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Extreme Programming Installed Preface Why a Book About the Linux Desktop? Most Linux books are about running servers, writing bash scripts, or managing networks. You might have these lofty Linux goals in mind, but no matter who you are, you probably want to do things like visit Web sites, check your email, or chat online. There are command-line programs to do those things, but why be so limited? Whether you are a new Linux user or an experienced user who wants to learn more, we are all users who spend time on the desktop. Not long ago, to have Linux as your desktop operating system meant looking at clunky windows and jagged fonts. You stared at long menus not knowing what most of the choices meant. You had to search and search to find out how to do the simplest activity. In the past few years Linux has changed. Linux has programs, utilities, and fun extras that are well designed and easy to use. Some programs in Linux today are better looking and easier to use than many of those found in Windows. Linux is no longer an inconvenience. The Linux desktop today lets you get your everyday tasks done while having fun with your computer. All of this fun still needs a little figuring out from time to time. In this book, we will figure it all out. We go through all the fun things we can do in Linux and learn how to get a little work done, too. What Is in This Book This book is full of self-help tips that will regrow your thinning hair, help you lose weight, make you money on the real-estate market, cook you a turkey on a rotisserie, and sell you a new set of knives. Why, this book is one great big late night TV infomercial. I m lying. I do that. You ll learn. This book is actually full of Linux. I love Linux. I love exploring Linux, and I bet you will, too. When I turn on my computer, I have things to do. I bet you do, too. All the chapters and sections in this book are arranged by the tasks that you need to do: from installing Linux, to setting up your preferences, to browsing online, to email, to office productivity, to all the fun things we do with our computers when we re supposed to be working. Rather than telling you which programs you should use for different tasks, you will find reviews, how-tos, and detailed descriptions of the most popular programs in each category. Linux is about choice, so I want to give you all the information and tools you need to make your choices. Conventions Used in This Book Program Info: This is the quick reference information you need to start up a program. Anytime a program is available on your main menu, you can find the path here. You can also find the terminal command and URL for programs here. ToolKits: What s the good of learning if you don t get to use it? The ToolKits give you a chance to put what you learn to work. Under the Hood: These tips contain extra bits of information and alternative methods Sidebars: These asides give you fun facts about programs and topics. The Skinny: While you have all of the tools you need to make your choice of programs yourself, you might want a little opinion. The Skinny sums up the good, the bad, and the ugly in each program. What Is on the CD So, you are reading this book to learn more about Linux. To install Linux, you need an extra computer or room on your hard drive to install it. You might just want to try out Linux and learn about it before taking the big plunge. The CD in this book is a Linux live CD of the distribution Gnoppix. A Linux live CD is a Linux distribution that will boot up and run left off the CD without having to install a whole operating system on your computer. Gnoppix does not include every program that is covered in this book, but it provides you with enough to get your feet wet. Use the CD to get comfortable with a few Linux programs, and then go on the adventure and install a Linux distribution of your own. You can read more about Linux live CDs in Topic 1. You can read more about Gnoppix at http://www.gnoppix.org . To use the Gnoppix CD in this book, you need a PC with these requirements: PC with Intel-compatible CPU (i486 or later) Bootable CD-ROM drive At least 96 MB for graphics mode SVGA-compatible graphics card Unfortunately, Gnoppix does not currently have a Mac version. Put the CD in your CD-ROM drive. Reboot your computer. You will need to make sure that your computer is set up to boot from CD when a bootable CD is present. See Chapter 1, "What Are You Getting Into?" and the "Under the Hood" note titled "CD Boot" on page 20 for more information about how to boot from your CD drive. What is on the Web Site At [a

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