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Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxxiii
Part I: Linux First Steps
Chapter 1: Starting with Linux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Taking Your First Step ..................................................................................................4
Starting Right Now......................................................................................................6
Understanding Linux ..................................................................................................6
Exploring Linux History ..............................................................................................8
From a Free-Flowing UNIX Culture at Bell Labs..........................................................9
To a Commercialized UNIX ......................................................................................11
BSD Arrives ....................................................................................................11
UNIX Laboratory and Commercialization ........................................................11
To a GNU Free-Flowing (not) UNIX ..........................................................................13
BSD Loses Some Steam..............................................................................................14
Linus Builds the Missing Piece ..................................................................................14
What's So Great About Linux? ..................................................................................15
Features in Linux ......................................................................................................16
OSI Open Source Definition ......................................................................................17
Vibrant Communities ................................................................................................18
Major Software Projects ............................................................................................19
Linux in the Real World ............................................................................................20
Linux in Schools........................................................................................................20
Linux in Small Business ............................................................................................21
Linux in the Enterprise ..............................................................................................22
Linux Myths, Legends, and FUD................................................................................23
Can You Stop Worrying About Viruses? ....................................................................23
Will You Be Sued for Using Linux? ............................................................................24
Microsoft Versus Linux ....................................................................................24
The SCO Lawsuits ..........................................................................................25
Software Patents ..............................................................................................26
Other Potentially Litigious Issues ....................................................................27
Can Linux Really Run on Everything from Handhelds to Supercomputers? ..............27
Will Microsoft Crush Linux?......................................................................................27
Are You on Your Own If You Use Linux? ..................................................................29
Is Linux Only for Geeks? ..........................................................................................29
