LINUX For Dummies (2nd ed)

Set up your own powerful LINUX system quickly, easily, and without spending tons of hard-earned cash! Even if you have no experience with LINUX or UNIX operating systems, you can rely on the second edition of LINUX For Dummies -- authored by Jon "maddog" Hall, executive director of the nonprofit organization Linux International -- to help you install, organize, and troubleshoot your LINUX system.

LINUX For Dummies, 2nd Edition, delivers helpful advice on how to

Get the upper hand on the LINUX command system Add to the power of LINUX with its friendly configuration utilities Select a shell program that works for you Follow the step-by-step guide to installing LINUX Discover the ins and outs of the X Window System, the graphical portion of LINUX Find the right answers to your troubleshooting questions Maintain your system in tip-top shape

With the fun and friendly advice that's a hallmark of ...For Dummies® books, you'll be tackling complex jobs like a pro in no time flat. Plus, the book comes with a CD-ROM featuring setup software from Red Hat plus everything you need to access the Internet, write programs in several languages, create and manipulate images, play games, and more.

Jon "maddog" Hall is the Executive Director of Linux International, a vendor organization dedicated to promoting the use of the Linux Operating System. He has been in the computer industry for over a quarter century (somehow that sounds more impressive than just "25 years"), the past 18 years of which have been spent using, programming, and admiring the UNIX Operating System. Currently, Jon works for Compaq Computer Corporation, where he is helping to shape Compaq's strategy with respect to Linux. Previously, Jon was the Department Head of Computer Science at Hartford State Technical College, where his students lovingly (he hopes) gave him the nickname "maddog" as he tried to teach them operating system design, compiler theory, and how to live an honorable life.

While working for Digital Equipment Corporation in May of 1994, maddog met Linus Torvalds and was intelligent enough (his critics say maddog was just lucky) to recognize the potential of the Linux Operating System. Linux changed his life, mostly by providing him with 22-hour workdays. Since maddog has started working with Linux, however, he has also started meeting more girls (in particular his two godchildren). You can usually find Jon speaking at various Linux conferences and events (maddog just barks), and he has also been known to travel long distances to speak to local Linux user groups.