Use Linux as a firewall, router, and DHCP server to protect and manage your private
network
Run a Web server (using Apache, MySQL, and PHP)
Run a mail server (using Exim or other mail transfer agent)
Run a print server (using Samba or CUPS)
Run a file server (using FTP or Samba)
Use the exact same enterprise-quality software used by major corporations (such as
Google and Amazon·com), universities, and businesses of all sizes
This book guides you through the basics of getting started with the Linux features just mentioned,
plus many more features that I'll get to later. You'll go through the following basic steps:
1.
Understanding Linux. You need to know where Linux came from, how it is developed,
and how it's ultimately packaged. This chapter describes the UNIX heritage on which
Linux was founded, the free and open source software development efforts underway,
and the organizations and individuals that package and produce Linux distributions.
2.
Trying Linux. In the past, an impediment to trying Linux was getting it installed on a
computer that was devoted solely to Microsoft Windows. With bootable Linux systems
such as KNOPPIX (and others included with this book), you can boot a fully functioning
Linux from DVD, CD, or floppy disk without disturbing the current contents of your
computer.
3.
Installing Linux. You can install a fully functioning Linux system permanently on your
PC's hard disk. Disk space required varies from under 100 megabytes for a minimal
installation to over 6 gigabytes for a full range of desktop, server, and programming fea-
tures. Chapters in Part III, "Choosing and Installing a Linux Distribution," describe how
to install several different Linux distributions.
4.
Using Linux. You won't know if Linux can be used to replace your current desktop or
server system until you start using it. This book helps you try OpenOffice·org software to
write documents, create spreadsheets, and build presentations. It describes Rhythmbox
and mplayer for playing your music and video content, respectively, and covers some of
the best Linux tools available for Web browsing (for example, Firefox, Seamonkey, and
Konqueror) and managing your e-mail (such as Evolution and Thunderbird).
5.
Configuring Linux. Linux works very well as a desktop system, and it can also be con-
figured to act as a router, a firewall, and a variety of server types. While there are some
excellent graphical tools for administering Linux systems, most Linux administrators edit
configuration files and run commands to configure Linux. Part II, "Running the Show,"
contains basic information for administering Linux, and Part V, "Running Servers," dis-
cusses procedures for setting up various types of servers.
Once you've been through the book, you should be proficient enough to track down your more
advanced questions through the volumes of man pages, FAQs, HOWTOs, and forums that cover
different aspects of the Linux operating system.
5
Starting with Linux
1
