• 1.1. History
  • 1.1.1. UNIX
  • 1.1.2. Linus and Linux
  • 1.1.3. Current application of Linux systems
• 1.2. The user interface
  • 1.2.1. Is Linux difficult?
  • 1.2.2. Linux for non-experienced users
• 1.3. Does Linux have a future?
  • 1.3.1. Open Source
  • 1.3.2. Ten years of experience at your service
• 1.4. Properties of Linux
  • 1.4.1. Linux Pros
  • 1.4.2. Linux Cons
• 1.5. Linux Flavors
  • 1.5.1. Linux and GNU
  • 1.5.2. GNU/Linux
  • 1.5.3. Which distribution should I install?
• 1.6. Summary
• 1.7. Exercises
  • Answer Key

We will start with an overview of how Linux became the operating system it is today. We will discuss past and future development and take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this system. We will talk about distributions, about Open Source in general and try to explain a little something about GNU.

This chapter answers questions like:

• What is Linux?
• Where and how did Linux start?
• Isn't Linux that system where everything is done in text mode?
• Does Linux have a future or is it just hype?
• What are the advantages of using Linux?
• What are the disadvantages?
• What kinds of Linux are there and how do I choose the one that fits me?
• What are the Open Source and GNU movements?

—- Prev: Organization of this document
Home
Next: History