Wiley Ubuntu Linux Secrets 978-0-470-39508-0 Manuel D’Utilisation
Codes de produits
978-0-470-39508-0
4
Part 1: Starting Out with Ubuntu
O
ne of the most confusing features of Linux is the concept of a distribution. Many
novice Linux users get confused about what a distribution is and why there are so
novice Linux users get confused about what a distribution is and why there are so
many of them.
Before diving into the world of Ubuntu, it often helps to have an understanding of what
Linux is and how it relates to Ubuntu. This will help you understand where Ubuntu came
from, and you’ll have a better idea of which flavor of Ubuntu is right for you. With that in
mind, this chapter explains what Linux and Linux distributions are, then it explains the
pieces that specifically make up the Ubuntu Linux distribution. It finishes by walking
through different Ubuntu distributions and discussing what each provides.
Before diving into the world of Ubuntu, it often helps to have an understanding of what
Linux is and how it relates to Ubuntu. This will help you understand where Ubuntu came
from, and you’ll have a better idea of which flavor of Ubuntu is right for you. With that in
mind, this chapter explains what Linux and Linux distributions are, then it explains the
pieces that specifically make up the Ubuntu Linux distribution. It finishes by walking
through different Ubuntu distributions and discussing what each provides.
What Is Linux?
If Ubuntu is your first experience with Linux, you may be confused about why there are so
many different versions of it. I’m sure you have heard various terms such as “distribution,”
“LiveCD,” and “GNU” when looking at Linux packages—and have been confused.
Trying to wade through the world of Linux for the first time can be a tricky experience.
Even for experienced Linux users, trying to figure out the features that distinguish dif-
ferent distributions can be tricky. This section walks through exactly what Linux is and
describes each of its components.
For starters, there are four main parts of a Linux system:
many different versions of it. I’m sure you have heard various terms such as “distribution,”
“LiveCD,” and “GNU” when looking at Linux packages—and have been confused.
Trying to wade through the world of Linux for the first time can be a tricky experience.
Even for experienced Linux users, trying to figure out the features that distinguish dif-
ferent distributions can be tricky. This section walks through exactly what Linux is and
describes each of its components.
For starters, there are four main parts of a Linux system:
The Linux kernel
♦
♦
The GNU utilities
♦
♦
Windows management software
♦
♦
Application software
♦
♦
Each of these four parts has a specific job in the Linux system. However, each of the parts
by itself isn’t very useful. You need all of them in one package to have a Linux system.
Figure 1-1 shows a basic diagram of how the parts fit together to create the overall Linux
system.
This section describes these four main parts in detail and gives you an overview of how
they work together to create a complete Linux system.
by itself isn’t very useful. You need all of them in one package to have a Linux system.
Figure 1-1 shows a basic diagram of how the parts fit together to create the overall Linux
system.
This section describes these four main parts in detail and gives you an overview of how
they work together to create a complete Linux system.
The Linux Kernel
The core of the Linux system is the kernel. The kernel controls all of the hardware and soft-
ware on the computer system, allocating hardware when necessary, and executing software
when required.
If you’ve been following the Linux world at all, no doubt you’ve heard the name Linus
Torvalds. Linus is the person responsible for creating the first Linux kernel software, when
he was a student at the University of Helsinki. He intended it to be a copy of the UNIX
system, at the time a popular operating system used at many universities.
After developing the Linux kernel, Linus released it to the Internet community and solic-
ited suggestions for improving it. This simple process started a revolution in the world of
computer operating systems. Soon Linus was receiving suggestions from students as well
as professional programmers from around the world.
ware on the computer system, allocating hardware when necessary, and executing software
when required.
If you’ve been following the Linux world at all, no doubt you’ve heard the name Linus
Torvalds. Linus is the person responsible for creating the first Linux kernel software, when
he was a student at the University of Helsinki. He intended it to be a copy of the UNIX
system, at the time a popular operating system used at many universities.
After developing the Linux kernel, Linus released it to the Internet community and solic-
ited suggestions for improving it. This simple process started a revolution in the world of
computer operating systems. Soon Linus was receiving suggestions from students as well
as professional programmers from around the world.
95080c01.indd 4
3/5/09 12:15:36 AM