Summary

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This chapter covered the details of Red Hat Linux, focusing on version 7.3. Red Hat is one of the big three Linux distributions that users will encounter. There are other distributions derived from Red Hat Linux, but in these cases a knowledge of Red Hat Linux itself is useful in working with the derivatives.

Having read this chapter, you are now well prepared for tackling any Red Hat Linux system. You're now able to find the files and programs you need to use, install and manage software packages, and customize the system for your own needs. You can install a stock kernel, customize how the system boots up, tweak the user environment, and customize various other aspects such as the firewall configuration. You also now have a familiarity with the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM) and the set of software shipped with the distribution. Probably the most immediately useful thing you've learned is the canonical Red Hat config.d drop-in configuration file technique.

Since no single book can include every single detail about a system as sophisticated as Red Hat Linux, perhaps the most important thing you've learned is the ability to navigate a Red Hat Linux system. Someday, you'll undoubtedly want to do something with your system not covered by this book; fortunately, you now know how to start and where to look. The next two chapters will provide you with a similar level of mastery over Debian and Slackware systems.

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