Starting with Linux Shells

This chapter explains what Linux is and where the shell and command line fit in the overall Linux picture. Four main parts make up a Linux system: the Linux kernel, GNU utilities, graphical desktop environment and application software. Each of these parts has a specific job in the Linux system. A relatively new phenomenon in the Linux world is the bootable Linux CD distribution. Most modern PCs can boot from a CD instead of the standard hard drive. As with all good things, Linux LiveCDs have a few drawbacks. But advances are being made in the Linux LiveCD world that will help to solve some of these problems. These advances include the ability to: copy Linux system files from the CD to memory; copy system files to a file on the hard drive; store system settings on a USB memory stick; and store user settings on a USB memory stick.