers7.5. Running Open Source Linux Games7.5.1. GNOME Games7.5.2. KDE Games7.5.3. Games in Fedora7.5.3.1. Freeciv7.5.3.1.1. Beginning with Freeciv7.5.3.1.2. Building Your Civilization7.5.3.1.3. Exploring Your World7.5.3.1.4. Using More Controls and Actions7.5.3.2. Extreme Tux Racer7.6. Commercial Linux Games7.6.1. Getting Started with Commercial Games in Linux7.6.2. Playing Commercial Linux Games7.6.3. id Software Games7.6.3.1. Quake III Arena7.6.3.2. Return to Castle Wolfenstein7.6.4. Playing TransGaming and Cedega Games7.6.5. Loki Software Game Demos7.6.5.1. Civilization: Call to Power7.6.5.2. Myth II: Soulblighter7.6.5.3. Heretic II7.6.5.4. Neverwinter Nights7.7. Summary
III. Learning System Administration Skills
8. Installing Linux
8.1. Choosing a Linux Distribution8.1.1. Linux at Work8.1.2. Other Distributions8.2. Getting Your Own Linux Distribution8.2.1. Finding Another Linux Distribution8.2.2. Understanding What You Need8.2.3. Downloading the Distribution8.2.4. Burning the Distribution to CD8.3. Exploring Common Installation Topics8.3.1. Knowing Your Computer Hardware8.3.2. Upgrading or Installing from Scratch8.3.3. Dual Booting with Windows or Just Linux?8.3.4. Using Installation Boot Options8.3.5. Partitioning Hard Drives8.3.5.1. Partitioning During Fedora Installation8.3.5.1.1. Reasons for Partitioning8.3.5.1.2. Deleting, Adding, and Editing Partitions8.3.5.2. Partitioning with fdisk8.3.5.3. Tips for Creating Partitions8.3.6. Using LILO or GRUB Boot Loaders8.3.6.1. Booting Your Computer with GRUB8.3.6.2. Booting with GRUB8.3.6.3. Temporarily Changing Boot Options8.3.6.4. Permanently Changing Boot Options8.3.6.5. Adding a New GRUB Boot Image8.3.6.6. Booting Your Computer with LILO8.3.6.6.1. Using LILO8.3.6.6.2. Setting Up the /etc/lilo.conf File8.3.6.7. Changing Your Boot Loader8.3.7. Configuring Networking8.3.8. Configuring Other Administrative Features8.4. Installing from the Linux Bible CD or DVD8.5. Summary
9. Running Commands from the Shell
9.1. Starting a Shell9.1.1. Using the Shell Prompt9.1.2. Using a Terminal Window9.1.3. Using Virtual Terminals9.2. Choosing Your Shell9.2.1. Using bash (and Earlier sh) Shells9.2.2. Using tcsh (and Earlier csh) Shells9.2.3. Using ash9.2.4. Using ksh9.2.5. Using zsh9.3. Exploring the Shell9.3.1. Checking Your Login Session9.3.2. Checking Directories and Permissions9.3.3. Checking System Activity9.3.4. Exiting the Shell9.4. Using the Shell in Linux9.4.1. Locating Commands9.4.2. Rerunning Commands9.4.2.1. Command-Line Editing9.4.2.2. Command-Line Completion9.4.2.3. Command-Line Recall9.4.3. Connecting and Expanding Commands9.4.3.1. Piping Commands9.4.3.2. Sequential Commands9.4.3.3. Background Commands9.4.3.4. Expanding Commands9.4.3.5. Expanding Arithmetic Expressions9.4.3.6. Expanding Environment Variables9.5. Creating Your Shell Environment9.5.1. Configuring Your Shell9.5.1.1. Setting Your Prompt9.5.1.2. Adding Environment Variables9.5.1.3. Adding Aliases9.5.2. Using Shell Environment Variables9.5.2.1. Common Shell Environment Variables9.5.2.2. Setting Your Own Environment Variables9.5.3. Managing Background and Foreground Processes9.5.3.1. Starting Background Processes9.5.3.2. Using Foreground and Background Commands9.6. Working with the Linux File System9.6.1. Creating Files and Directories9.6.1.1. Using Metacharacters and Operators9.6.1.2. Using File-Matching Metacharacters9.6.1.3. Using File-Redirection Metacharacters9.6.1.4. Understanding File Permissions9.6.2. Moving, Copying, and Deleting Files9.7. Using the vi Text Editor9.7.1. Starting with vi9.7.2. Moving Around the File9.7.3. Searching for Text9.7.4. Using Numbers with Commands9.8. Summary
