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/.
 | Note |
|---|
| | 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: http://www.redhat.com/docs/ |
|
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.
