Linux errata

Hello all!

Ok one of the things that I noticed many of you were looking for at our last meeting was some errata on linux commands for the command line. I've done some digging through some of my old books and such and then looked online and I found a great site for everyone. The site has all the information in it that I paid $19.99 for lol.

Friday, April 17, 2009

GVLUG first meeting

Sorry it's been a week since our first meeting and I'm just now getting this post up. Thanks to all who attended, it was great to meet you all. Below is my outline that I followed roughly during our meeting. I'm going to work on some ideas for next months meeting and put together something with Rick. I hope to see you all there and new faces as well.

Happy *nixing!
Joe


What is Linux?

Linux is a kernel developed by linux torvolds as an tool to learn about intel 386 architecture processors.
The Linux OS is a collection of programs and the linux kernel. Other similar OS's include opensolaris (sun microsystems) bsd (Berkely software distrobution) HURD (GNU HURD)

What makes linux different?

The linux kernel is open-source. This is the key to linux and much of it's success. There are no hidden parts of the program. ANYONE is free to use, modify, redistribute, and yes even sell products based on the linux kernel. The kernel was first licensed under the origional GNU GPL (the GPL has changed over the years and the kernel license has changed over the years) and any redistribution of the kernel (modified or not) must adhere to the current GPL that it's licensed under.
Linus Torvolds holds the only copyright to linux. (long story but for legal reasons :)

What is a distro?

Ok to the real stuff. With so many distrobutions available what's the difference. A distrobution is nothing more than a collection of programs/scripts and the linux kernel bundled together for installation/use.
I've found that these distro's are gathered by mostly individuals or groups with a specific philosophy/goal in mind. They put together the programs/scripts and kernel and usually an installation program, or hopefully really good instructions for how to install the OS.

ubuntu- goodwill towards others
debian- to create a "FREE" OS
slackware- to create the most "unix-like" OS
gentoo- Extreme configurability, and performance with a top notch
ports-like package manager.

What can linux do for you?

First off Linux in general requires less resources than 98/NT/2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7. This means that perfectly good hardware will last you even longer than it's useful windows life. (That is not to say that the physical components have and added lifespan :)
Enhanced security features that microsoft is just beginning to add.
Advanced controls and permissions to keep your kids and your computer safe.
A never-ending supply of freely available programs to do just about anything you want to do! (anyone want to do rocket science, or map the universe, or genetic modification?)
Plain and simple Linux provides a free secure and activly developed suite of apps that run on almost any computer to perform almost any task, and definatly has alternatives to many of the most popular windows apps.

What do I need to run Linux?

Just about any computer will run linux. Also tons of portable devices are now able to run linux as well. The hardware you "need" is based upon what you want to do with your computer. I've set up linux on pentium I computers and laptops with great success. With proper knowledge and some good sense you could even get linux to run on a 486 and still have it perform well.