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Getting into the Desktop 3
Running the Show
IN THIS PART
Chapter 4
Learning Basic Administration
Chapter 5
Getting on the Internet
Chapter 6
Securing Linux
Linux, like other UNIX-based systems, was intended for use by more
than one person at a time. Multiuser features enable many people to
have accounts on a single Linux system, with their data kept secure
from others. Multitasking enables many people to run programs on the computer
at the same time, with each person running more than one program.
Sophisticated networking protocols and applications make it possible for a
Linux system to extend its capabilities to network users and computers
around the world. The person assigned to manage all of this stuff is called
the system administrator.
Even if you are the only person using a Linux system, system administration
is still set up to be separate from other computer use. To do most administrative
tasks, you need to be logged in as the root user (also called the superuser)
or temporarily get root permission. Users other than root cannot change, or
in some cases even see, some of the configuration information for a Linux
system. In particular, security features such as stored passwords are protected
from general view.
Because Linux system administration is such a huge topic, this chapter focuses
on the general principles of Linux system administration.
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