10. Learning Basic Administration
10.1. Graphical Administration Tools10.1.1. Using Web-Based Administration10.1.1.1. Open Source Projects Offering Web Administration10.1.1.2. The Webmin Administration Tool10.1.2. Graphical Administration with Different Distributions10.1.2.1. Fedora/RHEL Config Tools10.1.2.2. SUSE YaST Tools10.2. Using the root Login10.2.1. Becoming Root from the Shell (su Command)10.2.2. Allowing Limited Administrative Access10.3. Exploring Administrative Commands, Configuration Files, and Log Files10.3.1. Administrative Commands10.3.2. Administrative Configuration Files10.3.3. Administrative Log Files10.4. Using sudo and Other Administrative Logins10.5. Administering Your Linux System10.6. Creating User Accounts10.6.1. Adding Users with useradd10.6.2. Setting User Defaults10.6.3. Modifying Users with usermod10.6.4. Deleting Users with userdel10.7. Configuring Hardware10.7.1. Managing Removable Hardware10.7.1.1. Removable Media on a GNOME Desktop10.7.1.2. Removable Media on a SUSE KDE Desktop10.7.2. Working with Loadable Modules10.7.2.1. Listing Loaded Modules10.7.2.2. Loading Modules10.7.2.3. Removing Modules10.8. Managing File Systems and Disk Space10.8.1. Mounting File Systems10.8.1.1. Supported File Systems10.8.1.2. Using the fstab File to Define Mountable File Systems10.8.1.3. Using the mount Command to Mount File Systems10.8.1.3.1. Mounting Removable Media10.8.1.3.2. Mounting a Disk Image in Loopback10.8.1.4. Using the umount Command10.8.2. Using the mkfs Command to Create a File System10.8.3. Adding a Hard Disk10.8.4. Checking System Space10.8.4.1. Displaying System Space with df10.8.4.2. Checking Disk Usage with du10.8.4.3. Finding Disk Consumption with find10.9. Monitoring System Performance10.10. Summary
11. Getting on the Internet
11.1. Connecting to the Network11.1.1. Connecting via Dial-Up Service11.1.2. Connecting a Single Computer to Broadband11.1.3. Connecting Multiple Computers to Broadband11.1.4. Connecting Servers11.1.5. Connecting Other Equipment11.2. Using Ethernet Connections to the Internet11.2.1. Configuring Ethernet During Installation11.2.2. Configuring Ethernet from the Desktop11.2.3. Using Network Configuration GUI in Fedora11.2.4. Identifying Other Computers (Hosts and DNS)11.2.5. Using the Network Settings GUI in Ubuntu11.2.6. Understanding Your Internet Connection11.3. Using Dial-Up Connections to the Internet11.3.1. Getting Information11.3.2. Setting Up Dial-Up PPP11.3.3. Creating a Dial-Up Connection with the Internet Configuration Wizard11.3.4. Launching Your PPP Connection11.3.5. Launching Your PPP Connection on Demand11.3.6. Checking Your PPP Connection11.3.7. Checking That Your Modem Was Detected11.4. Connecting to the Internet with Wireless11.5. Summary
12. Securing Linux
