Introduction
Welcome to the Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide!
By now, you should have read the Official Red Hat Linux Installation Guide and successfully installed Red Hat Linux. This manual is designed to help new and intermediate Linux users navigate and perform common tasks. Keep in mind that Linux looks, feels, and performs differently from other operating systems you may have used. Forget about the conventions of other operating systems and, with an open mind, approach Red Hat Linux as a new, interesting, and versatile alternative.
This manual is task-oriented. You will find useful tips, hints, warnings, and screen shots interspersed throughout. First, you will learn the basics of using Red Hat Linux, such as customizing a desktop, configuring a printer, and getting online. Once the basics are covered, the tasks covered in this manual become progressively more advanced.
Most users choose to work within either the GNOME or KDE graphical desktop environments (other desktop environments are also available). The Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide focuses primarily on how to perform tasks in these two environments.
Topics discussed include:
Using the graphical desktop environment
Managing files and directories
Working with documents
Using the Web and email
Upgrading applications
Pointers to additional resources covering common questions and answers, computer basics, an explanation of Red Hat Linux system directories, and more.
After conquering the basics of your Red Hat Linux system, you may need information on more advanced topics. You can find this information in the Official Red Hat Linux Customization Guide and the Official Red Hat Linux Reference Guide.
HTML and PDF versions of the Official Red Hat Linux manuals are available on the Documentation CD and online at http://www.redhat.com/docs/.
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Although this manual reflects the most current information possible, you should read the Red Hat Linux Release Notes for information that may not have been available prior to our documentation being finalized. They can be found on the Red Hat Linux CD #1 and online at:
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Changes to This Manual
This manual has been expanded to include new features in Red Hat Linux 8.0 as well as topics requested by our readers. Changes to this manual include:
- Working with Documents
The Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide has been reorganized to include a chapter on using the OpenOffice.org productivity suite, which includes pointers on using its word processing, spreadsheet, illustration, and presentation applications.
- Audio, Video, and General Amusement
This chapter now includes information on troubleshooting sound cards using Sound Card Configuration Tool and video cards/monitors using X Configuration Tool.
- Using the Graphical Desktop
This chapter has been modified to reflect the new desktop environment and the various ways you can use and configure it.
- Managing Files and Directories
This chapter adds instructions on using File Roller, a graphical tool for compressing, decompressing, and archiving files.