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Linux Essentials - Second Edition

By : Christine Bresnahan, Richard Blum

Linux Essentials

By: Christine Bresnahan, Richard Blum

Overview of this book

Linux Essentials, Second Edition provides a solid foundation of knowledge for anyone considering a career in information technology, for anyone new to the Linux operating system, and for anyone who is preparing to sit for the Linux Essentials Exam. Through this engaging resource, you can access key information in a learning-by-doing style. Hands-on tutorials and end-of-chapter exercises and review questions lead you in both learning and applying new information—information that will help you achieve your goals! With the experience provided in this compelling reference, you can sit down for the Linux Essentials Exam with confidence. An open-source operating system, Linux is a UNIX-based platform that is freely updated by developers. The nature of its development means that Linux is a low-cost and secure alternative to other operating systems, and is used in many different IT environments. Passing the Linux Essentials Exam prepares you to apply your knowledge regarding this operating system within the workforce.

Free Chapter

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

What Is Linux?

What Is the Linux Essentials Certification?

Who Should Read This Book?

How This Book Is Organized

Conventions Used in This Book

CHAPTER 1: Selecting an Operating System

CHAPTER 1: Selecting an Operating System

What Is an OS?

Investigating User Interfaces

Where Does Linux Fit in the OS World?

What Is a Distribution?

CHAPTER 2: Understanding Software Licensing

CHAPTER 2: Understanding Software Licensing

Investigating Software Licenses

Looking at the Free Software Foundation

Looking at the Open Source Initiative

Looking at the Creative Commons

Using Open Source Licenses

CHAPTER 3: Investigating Linux’s Principles and Philosophy

CHAPTER 3: Investigating Linux’s Principles and Philosophy

Exploring Linux through the Ages

Using Open Source Software

Understanding OS Roles

CHAPTER 4: Using Common Linux Programs

CHAPTER 4: Using Common Linux Programs

Using a Linux Desktop Environment

Working with Productivity Software

Using Server Programs

Managing Programming Languages

Handling Software Packages

CHAPTER 5: Managing Hardware

CHAPTER 5: Managing Hardware

Learning about Your CPU

Identifying Motherboard Capabilities

Sizing Your Power Supply

Understanding Disk Issues

Managing Displays

Handling USB Devices

Managing Drivers

CHAPTER 6: Getting to Know the Command Line

CHAPTER 6: Getting to Know the Command Line

Starting a Command Line

Running Programs

Using Shell Features

Getting Help Using man Pages

Getting Help Using info Pages

Finding Additional Documentation

CHAPTER 7: Managing Files

CHAPTER 7: Managing Files

Understanding Where Things Go

Navigating Files and Directories

Manipulating Files

Manipulating Directories

CHAPTER 8: Searching, Extracting, and Archiving Data

CHAPTER 8: Searching, Extracting, and Archiving Data

Using Regular Expressions

Searching for and Extracting Data

Redirecting Input and Output

Archiving Data

CHAPTER 9: Exploring Processes and Process Data

CHAPTER 9: Exploring Processes and Process Data

Understanding Package Management

Understanding the Process Hierarchy

Identifying Running Processes

Using Log Files

CHAPTER 10: Editing Files

CHAPTER 10: Editing Files

Understanding the Role of Text Files

Choosing an Editor

Launching an Editor

Editing Files with pico or nano

Editing Files with vi

CHAPTER 11: Creating Scripts

CHAPTER 11: Creating Scripts

Beginning a Shell Script

Using Commands

Using Arguments

Using Variables

Using Conditional Expressions

Using Loops

Using Functions

Setting the Script’s Exit Value

CHAPTER 12: Understanding Basic Security

CHAPTER 12: Understanding Basic Security

Understanding Accounts

Using Account Tools

Working as root

CHAPTER 13: Creating Users and Groups

CHAPTER 13: Creating Users and Groups

Creating New Accounts

Modifying Accounts

Deleting Accounts

Managing Groups

CHAPTER 14: Setting Ownership and Permissions

CHAPTER 14: Setting Ownership and Permissions

Setting Ownership

Setting Permissions

Using Special Permission Bits and File Features

CHAPTER 15: Managing Network Connections

CHAPTER 15: Managing Network Connections

Understanding Network Features

Configuring a Network Connection

Testing Your Network Connection

Protecting Your System from the Bad Guys

EULA

EULA

APPENDIX A: Answers to Review Questions

APPENDIX A: Answers to Review Questions

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

APPENDIX B: LPI’s Certification Program

APPENDIX B: LPI’s Certification Program

The Linux Essentials Certification

Certification Objectives Map

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Using Variables

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Another type of variable is assigned within scripts—for instance, such variables can be set from the output of a command. These variables are also identified by leading dollar signs, but they’re typically given names that at least begin with a letter, such as $Addr or $Name. (When values are assigned to variables, the dollar sign is omitted, as illustrated shortly.) You can then use these variables in conjunction with normal commands as if they were command parameters, but the value of the variable is passed to the command.

For instance, consider Listing 11.3, which checks to see if the computer’s router is up with the help of the ping utility. This script uses two variables. The first is $ip, which is extracted from the output of route using the grep, tr, and cut commands. When you’re assigning a value to a variable from the output of a command, that command should be enclosed in back-tick characters (`), which appear on the same key as the...

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83

Tech Concepts

36

Programming languages

73

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