you, who want the freedom to use your computer software as you like, it means great prospects
for the future.
Let this book help you grab your first look at the distributions, applications, services, and commu-
nity that make up the phenomenon that has become Linux.
Taking Your First Step
In your hands, you have 16 Linux distributions (on CD and DVD), thousands of applications, and
descriptions for getting it all running on your own computer. For you right now, the worldwide
Linux phenomenon is just a reboot away.
Linux Bible 2008 Edition brings you into the world of free and open source software that, through
some strange twists and turns, has fallen most publicly under the "Linux" banner. Through
descriptions and procedures, this book helps you:
Understand what Linux is, who "owns" it, and where it comes from.
Sort through the various distributions of Linux to choose one (or more) that is right for
you. You get several Linux systems on this book's CD and DVD. (Linux is all about
choice, too!)
Try out Linux as a desktop computer, server computer, or programmer's workstation.
Become connected to the open source software movement, as well as many separate high-
quality software projects that are included with Linux.
Whether you are using Linux for the first time or just want to try out a new Linux distribution,
Linux Bible 2008 Edition is your guide to using Linux and the latest open source technology. While
different Linux distributions vary in the exact software they include, this book describes the most
popular software available for Linux to:
Manage your desktop (menus, icons, windows, and so on)
Listen to music and watch video
Use word processor, spreadsheet, and other office productivity applications
Browse the Web and send e-mail
Play games
Find thousands of other open source software packages you can get for free
Because most Linux distributions also include features that let them act as servers (in fact, that's
one of the things Linux has always been best at), you'll also learn about software available for
Linux that lets you do the following:
Connect to the Internet or other network
4
Linux First Steps
Part I
