What You ll Find in This Book

What You'll Find in This Book

Beginning SUSE Linux is split into seven parts, each of which contains chapters looking at a certain aspect of SUSE Linux use. These individual parts of the book (and the chapters within them) can be read in sequence, or you can dip in and out of them at will. Whenever a technical term is mentioned, a reference is made to the chapter where this term is explained.

Part One of the book looks at the history and philosophy behind the Linux operating system. I aim to answer many of the common questions about Linux. Such knowledge is considered to be as important, if not more so, than understanding the technical details on how Linux works. But while these chapters should be read sooner rather than later, they contain no technical information that absolutely needs to be ingested to get started.

Those wanting to start using SUSE Linux immediately should head to Part Two, which covers installing SUSE Linux on your computer. An illustrated guide is provided, and all installation choices are explained in depth. Additionally, you'll find a problem-solving chapter to help just in case anything goes wrong.

Part Three of the book focuses on getting started with SUSE Linux. It covers setting up the Linux system so that it's ready to use. One chapter is dedicated to setting up common hardware devices, such as printers and modems, and another explains how you can secure your system. Other chapters in this part explore the desktop, explaining what you need to know to begin using SUSE Linux on a daily basis.

In Part Four, we take a look at how the underlying technology behind Linux functions. You'll be introduced to the command-line prompt and learn how the file system works. It's in these chapters that you'll really master controlling Linux!

Part Five covers the powerful multimedia functions built into SUSE Linux, which let you watch movies and play back music. We also take a look at the image-editing software built into SUSE Linux.

Part Six moves on to explain how typical office tasks can be accomplished under SUSE Linux. We investigate OpenOffice.org, the complete office suite built into SUSE Linux. After an introduction to OpenOffice.org, separate chapters explore its word processor, spreadsheet, and presentations package. Another chapter is devoted to the database component built into SUSE Linux.

Part Seven carries on from Part Four, taking an even more in-depth look at the underlying technology behind SUSE Linux. This time, the emphasis is on giving you the skills you need to keep your system running smoothly. You'll learn how to install software, manage users, optimize your system, back up essential data, and schedule tasks.

Finally, at the back of the book, you'll find two vital appendixes. The first is a glossary of Linux terms used not only in this book, but also in the Linux and Unix world. The second appendix is a quick reference to commands typically used at the command-line prompt under Linux. Both appendixes should prove invaluable for future reference.