12.1. Linux Security Checklist12.1.1. Finding Distribution-Specific Security Resources12.1.2. Finding General Security Resources12.2. Using Linux Securely12.2.1. Using Password Protection12.2.2. Choosing Good Passwords12.2.3. Using a Shadow Password File12.2.3.1. Breaking Encrypted Passwords12.2.3.2. Checking for the Shadow Password File12.3. Using Log Files12.3.1. The Role of syslogd12.3.2. Redirecting Logs to a Loghost with syslogd12.3.3. Understanding the messages Log File12.4. Using Secure Shell Tools12.4.1. Starting the SSH Service12.4.2. Using the ssh, sftp, and scp Commands12.4.3. Using ssh, scp, and sftp without Passwords12.5. Securing Linux Servers12.5.1. Controlling Access to Services with TCP Wrappers12.5.2. Understanding Attack Techniques12.5.3. Protecting Against Denial-of-Service Attacks12.5.3.1. Mailbombing12.5.3.1.1. Blocking Mail with Procmail12.5.3.1.2. Blocking Mail with sendmail12.5.3.2. Spam Relaying12.5.3.3. Smurf Amplification Attack12.5.4. Protecting Against Distributed DoS Attacks12.5.5. Protecting Against Intrusion Attacks12.5.5.1. Evaluating Access to Network Services12.5.5.2. Disabling Network Services12.5.6. Securing Servers with SELinux12.5.7. Protecting Web Servers with Certificates and Encryption12.5.7.1. Symmetric Cryptography12.5.7.2. Asymmetric Cryptography12.5.7.3. Secure Sockets Layer12.5.7.3.1. Creating SSL Certificates12.5.7.3.2. Using Third-Party Certificate Signers12.5.7.3.3. Creating a Certificate Service Request12.5.7.3.4. Getting Your CSR Signed12.5.7.3.5. Creating Self-Signed Certificates12.5.7.3.6. Restarting Your Web Server12.5.7.3.7. Troubleshooting Your Certificates12.6. Using Linux Live CD Security Tools12.6.1. Advantages of Security Live CDs12.6.2. Using INSERT to Check for Rootkits12.7. Summary
IV. Setting Up Linux Servers
13. Running a Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP (LAMP) Server
13.1. Components of a LAMP Server13.1.1. Apache13.1.2. MySQL13.1.3. PHP13.2. Setting Up Your LAMP Server13.2.1. Installing Apache13.2.2. Installing PHP13.2.3. Installing MySQL13.3. Operating Your LAMP Server13.3.1. Editing Your Apache Configuration Files13.3.2. Adding a Virtual Host to Apache13.3.3. User Content and the userdir Setting13.3.4. Installing a Web Application: Coppermine Photo Gallery13.4. Troubleshooting13.4.1. Configuration Errors13.4.2. Access Forbidden and Server Internal Errors13.5. Securing Your Web Traffic with SSL/TLS13.5.1. Generating Your Keys13.5.2. Configuring Apache to Support SSL/TLS13.6. Summary
14. Running a Mail Server
14.1. Internet E-Mail's Inner Workings14.2. About the System and the Software Used14.3. Preparing Your System14.3.1. Configuring DNS for Direct Delivery14.3.2. Configuring for Retrieval from a Mail Host14.4. Installing and Configuring the Mail Server Software14.4.1. Installing Exim and Courier14.4.2. Installing ClamAV and SpamAssassin14.5. Testing and Troubleshooting14.5.1. Checking Logs14.5.2. Common Errors (and How to Fix Them)14.5.2.1. Messages Rejected by Exim14.5.2.2. Messages Not Delivered by Exim14.5.2.3. Login Failures When Connecting to Courier14.6. Configuring Mail Clients14.6.1. Configuring Fetchmail14.6.2. Configuring Web-Based Mail14.7. Securing Communications with SSL/TLS14.8. Summary
15. Running a Print Server
15.1. Common UNIX Printing Service15.2. Setting Up Printers15.2.1. Using Web-Based CUPS Administration15.2.2. Using the Printer Configuration Window15.2.2.1. Configuring Local Printers with the Printer Configuration Window15.2.2.1.1. Adding a Local Printer15.2.2.1.2. Editing a Local Printer15.2.2.2. Configuring Remote Printers15.2.2.3. Adding a Remote CUPS Printer15.2.2.4. Adding a Remote UNIX Printer15.2.2.5. Adding a Windows (SMB) Printer15.3. Working with CUPS Printing15.3.1. Configuring the CUPS Server (cupsd.conf)15.3.2. Starting the CUPS Server15.3.3. Configuring CUPS Printer Options Manually15.4. Using Printing Commands15.4.1. Printing with lpr15.4.2. Listing Printer Status with lpc15.4.3. Removing Print Jobs with lprm15.5. Configuring Print Servers15.5.1. Configuring a Shared CUPS Printer15.5.2. Configuring a Shared Samba Printer15.5.2.1. Understanding smb.conf for Printing15.5.2.2. Setting Up SMB Clients15.6. Summary
