Introduction to Linux
The Linux operating system has become one of the major operating systems in use today, bringing to the PC all the power and flexibility of a Unix workstation as well as a complete set of Internet applications and a fully functional desktop interface. No prior knowledge of Unix is assumed; Linux is an operating system anyone can use.
With the large number of Linux distributions available, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that most of their operations are the same. They all use the same desktops, shell, file systems, servers, administration support, and network configurations. Many distributions provide their own GUI tools, but these are just front ends to the same underlying Linux commands. As much as 95 percent of a Linux system involves operations that are the same for all distributions.
Linux distributions include features that have become standard, like the desktops; Unix compatibility; network servers; and numerous software applications such as office, multimedia, and Internet applications. GNOME and the K Desktop Environment (KDE) have become standard desktop Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for Linux, noted for their power, flexibility, and ease of use. Both have become integrated components of Linux, with applications and tools for every kind of task and operation.
Linux is also a fully functional Unix operating system. It has all the standard features of a powerful Unix system, including a complete set of Unix shells such as BASH, TCSH, and the Z shell. Those familiar with the Unix interface can use any of these shells, with the same Unix commands, filters, and configuration features.
A wide array of applications operate on Linux. Numerous desktop applications are continually released on the distribution repositories. The GNU General Public License (GPL) software provides professional-level applications such as programming development tools, editors, and word processors, as well as numerous specialized applications such as those for graphics and sound.