Linux

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Revision as of 22:54, 12 July 2007 by Christoph (Talk | contribs) (Kernel)

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Linux is a computer operating system and its kernel. It is one of the most prominent examples of free software and of open-source development: unlike proprietary operating systems such as Windows and Mac OS, all of its underlying source code is available to the public and anyone can freely use, modify, improve, and redistribute it.

Kernel

The kernel is the core piece of the Linux operating system.

The kernel manages the resources of the Linux OS; such as the following:

  • File management
  • Multitasking
  • Memory management
  • I/O management
  • Process management: /proc/
  • Device management: /dev/
  • Networking support (including IPv4 and IPv6)
  • Virtual memory, shared libraries, demand loading, etc.

The kernel decides who will use these resources, for how long, and when.

Keyboard shortcuts

Ctrl+Alt+Del 
shut down computer
Ctrl+Alt+(F1,F2,...,Fn
switch to n-th console
Alt+<- | Alt+-> 
switch to next|previous virtual terminal
Ctrl+k 
clear CLI from cursor position to end of line
Ctrl+u 
clear CLI from cursor position to beginning of line
Ctrl+a 
move cursor to beginning of CLI
Ctrl+l 
clear console screen
Ctrl+z 
pause (see 'bg' and 'fg')
Ctrl+r 
incremental search of previous command history
Tab 
CLI-autocompletion
Scroll Lock 
lock terminal input/output
Shift+pgUp | Shift+pgDn 
scroll console buffer up|down
Ctrl+Alt++ | Ctrl+Alt+- 
change screen resolution higher|lower
Ctrl+Alt+Bksp 
kill X-server (note: running aps will be terminated)
Alt+F2 
run command box (on KDE)
Ctrl+Shift+NumLock 
turn keypad into mouse keys

Tutorials

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Distributions

Linux is predominantly used as part of a Linux distribution (commonly called a 'distro'). These are compiled by individuals, loose-knit teams, and various professional organizations. They include additional system software and application programs, as well as certain processes to install these systems on a computer.

My favourite distributions include:

External links

Hardware compatibility

This article is curently a "stub". This means it is an incomplete article needing further elaboration.

I always welcome suggestions, comments, and criticism. If you have something to contribute to this site, please follow this link: Contributing Information. Thank you!