16. Running a File Server
16.1. Setting Up an NFS File Server16.1.1. Getting NFS16.1.2. Sharing NFS File Systems16.1.2.1. Configuring the /etc/exports File16.1.2.1.1. Hostnames in /etc/exports16.1.2.1.2. Access Options in /etc/exports16.1.2.1.3. User Mapping Options in /etc/exports16.1.2.2. Exporting the Shared File Systems16.1.2.3. Starting the NFS Daemons16.1.3. Using NFS File Systems16.1.3.1. Manually Mounting an NFS File System16.1.3.2. Automatically Mounting an NFS File System16.1.3.2.1. Mounting noauto File Systems16.1.3.2.2. Using mount Options16.1.3.3. Using autofs to Mount NFS File Systems on Demand16.1.4. Unmounting NFS File Systems16.1.5. Other Cool Things to Do with NFS16.2. Setting Up a Samba File Server16.2.1. Getting and Installing Samba16.2.2. Configuring Samba with SWAT16.2.2.1. Turning on the SWAT Service16.2.2.2. Starting with SWAT16.2.2.3. Creating Global Samba Settings in SWAT16.2.2.3.1. Base Options16.2.2.3.2. Security Options16.2.2.3.3. Logging Options16.2.2.3.4. Printing Options16.2.2.3.5. Browse Options16.2.2.3.6. WINS Options16.2.2.4. Configuring Shared Directories with SWAT16.2.2.5. Checking Your Samba Setup with SWAT16.2.3. Working with Samba Files and Commands16.2.3.1. Editing the smb.conf File16.2.3.2. Adding Samba Users16.2.3.3. Starting the Samba Service16.2.3.4. Testing Your Samba Permissions16.2.3.5. Checking the Status of Shared Directories16.2.4. Using Samba Shared Directories16.2.4.1. Using Samba from Nautilus16.2.4.2. Mounting Samba Directories in Linux16.2.5. Troubleshooting Your Samba Server16.2.5.1. Basic Networking in Place?16.2.5.2. Samba Service Running?16.2.5.3. Firewall Open?16.2.5.4. User Passwords Working?16.3. Summary
V. Choosing and Installing Different Linux Distributions
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 Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux
18.1. Digging into Features18.1.1. Red Hat Installer (Anaconda)18.1.2. Custom Spins, Install Sets, and Live CDs18.1.3. RPM Package Management18.1.4. Latest Desktop Technology18.1.5. System Configuration Tools18.2. Going Forward with Fedora18.2.1. Growing Community Support for Fedora18.2.2. Joining Fedora Special Interest Groups18.2.3. Forums and Mailing Lists18.3. Fedora Comes of Age18.4. Installing Fedora18.4.1. Choosing Computer Hardware18.4.2. Choosing an Installation Method18.4.2.1. Installing on Multiple Computers18.4.2.2. Installation Guides18.4.3. Choosing to Install or Upgrade18.4.4. Beginning the Installation18.4.5. Running the Fedora Firstboot18.4.6. Adding Cool Stuff to Your Fedora Desktop18.5. Summary
19. Running Debian GNU/Linux
