Advantages and disadvantages of Linux

Advantages:
- Freely distributed
- Full multitasking, multi-users
- Virtual memory
- Built-in networking support
- GNU software support (mostly free)
- Can be installed on various hardware platform
- A programming platform/OS


Disadvantages:
- More steps for installation
- Plug and Play unfriendly
- Support in newer hardware is not up to date
- Multimedia programs are lesser – not much NICE games
- Harder to find applications
- Not user friendly if you are unfamiliar
- Less Vendors support

Introduction to Linux

What is Linux?
- Linux is a kernel, the core of Operating System
- Linus Torvalds started programming Linux in 1991
- Linux is licensed under GNU General Public License (GNU GPL)
- Linux is an UNIX-like operating system kernel which is freely distributed under GNU GPL

What is Linux Distributions?
- Linux Distribution is a collection of Linux software/package/tools that ease up administration and installation of a Linux system
- The are many different Linux distributions:
a) Red Hat
b) Mandrake
c) Debian
d) K12LTSP
e) Lindows
etc ...
- Each distributions are the same from the kernel perspective – all is using the same kernel maintained by Linus Torvalds
- Major differences between distributions is the installation tool – either graphical or text
- Other differences are the files and directories, which each distribution is free to arrange the file and directories as they like

Samba connection to Windows

For mounting share drive, try use the following command:

mount -t smbfs //ip/sharename /mountpoint

or you can use:

smbmount //ip/sharename /mountpoint -o username=XXXX

where XXXX is the username to logon to the mount point

Installing Linux ...... generally.

Insert the Linux CD (first CD) from any Linux distributions (Debian, K12LTSP, SUSE, Knoppix .....)

Follow the on screen instructions:
1. Choose keyboard and mouse
2. Choose installation type
3. Choose your harddisk/partitions to install
4. Choose where the Linux BootLoader (which can be in MBR or first partition)
5. Choose your X-Window setting (display card and monitor)
6. Wait patiently for installation ......

And finally, just reboot your PC!

Linux book for Beginner

Hello ... My name is Tan Ser Heang.

I had written a few books on Linux, which aim for beginners. My first 2 books is written in Chinese, and my latest book is written in English.

If you are interested in Linux, and want to try it out, do check out my book: The Fundamental Guide to Linux from Times Publishing (Federal Malaysia).

Hope some of my works will be able to help someone out there.

Have fun!