8. CLI, or "how to run"
From the Start-type menu, the xterm program (also called Console)
brings you to a Terminal, which looks a bit like a DOS window, but it
actually predates and out-powers DOS. This is the Command Line
Interface (CLI), the origin of our favourite OS which is present in
every Linux distribution. We won't get into the finer details, which
can fill books, but the CLI a powerful tool often needed to
troubleshoot your computer. If you ask for help on the Internet and
someone asks you to run lspci, they want you to start xterm, type
lspci, hit enter and then provide the screen's response.
When you start an xterm, you are your regular user-self with limited powers. To get into Root User mode (see Permissions above) in an xterm, type su [enter], then type the Root password [enter]. Now you have a lot of power so be nice. The Root user can destroy anyone's data, including the system files needed to run Linux. To leave an xterm or su mode, type exit [enter].
9. Ctrl-alt-escape
Clicking the ctrl-alt-escape key combination changes your mouse into an
X, skull-and-crossbones, or some other sinister mouse-cursor. In this
mode, clicking on a misbehaving or frozen application will kill it. It
is similar to the End Process in Windows Task Manager, but use with
care. If you don't want to kill anything, use the Esc key to back out
of kill mode. Clicking on the wrong program (including the desktop GUI)
can cause a serious headache.
10. The Internet is your friend
Many distros have a User's Forum where questions, answers and tips are passed around. LinuxQuestions.org
is a great site for overall Linux knowledge and help. Remember, before
posting questions on any forum, research your questions (both at LQ and
on Google) to avoid asking about an issue that may already be solved.
Also, check the age of any solution that you find, as old answers may
no longer apply to this fast-changing world of Open Source software.
When asking a question, be sure to include as much (applicable)
information as you can about your system, such as the processor type
(Intel or AMD or Apple PPC?), your distribution (SuSE? Debian?), the
program with which you're having trouble and any other relevant
information.
Keep an open mind
Linux and open source software have made leaps and bounds in the last
few years, but for users coming from the closed world of Windows, the
internal workings of Linux may seem foreign. An open mind and a
willingness to share knowledge helps the Linux community grow and we
welcome you to our ranks.
Talkback
A nicely written, easy-to-understand, unbiased article on Linux. Well done!
I would just add that some of the features mentioned above are not the same on every distro. It is a good idea to go to your Linux distributors home page and read the documentation there about your system.
For a freely well-documented, free distro try Debian GNU/Linux at www.debian.org