19.1. Inside Debian GNU/Linux19.1.1. Debian Packages19.1.2. Debian Package Management Tools19.1.3. Debian Releases19.2. Getting Help with Debian19.3. Installing Debian GNU/Linux19.3.1. Hardware Requirements and Installation Planning19.3.1.1. Workstations19.3.1.2. Servers19.3.2. Running the Installer19.4. Managing Your Debian System19.4.1. Configuring Network Connections19.4.1.1. IP Networks: Ethernet and Wireless19.4.1.2. Dial-Up PPP Connections19.4.1.3. PPPoE Connections19.4.2. Package Management Using APT19.4.2.1. Managing the List of Package Repositories19.4.2.2. Updating the APT Package Database19.4.2.3. Finding and Installing Packages19.4.2.4. Removing Packages19.4.2.5. Upgrading Your System19.4.3. Package Management Using dpkg19.4.3.1. Installing and Removing Packages19.4.3.2. Querying the Package Database19.4.3.3. Examining a Package File19.4.4. Installing Package Sets (Tasks) with tasksel19.4.5. Alternatives, Diversions, and Stat Overrides19.4.6. Managing Package Configuration with debconf19.5. Summary
20. Running SUSE and openSUSE Linux
20.1. Understanding SUSE Linux Enterprise and openSUSE20.2. What's in SUSE Distributions20.2.1. Installation and Configuration with YaST20.2.2. RPM Package Management20.2.3. Automated Software Updates20.2.4. Managing Software with zypper20.3. Getting Support for SUSE Linux Enterprise and openSUSE20.4. Installing openSUSE20.4.1. Before You Begin20.4.2. Starting Installation20.5. Starting with openSUSE20.6. Summary
21. Running KNOPPIX
21.1. KNOPPIX Features21.2. Understanding KNOPPIX21.2.1. Looking Inside KNOPPIX21.2.2. What's Cool About KNOPPIX21.2.3. Examining Challenges with KNOPPIX21.2.4. Seeing Where KNOPPIX Comes From21.2.5. Exploring Uses for KNOPPIX21.3. Starting KNOPPIX21.3.1. Getting a Computer21.3.2. Booting KNOPPIX21.3.3. Correcting Boot Problems21.3.4. Customizing KNOPPIX21.3.5. Special Features and Workarounds21.4. Using KNOPPIX21.4.1. Getting on the Network21.4.2. Installing Software in KNOPPIX21.4.3. Saving Files in KNOPPIX21.4.3.1. Writing to Hard Disk21.4.3.1.1. Mounting Linux Partitions for Writing21.4.3.1.2. Mounting Windows Partitions for Writing21.4.3.2. Creating a Persistent Home Directory21.4.4. Keeping Your KNOPPIX Configuration21.4.5. Restarting KNOPPIX21.5. Summary
22. Running Yellow Dog Linux
22.1. Understanding Yellow Dog Linux22.2. Going Forward with Yellow Dog22.3. Digging into Yellow Dog22.4. Installing Yellow Dog Linux22.4.1. Hardware Support22.4.2. Installing Yellow Dog Linux on a PowerStation22.5. Updating Yellow Dog Linux22.6. Running Mac Applications with Mac-on-Linux22.7. Support Options22.8. Summary
23. Running Gentoo Linux
23.1. Understanding Gentoo23.1.1. Gentoo's Open Source Spirit23.1.2. The Gentoo Community23.1.3. Building, Tuning, and Tweaking Linux23.1.4. Where Gentoo Is Used23.2. What's in Gentoo23.2.1. Managing Software with Portage23.2.2. Finding Software Packages23.2.3. New Gentoo Features23.3. Installing Gentoo23.3.1. Getting Gentoo23.3.1.1. Live CD Install23.3.1.2. Minimal/Universal Install CD23.3.2. Starting Gentoo Installation from a Live CD23.3.3. Starting Gentoo Installation from a Minimal CD23.3.4. Getting Software with emerge23.4. Summary
24. Running Slackware Linux
24.1. Getting into Slackware24.2. Characterizing the Slackware Community24.2.1. The Slackware Creator24.2.2. Slackware Users24.2.3. Slackware Internet Sites24.3. Challenges of Using Slackware24.4. Using Slackware as a Development Platform24.5. Installing Slackware24.5.1. Getting Slackware24.5.2. New Features in Slackware 12.124.5.3. Hardware Requirements24.5.4. Starting Installation24.6. Starting with Slackware24.7. Summary
25. Running Freespire and Xandros
