2.2 USING LINUX

This section is a brief overview of the Linux operating system. The intention is to overview the basic components in the operating system. An administrator can manage the operating system using the graphical user interface (GUI), or using typed commands. New users often prefer to use the system using the GUI. Advanced users often prefer to use commands to administer the system, they are often faster and more reliable.

Commands can be typed in a command window. Typed commands are case sensitive, and most commands are lower case. Spaces are used to delimit (separate) commands and arguments, so they should also be used when typing. Linux allows users to perform some very sophisticated operations with a single command. But, while learning this should not pose a problem, unless logged in as root. While learning the user is encouraged to use a normal user account so that accidental damage to the system can be minimized.