The unofficial ex MS-DOS user and LINUX newbie FAQ.

by SNw^tKB and xopy.

1. Introduction

• 1.1 Where to get this faq:
• 1.2 Why on earth did we come up with the idea of making this faq?
• 1.3 About authors

2. Console related questions.

• 2.1 Q: How do I copy files in Linux?
• 2.2 Q: How do I delete files in Linux?
• 2.3 Q: How do I move files in Linux?
• 2.4 Q: How do I rename files in Linux?
• 2.5 Q: How do I make/remove an directory in Linux?
• 2.6 Q: Directory listing.
• 2.7 Q: I used the command "dir --color". What does the colors tell me?
• 2.8 Q: How can I view a textfile, as with "type filename |more" under MS-DOS?
• 2.9 Q: Why can't I change directories as with "cd.." under MS-DOS?
• 2.10 Q: How do I start programs under Linux?
• 2.11 Q: I have started a text-mode program, and cannot find the exit. HELP!
• 2.12 Q: How do I login multiple times at once?
• 2.13 Q: How can I swap bewtween multiple tasks?
• 2.14 Q: What's a PID?
• 2.15 Q: My program crashed! What now?
• 2.16 Q: How do I shutdown my computer?
• 2.17 Q: Is there anything similar to the ms-dos "batchfiles" in Linux?

3. Managing your system.

• 3.1 Q: Is there something like an 'autoexec.bat' or 'startup-sequence in Linux?
• 3.2 Q: 1. How do I edit files under Linux? 2. What editor is "best"?
• 3.3 Q: How do I change the default hostname?
• 3.4 Q: How do I access my floppy drive under Linux?
• 3.5 Q: How do I access my cd-rom under Linux?
• 3.6 Q: How do I access other harddisks/partitions ?
• 3.7 Q: How do I format disks under Linux?
• 3.8 Q: How do I change my password under Linux?
• 3.9 Q: I just downloaded a compressed file called xxxxxx.tar.gz. What do I do now?
• 3.10 Q: How do I defrag my harddrive?
• 3.11 Q: How do I setup my modem under Linux?
• 3.12 Q: How do I use my printer under linux?
• 3.13 Q: How do I setup my scanner under Linux?
• 3.14 Q: How do I setup my soundcard under linux, and how to use it with games/programs.

4. Kernel questions

• 4.1 Q: What's a kernel?
• 4.2 Q: How do I build a custom kernel?
• 4.3 Making modules
• 4.4 LILO (LInux LOader)
• 4.5 Comments

5. X-Windows related questions.

• 5.1 Q: What is X-Window?
• 5.2 Q: How do I configure X-Windows?
• 5.3 Q: How do I start X-Windows?
• 5.4 Q: How do I start programs under X-Windows?
• 5.5 Q: How do I configure the window-manager, and add and remove programs from the
• 5.6 Q: What's virtual screens?
• 5.7 Q: How do I set a tiled image in the background as done in MS-Windows 3.x/95's
• 5.8 Q: Is there any script or folder that equals to the "startup" group/folder

6. Internet.

• 6.1 Q: What is Internet?
• 6.2 Q: How do I setup internet on my computer?
• 6.3 Q: How do I connect to Internet, and then what?
• 6.4 Q: What programs should I use?

7. Networking.

• 7.1 Q: How do I configure my ethernet card?
• 7.2 ifconfig
• 7.3 route
• 7.4 Comments
• 7.5 Examples

8. What programs are there for Linux/X-Windows?

• 8.1 Q: Where to get all those programs?
• 8.2 Q: I need a wordprocessor, which? (X and textmode.)
• 8.3 Q: I need a grafix tool like psp, which? (X and textmode.)
• 8.4 Q: I need a filemanager, which? (X and ctextmode.)
• 8.5 Q: I need a image(jpg/gif) viewer, which? (X and textmode.)
• 8.6 Q: I need a spreadsheet for X-Windows, which?
• 8.7 Q: I need a webbrowser, which? (X and textmode.)
• 8.8 Q: I need an IRC-Client, which? (X and textmode.)
• 8.9 Q: I need an ftp-client, which? (X and textmode.)
• 8.10 Q: I need a desktop publisher, which? (X and textmode.)
• 8.11 Q: I need a news-reader, which? (X and textmode.)
• 8.12 Q: I need an e-mail reader, which? (X and Textmode.)
• 8.13 Q: What games is there for Linux/X-Windows?
• 8.14 Q: I need alot of sound-tools. Where can I find them?? (X and textmode.)
• 8.15 Q: My most important question. Where can I get LINUX? :)