25.1. Understanding Freespire25.1.1. Freespire's Roots in Linspire25.1.1.1. Legal Disputes with Microsoft25.1.1.2. Launching Freespire25.1.1.3. Using Freespire25.1.2. Installing Software with Click-N-Run25.1.3. Freespire Support25.2. Installing Freespire25.2.1. Hardware Requirements25.2.2. Trying Out Freespire25.2.3. Starting a Freespire Install25.3. Summary
26. Running Mandriva
26.1. Mandriva Features26.2. Exploring Mandriva26.2.1. Mandriva Installer (DrakX)26.2.2. RPM Package Management with RPMDrake26.2.3. Mandriva Linux Control Center26.3. The Mandriva Community26.3.1. RPM Repository on Mandriva Club26.3.2. Mandriva Forums26.4. Installing Mandriva Limited Edition26.4.1. The Right Hardware for Mandriva26.4.2. Installing Mandriva with the DrakX Installer26.5. Summary
27. Running a Linux Firewall/Router
27.1. Understanding Firewalls27.2. Protecting Desktops with Firewalls27.2.1. Starting Your Firewall in Fedora27.2.2. Configuring a Firewall in Mandriva27.3. Using Firewalls with iptables27.3.1. Starting with iptables27.3.1.1. Setting Some Rules27.3.1.2. Saving Firewall Settings27.3.1.3. Checking Your Firewall27.3.2. Using iptables to Do SNAT or IP Masquerading27.3.3. Adding Modules with iptables27.3.4. Using iptables as a Transparent Proxy27.3.5. Using iptables for Port Forwarding27.3.5.1. Getting iptables Scripts27.3.5.2. Finding Out More About iptables27.4. Making a Coyote Linux Bootable Floppy Firewall27.4.1. Creating a Coyote Linux Firewall27.4.2. Building the Coyote Linux Floppy27.4.3. Running the Coyote Linux Floppy Firewall27.4.4. Managing the Coyote Linux Floppy Firewall27.4.4.1. Using a Web Interface27.4.4.2. Using a Remote Login27.5. Using Other Firewall Distributions27.6. Summary
28. Running Bootable Linux Distributions
28.1. Overview of Bootable Linux Distributions28.2. Trying a Bootable Linux28.2.1. Showcasing Linux from a live CD28.2.2. Security and Rescue Bootables28.2.2.1. BackTrack Network Security Suite28.2.2.2. SystemRescueCd28.2.2.3. KNOPPIX Security Tools Distribution28.2.2.4. The Inside Security Rescue Toolkit28.2.3. Demonstration Bootables28.2.4. Multimedia Bootables28.2.4.1. MoviX28.2.4.2. GeeXboX28.2.4.3. KnoppMyth28.2.4.4. Dyne:bolic28.2.5. Tiny Desktops28.2.5.1. Damn Small Linux28.2.5.2. Puppy Linux28.3. Special-Purpose Bootables28.4. Customizing a Bootable Linux28.4.1. Building a Live CD with Fedora28.5. Summary
VI. Programming in Linux
29. Programming Environments and Interfaces
29.1. Understanding Programming Environments29.2. Using Linux Programming Environments29.2.1. The Linux Development Environment29.2.1.1. The Process Model29.2.1.2. CPU and Memory Protection29.2.1.3. The Security Model29.2.1.4. Preemptive Multitasking29.2.1.5. Multiuser by Design29.2.1.6. Interprocess Communication29.2.1.7. The Building Blocks Philosophy29.2.2. Graphical Programming Environments29.2.2.1. Eclipse: The Universal Tool Platform29.2.2.2. KDevelop: KDE's IDE29.2.2.3. Anjuta: An IDE for GTK/GNOME29.2.2.4. Code Crusader29.2.3. The Command-Line Programming Environment29.3. Linux Programming Interfaces29.3.1. Creating Command-Line Interfaces29.3.1.1. Creating Text-Mode User Interfaces with ncurses29.3.1.2. Creating Text-Mode User Interfaces with S-Lang29.3.2. Creating Graphical Interfaces29.3.3. Application Programming Interfaces29.4. Summary
30. Programming Tools and Utilities
