This is an enduser's guide--activities and exercises are preformed at the root access level, but the tools to manage a Linux workstation are covered. The focus is on the knowledge necessary to move to the next level, basic system administration. Thus, after working carefully through the material in this book, the how and why of the enduser functions of the Linux operating system becomes clear. Further, the book's approach encourages the understanding that the primary function of Linux, as of any operating system, is the management of the entire computer system (hardware, software, and files).

Each section of the book is presented in a careful, step-by-step style. Numerous screen shots show the expected results of each step. This not only minimizes the need for assistance in a laboratory setting, but also eases the difficulties of those working on their own computers at home or work. Interspersed between the steps in the exercises are the reasons for and the results of each action. A students activities disk is bundled with the book. This disk, labeled BOOK, contains the files that are needed to successfully complete the step-by-step activities in each chapter.

Each chapter includes a chapter overview, learning objectives, learning outcomes, commands introduced, a list of key terms, a chapter summary, discussion questions, true-and-false questions, completion questions, multiple-choice questions, and problems to promote mastery.