Chapter5.Interacting with Linux

Chapter 5. Interacting with Linux

Linux is an operating system. It transforms a collection of electronic parts into a usable tool that takes your instructions and executes themstores information in files, sends data to the printer, displays information on the screen, starts application software, and performs many other tasks. Linux provides two basic types of interface for you to use to get your computer work done:

• Graphical user interface: A graphical user interface (GUI) in which you select menu items and click icons to accomplish your computer tasks. If you come from a Windows background, you are familiar with a GUI.

• Command-line interface: A text interface in which you type commands that Linux executes. If you come from a UNIX background, you are familiar with a command-line interface (CLI). Or, if you have worked in DOS or at the command-line prompt on a Windows computer, you have some experience with a CLI.

When you work on your computer, the interface provides the communication between you and the Linux kernel, the part of Linux where the low-level work takes place. The kernel communicates directly with the hardware to save files on the hard disk, send data streams to the printer, send information out onto the network, and other basic tasks. Your instructions are accepted by the interface, processed, and passed into the kernel.