Linux - Introduction

Dr Bhanu
What is Linux
• In the simplest terms, Linux is an operating system.
• It was created in October 1991 by a University of Helsinki student
named Linus Torvalds.
• Linux stands for Linus's UNIX
• Linux itself is actually just the kernel; it implements multitasking and
multiuser functionality, manages hardware, , Interrupts, allocates
memory, and enables applications to run.
• odd-numbered kernel versions (in other words, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7) are the
experimental, development kernel. Stable, release kernels carry even
numbers (in other words, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8).
Linux Distributions
• A typical Linux distribution (distro) includes the Linux kernel, but it
also contains many application programs and tools.
• many system- and user-level tools found in a Linux distribution come
from the Free Software Foundation's GNU project (GNU standing for
"GNU's Not UNIX").
• Both the Linux kernel and the GNU tools suite are released under the
GNU General Public License, or GNU GPL.
• www.distrowatch.com
 Linux Distributions
• Back Track • Gentoo
• Popular with IT security professionals • Knoppix
and hackers • Has important tools for
• CentOS security and forensics
• Based on Red Hat, popular with highly • Mint
skilled professionals • Attempts to add additional
• Debian functionality to Ubuntu
• Very popular for Linux servers • Red Hat
• Very popular, commercial,
• Fedora Certification
• Scaled down and free version of Red Hat
• Ubuntu
• Slackware • Relatively new (2004), very
• Oldest Linux distro popular, easy installation
Red Hat / Debian Requirements

• Red Hat
• P3 Processor
• 1GB HDD space, 5 GB recommended
• 512 MB RAM, 1 GB recommended
• Debian
• 64 MB RAM, 256 MB recommended
• 1 GB HDD free space
Unix vs Linux
• Linux is not UNIX, although it is intended to be very UNIX-like.
• Invented at AT&T Bell Labs in 1969, UNIX (the name is a play on the earlier
"Multics" operating system) is a robust, flexible, and developer-friendly
computing environment.
• Written originally for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) family of PDP
microcomputers, this most popular of multi-user, general-purpose
operating systems has taken over roles in all areas of computing -- even
those once held by mainframes.
• UNIX began to be eclipsed -- in some of its roles, anyway -- by Linux. Linux is
not UNIX; it is merely very UNIX-like. For some jobs, you want Linux -- for
others, you still want UNIX. UNIX and Linux play very well together, and
well-written programs are extremely easy to port between the two systems.
Why is Linux Important?
• Because it is free software, licensed under the GNU General Public
License, Linux obviates the need for programmers to keep reinventing
the operations layer with each new project.
• The GNU family of tools provide royalty-free bricks and mortar with
which to begin building independent projects.
What is Free Software?

• Free software means the users have the freedom to run, copy,
distribute, study, change and improve the software.
• Free software is a matter of liberty, not price.
• More precisely, free software means users of a program have the 
four essential freedoms:
• The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose (freedom 0).
• The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access
to the source code is a precondition for this.
• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
• The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that
the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for
this.
What can be done with Linux?
• Linux is an excellent platform on which to learn Linux programming,
kernel hacking, or even UNIX programming
• Many tools and applications are available to play games, to do
desktop publishing, or just to hang out doing e-mail and Web
browsing.
• Linux is a popular platform for everything from middleware to
embedded computing, to parallel supercomputers and gadgets.
• Cash registers
• Linux wristwatch
• cell phones
• Sony PlayStation etc.
What programming languages can I use on Linux?

• In addition to HLLs like Fortran and C/C++, many scripting and other
computer languages can be used
• Some were even designed to work best with Linux. The most popular
include Perl, Python, PHP, and Tcl.
• Dynamic new technologies such as the Java technology and XML run
swimmingly on Linux, as do other programming languages, from Logo
and Rebol to Smalltalk and many more.
Linux Mint
Cinnamon Desktop
• The “desktop” is the component of the operating system which is
responsible for the elements that appear on the desktop:
• The Panel
• The Wallpaper
• The Control Center
• The menus…etc.
• “Desktop” is a menu which allows you to rapidly configure the aspects
of your Cinnamon Desktop that you will use the most.
Desktop Settings
Launch it by clicking on “Menu” (in the bottom-left corner of your screen), then
select “System Settings” and click on “Desktop”.
Cinnamon Menu
• Linux Mint comes with the default Cinnamon menu.
• To open the menu click on the “Menu” button at the bottom-left
corner of your screen or
• press CTRL+SUPER_L (“Super_L” is the left Windows key on your
keyboard).
Cinnamon Desktop – Places Menu
Cinnamon Desktop - Computer Place

The “Computer” Place shows you the storage

volumes present in your computer. If your
partitions are already mounted and “Desktop
Settings” is set to show “Mounted Volumes”
on the desktop, then you probably don’t need
to access this Place very often. However, if
you choose not to show the mounted volumes
on your desktop, or if you need to mount a
partition which is not mounted by default, this
Place can prove very useful.
Cinnamon Desktop – Home Folder
• Your “Home” folder exists to give you a
place to put all of your personal data.
• The “Desktop” folder corresponds to what
is shown on your desktop, so placing a file
here will also place it on your desktop. The
same effect can be achieved by simply
dragging the file onto the desktop.
• The “Network” Place simply shows you
the other computers, shared services,
domains, and workgroups present on your
network.
• The “Trash” Place is where files end up
after you delete them.
Cinnamon Desktop – System Menu

The “Software Manager” button launches

the Linux Mint Software Manager.

This program is the recommended way to

install software in Linux Mint.
Cinnamon Desktop – Package Manager

The “Package Manager” button

launches an application called
“Synaptic”.

The purpose
of this application is to manage
the packages that are installed
on your computer
Cinnamon Desktop – System Settings

The “System Settings” button launches the

Cinnamon control center.

This application lets

you configure every aspect of the
Cinnamon desktop and of the computer in
general
Cinnamon Desktop – Terminal

The “Terminal” button launches an

application called “Terminal” which
lets you enter commands directly using
the keyboard.

This is equivalent to the “DOS

prompt” and is hidden away in an
accessories menu.

The terminal is quite

important in Linux, as it is often used
as a way of getting more direct control
over one's
computer.
Other Menu items

The “Lock screen” locks your screen; a password will be asked to unlock.
The “Logout” button launches a dialog which lets you logout or switch users.
The “Quit” button launches a dialog box which lets you choose what you want to do:
- “Suspend” saves your session to RAM and your computer goes to sleep until you
press a key.
- “Hibernate” saves your session to your hard drive and your computer shuts down.
- “Restart” restarts the computer.
- “Shut Down” turns the computer off.
 The “Applications” menu
The applications that are included by default when you install Linux Mint are said to be part
of the “Default Software Selection”.

A collection of software is included by default in order to let you achieve common/

important tasks.

In the right-hand section of the menu, you can see all installed applications. They are
organized by categories. The first category is called “All applications” and, as you
probably guessed, it shows you a list of all installed applications.

The last two categories, “Preferences” and “Administration”, show you the tools and
applications provided to configure and administrate Linux Mint.
The “Accessories” menu
The “Graphics and Internet” menu
The “Office” menu
The “Sound & Video” menu