Red Hat ENTERPRISE LINUX 4.5.0 Reference Manual page 19

• A brief history of Linux — Many aspects of Linux are the way they are because of historical
precedent. The Linux culture is also based on past events, needs, or requirements. A basic
understanding of the history of Linux helps you figure out how to solve many potential
problems before you actually see them.
• An explanation of how Linux works — While delving into the most arcane aspects of the Linux
kernel is not necessary, it is a good idea to know something about how Linux is put together.
This is particularly important if you have been working with other operating systems, as some
of the assumptions you currently hold about how computers work may not transfer from that
operating system to Linux.
• An introductory command overview (with examples) — This is probably the most important
thing to look for in Linux documentation. The underlying design philosophy for Linux is that it
is better to use many small commands connected together in different ways than it is to have
a few large (and complex) commands that do the whole job themselves. Without examples
that illustrate this approach to doing things, you may find yourself intimidated by the sheer
number of commands available on a Red Hat Enterprise Linux system.
Keep in mind that you do not have to memorize all of the available Linux commands. Different
techniques exist to help you find the specific command you need to accomplish a task. You
only need to know the general way in which Linux functions, what you need to accomplish,
and how to access the tool that gives you the exact instructions you need to execute the
command.
The Red Hat Enterprise Linux Installation Guide and the Red Hat Enterprise Linux Step By Step
Guide are excellent references for helping you get a Red Hat Enterprise Linux system
successfully installed and initially configured. The Red Hat Enterprise Linux Introduction to
System Administration is a great place to start for those learning the basics of system
administration. Start with these books and use them to build the base of your knowledge of Red
Hat Enterprise Linux. Before long, more complicated concepts begin to make sense because
you already grasp the general ideas.
Beyond reading the Red Hat Enterprise Linux manuals, several other excellent documentation
resources are available for little or no cost:
2.1.1. Introduction to Linux Websites
• http://www.redhat.com/
Project (LDP), online versions of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux manuals, FAQs (Frequently
Asked Questions), a database which can help you find a Linux Users Group near you,
technical information in the Red Hat Support Knowledge Base, and more.
• http://www.linuxheadquarters.com/
follow, step-by-step guides for a variety of Linux tasks.
2.1.2. Introduction to Linux Newsgroups
— On the Red Hat website, you find links to the Linux Documentation
— The Linux Headquarters website features easy to
Documentation For First-Time Linux Users
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