Linux® For Dummies®, 8th Edition

How This Book Is Organized

This book contains six major parts, arranged in an order to take you from Linux installation and configuration through keeping a Linux desktop system up and running, if not purring like a cat in the sun! Most parts contain three or more chapters or appendixes, and each chapter or appendix contains modular sections. Whenever you need help or information, pick up this book and start anywhere you like, or use the Table of Contents and the index to locate specific topics or key words.

Following is a breakdown of the book’s six parts and what you find in each one.

Part I: Getting Your Feet Wet

This part sets the stage and includes an overview of and introduction to the terms, techniques, and software components that make Linux the raging software tiger that’s so ready, willing, and able to do its thing. To be a little more specific, we start out with a Linux overview that explains what Linux is, where it came from, and how it works. Next, we tackle the various tasks and activities involved in preparing for and installing Linux on a PC. After that, we tell you how to give Linux the boot — not to get rid of it by any means, but rather, to fire up your brand-new system to reach the heights of computing ecstasy (at least, we hope it’s as good for you as it usually is for me). Finally, we help you find your way around the desktop and tweak it some to your liking.

Part II: Getting Up to Speed with Linux

In this part, you find out how to work in Linux both within ...