Understanding Linux (Linux Primer) Training

Many institutions have been adding a Linux machine to their existing infrastructure: perhaps to give developers a platform of their choice, or to provide an alternative to a network server, or to introduce an additional piece to the security jigsaw.

Target Audience:

This 1-day event is targeted at people that are considering the transfer of their computer skills from variety of operating systems to Linux.

The course is also suitable as a high-level overview of Linux for decision makers, system analysts and other professionals trying to position Linux in the contemporary computer industry.

• Typically, delegate skills will include a good appreciation of operating system principles, and familiarity with computer structure and design.

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Place Linux in the server and desktop IT market
• Understand origins of Linux and role of Linux distributors
• Describe open source development model
• Discuss the platforms and hardware supported by Linux kernel
• Interrogate and manipulate Linux processes
• Perform simple instructions at both graphical and command line interfaces
• Understand the client/server nature of X Window System and X applications
• Appreciate the power of Linux data manipulation tools and techniques
• Use redirection and piping techniques
• Use basic network communication tools
• Obtain on-line help for commands and configuration
• Be aware of other sources of help - community, magazines, books, LUGs

Introduction

• Linux? Why?
• Unix Market and place for Linux within it
• OSS (Open Source Software) principles
• GNU GPL and Linux philosophy
• Linux distributors

A Session with Linux

• Character interface
• Working with the command line
• Examples of simple commands
• The X Windows system; Graphical interface
• Linux Windows Managers
• Login procedure

Hardware and Architecture

• Types of platforms Linux will run on
• Minimum hardware requirements; Supported devices
• Motherboards, disks, video cards, printers, mouse
• Ethernet cards and modems; Laptops specifics
• Linux kernel and system architecture
• Configuring the kernel; Dynamic loading of kernel modules

Processes and Memory Management

• Processes
• Types of process
• Scheduling
• Interprocess communication
• Memory handling
• System initialisation

Tools and Utilities

• Principles of Linux tools
• System examination utilities
• Common data utilities
• Redirection
• Pipes

Linux in a TCP/IP Network

• Internet and Linux
• TCP/IP as the network protocol
• TCP/IP interrogation tools
• User commands
• Linux as a network server

Linux and Applications

• DOS Utilities within Linux
• Unix Market and place for Linux within it
• Software Emulators
• Linux Databases
• End-user applications
• Inter-operability with other operating systems
• Open Software projects and initiatives

Getting Help

• On-Line manual pages
• Gnome Help Browser
• Exploring the system
• Locating documentation; on-line FAQ files
• Getting help on the Internet
• Distributor sites
• Magazines, books