Linux Basics Getting to know Linux By Alexandro ColoradoLinux Basics Who am I? ● I am 29 yr old IT Consultant from Mexico ● Work with an open source project called OpenOffice.org ● Have used Linux since 2000 and exclusively since 2001 ● Open source has changed my life ● I never went to college for thatLinux Basics So what exactly is Linux?Linux Basics Is a TVLinux Basics Is a phoneLinux Basics Is like water... Linux Basics Why? Water... huh?!? ● You can get Linux for free or through a vendor. ● You can also get Linux within a product. ● Linux is free... as in Freedom ● In Spanish we call it “software libre” not “software gratis”. ● So why is it also free as in cost? Because the developers choose to do so through their license agreement.... the GPLLinux Basics How can I use it?Linux Basics Linux is a complex beast. ● I won't lie, Linux is not easy, the same way as computers are not easy for your parents. ● Linux might be frightening because is like learning computers all over again. ● Linux is not easy because is an operating system, they are not meant to be easy. ● Linux actually is just a kernel, a program of code that connect your screen with keyboard. ● Average user will take around 2 months to feel comfortable using it day to dayLinux Basics GNOME Desktop showing a Browser and an E-Mail client Menu is up hereLinux Basics KDE Desktop showing a File ManagerLinux Basics Yet Linux is not a 1 man show ● Behind every single program that comes with Linux there is a whole community behind it. ● Hundred of forums, mailing lists, podcasts and Video tutorials are made to teach Linux ● You might even find a community just for educators. Linux Basics So why is Linux better? ● Is collaborative ● Is very customizable ● Is more complete than expected ● It evolves, every single day ● Is more secure ● Is more stable ● Is extremely hard to loose dataLinux Basics How can I teach with it. ● Linux has a great deal of software for education. ● Linux has many applications for learning including Math, Languages, Chemistry, Astronomy ● Also has applications for younger kids: – Paint – Type – MusicLinux Basics Gcompris ● Teaching young kids to fear no Penguin – Computer discoverykeyboard, mouse, mouse gestures. – Algebra – memory, enumeration, double entry table, mirror image – Science – the water cycle, the submarine, electric simulation http://gcompris.netLinux Basics KDE Education ● A whole suite of applications for language, science, math, games:Linux Basics Linux desktop Applications ● Internet: – Web browser, email client, FTP client, Instant Messenger, VoIP client ● Office: – Word processor, spreadsheet, Drawing, presentation, desktop publishing, charting, photo editing, PDF viewer ● Multimedia: – CD/Audio/Video player, audio and video editor, jukeboxLinux Basics How to jump on Google? Spend time learning where the applications are and their namesLinux Basics Usual suspects ● Browser: -firefox, epiphany, opera, konqueror ● Email: -evolution, thunderbird ● Office: -openoffice.org (writer, calc, impress, draw), koffice, abiword ● Music: -Totem, kaffeine, amarok, xineLinux Basics I am stuck HEEELP!!!Linux Basics Is good to learn how to ask questions. ● Make sure you read the manual. ● Google for your answer, most issues are already asked by others. ● Join a linux support forum (linuxquestions.org) ● Join a linux support chat (Xchat is great) ● Instructional linux podcast (linuxreality.com) ● Please be patient since we are all users ;-)