Book Image

Linux Utilities Cookbook

By : James Kent Lewis
Book Image

Linux Utilities Cookbook

By: James Kent Lewis

Overview of this book

<p>Linux is a stable, reliable and extremely powerful operating system. It has been around for many years, however, most people still don't know what it can do and the ways it is superior to other operating systems. Many people want to get started with Linux for greater control and security, but getting started can be time consuming and complicated. <br /><br />A practical, hands-on guide that provides you with a number of clear step-by-step examples to help you solve many of the questions that crop up when using an operating system you may not be familiar with.</p> <p>Presenting solutions to the most common Linux problems in a clear and concise way, this helpful guide starts with spicing up the terminal sessions by command retrieval and line editing, and shell prompt variables. We will then get to know the different desktops (GUIs) available for Linux systems and which is the best fit for you. We will then explore the world of managing files and directories, connectivity, and what to do when it goes wrong. We will also learn a range of skills, from creating and managing user accounts to securing your system, managing and limiting processes, and letting information flow from one process to another using pipes. Later, we will master disk management, working with scripts and automating tasks quickly, and finally, understand the need for a custom kernel and tips on how to build one.</p> <p><br />Based on the author's extensive experience, there is a section on best practices that every Linux user should be familiar with.</p>
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
Linux Utilities Cookbook
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

Browsing the web to find help


Using the Internet is certainly a great way to find help on Linux tasks. In many cases, it may even be better than relying on local sources as updates may have occurred since the documentation was last put on your system. When I need to look up something using the web, I go directly to Google Advanced Search.

The following is a screenshot of http://www.google.com/advanced_search with some of the fields already filled in:

Using this search method is fast and you can use those fields to narrow down what you are looking for.

Keep in mind that there is a lot of information out on the Internet. Some of it is accurate and is exactly what you are looking for. However, in many cases the information is not correct. The person giving the answer may act as though he or she is an expert on the subject when in fact, he or she is not. Many people also don't always check their solution before presenting it as a definitive answer to your question/problem. Be aware of this as you try solutions given on the Internet.

The reverse of this situation is also true. If you want to help people, then that is absolutely great. However, be considerate and test any solution you wish to provide for accuracy before sending it as a reply to their problem.