How This Book Is Organized

The chapters in this book are grouped by topic into seven parts. The following sections give you a brief description of each of the book’s parts.

Part I: Installing Red Hat Linux

This part is ideal for users (both new and experienced) who want a quick and simple installation solution. From fundamental concepts such as installation preparation to the step-by-step installation procedure, this part will be a valuable resource as you install Red Hat Linux. Once you have completed the installation as outlined in this manual, you will have a fully functioning system. This part also contains useful information to assist you before and after installing Red Hat Linux.

Part II: The Basics

This part is task-oriented, showing you useful tips, hints, warnings, and screenshots. These chapters help users learn the basics of using Red Hat Linux, including navigating the graphical user interface, working from the shell prompt, dealing with removable media, working with files and directories, and managing users and groups.

Part III: Getting the Most from Your Red Hat Linux System

This part shows you how to use your Red Hat Linux system for the most common user tasks, such as using office-productivity software, listening to music, getting online, and working with graphics.

Part IV: Configuring Your Red Hat Linux System

This part shows you how to configure Red Hat Linux to recognize (and be able to print from) your printer, as well as how to set up a firewall to protect your private information from hackers, and setting your system’s time and date.

Part V: Updating and Adding Packages to Red Hat Linux

There are two methods to installing new packages (the Linux term for applications) and updating old ones: using RPM files or using the rpm command. This part shows you how to perform both of these methods.

Part VI: Additional References

This part includes a lot of really handy information, such as keyboard shortcuts, a comparison of similar MS-DOS and Linux commands, a chapter including the most frequently asked questions about Red Hat Linux, and a breakdown of the system directories used by your Red Hat Linux system. Also included is a chapter showing you how you can monitor your system’s performance and status.

Part VII: Appendixes

This final part contains some of the less commonly needed information about Red Hat Linux, for example: rescue mode, KDE, how to configure a dual-boot system, the logistics of disk partitioning, the basics of the X Window System, and information about the CD-ROMs that accompany this book.