Chapter 9. Configuring and Administering Linux

GNOME and KDE include two menus that provide access to utilities for configuring and administering your system: System Settings and System Tools. Most of these utilities are also available via the Start Here folder. This chapter explains the utilities, equipping you to perform common system administration tasks. In particular, the chapter explains how to manage user accounts, how to configure a printer, how to configure your system's sound adapter, how to view system log files, and how to administer services. Many of these operations require root access. If you launch one of the tools when not logged in as root, the tool will conveniently ask you for the root password. Once you've logged in as the root user, the desktop will display an icon resembling a set of keys. So long as this icon appears, the system will automatically extend you root privileges when necessary. You can cancel this authorization by clicking on the icon and then clicking Forget Authorization.