30.1. The Well-Stocked Toolkit30.2. Using the GCC Compiler30.2.1. Compiling Multiple Source Code Files30.2.2. GCC Command-Line Options30.3. Automating Builds with make30.4. Library Utilities30.4.1. The nm Command30.4.2. The ar Command30.4.3. The ldd Command30.4.4. The ldconfig Command30.4.5. Environment Variables and Configuration Files30.5. Source Code Control30.5.1. Source Code Control Using RCS30.5.1.1. Checking Files In and Out30.5.1.2. Making Changes to Repository Files30.5.1.3. Additional Command-Line Options30.5.2. Source Code Control with CVS30.6. Debugging with GNU Debugger30.6.1. Starting GDB30.6.2. Inspecting Code in the Debugger30.6.3. Examining Data30.6.4. Setting Breakpoints30.6.5. Working with Source Code30.7. Summary
A. Media
A.1. Finding Linux Distributions on the DVDA.1.1. Fedora LinuxA.1.2. KNOPPIX LinuxA.1.3. Slackware LinuxA.1.4. Ubuntu LinuxA.1.5. Mandriva LinuxA.1.6. MEPIS LinuxA.1.7. AntiX LinuxA.1.8. BackTrack 3 Linux Security SuiteA.1.9. Gentoo LinuxA.1.10. Freespire 2.0.8A.1.11. openSUSE LinuxA.1.12. Puppy LinuxA.2. Finding Linux Distributions on the CDA.2.1. Debian GNU/LinuxA.2.2. Damn Small LinuxA.2.3. Inside Security Rescue ToolkitA.2.4. SystemRescueCdA.2.5. Coyote LinuxA.2.6. SLAXA.3. Linux Distributions Not on the DVD or CDA.4. Creating Linux CDsA.5. Getting Source Code
B. Linux History and Background
B.1. Exploring Linux HistoryB.1.1. From a Free-Flowing UNIX Culture at Bell LabsB.1.2. To a Commercialized UNIXB.1.2.1. BSD ArrivesB.1.2.2. UNIX Laboratory and CommercializationB.1.3. To a GNU Free-Flowing (not) UNIXB.1.4. BSD Loses Some SteamB.1.5. Linus Builds the Missing PieceB.1.6. OSI Open Source DefinitionB.2. Linux Myths, Legends, and FUDB.2.1. Can You Stop Worrying About Viruses?B.2.2. Will You Be Sued for Using Linux?B.2.2.1. Microsoft Versus LinuxB.2.2.2. The SCO LawsuitsB.2.2.3. Software PatentsB.2.2.4. Other Potentially Litigious IssuesB.2.3. Can Linux Really Run on Everything from Handhelds to Supercomputers?B.2.4. Will Microsoft Crush Linux?B.2.5. Are You on Your Own If You Use Linux?B.2.6. Is Linux Only for Geeks?B.2.7. How Do Companies Make Money with Linux?B.2.8. How Different Are Linux Distributions from One Another?B.2.9. Is the Linux Mascot Really a Penguin?B.3. Summary

Content preview from Linux® Bible 2009 Edition: Boot up Ubuntu®, Fedora®, KNOPPIX, Debian®, SUSE®, and 13 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 an installer 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 ...

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.

Read now

Unlock full access

More than 5,000 organizations count on O’Reilly

O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.

Julian F.

Head of Cybersecurity

I wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.

Addison B.

Field Engineer

I’ve been on the O’Reilly platform for more than eight years. I use a couple of learning platforms, but I'm on O'Reilly more than anybody else. When you're there, you start learning. I'm never disappointed.

Amir M.

Data Platform Tech Lead

I'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.

Mark W.

Embedded Software Engineer

Linux® Bible 2011 Edition: Boot up to Ubuntu®, Fedora®, KNOPPIX, Debian®, openSUSE®, and 13 Other Distributions

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9780470373675Purchase book

Cloud Computing

Data Engineering

Data Science

AI & ML

Programming Languages

Software Architecture

IT/Ops

Security

Design

Business

Soft Skills

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

by Christopher Negus

Chapter 3. Getting into the Desktop

Understanding Your Desktop

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.