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The Best Linux Distributions 48 Update Mint via the Terminal 12 Equipment You will Need 50 Install Apps via the Terminal - Part 1 14 Desktop Environments 52 _Install Apps via the Terminal - Part 2 16 Which Distro? 54 Did you Know...Linux Kernel 0.01 56 Creating a File Using the Terminal 60 — Fun Things to do in the Terminal. 62 — More Fun Things to do in the Terminal 66 Did you Know...Linux and the Big Bang 68 — Creating Bash Scripts~ Part 1 5 5 5 70 Creating Bash Scripts—Part 2 PEO OL mein R 20 Creating a Linux Installer on Windows 22 Installing Linux on a PC 24 Installing a Virtual Environment 26 Installing Linux in a Virtual Environment Creating Bash Scripts ~Part 3 74 Creating Bash Scripts —Part 4 76 Creating Bash Scripts Part § 78 PixLinux= The Perfect Combination 30 Introduction to the Cinnamon Menu 32 _ Navigating the Cinnamon Desktop 34 10 Things to do After Installing Linux Mint Sone 80 Command Line Quick Reference 82 AZo Linux Commands 38 Creating Users 40 Customising the Desktop 42 Becoming Anonymous Online 84 Did you Know...Good enough for NASA EE) siresesionon“\, these pages will help y get to grips with Linux, sho you howit works, wl can do itandh can code with it to www.bdmpublications.com esSay Hello to Linux Ke TR Geena) about computers?” aT Weill aol oo 7 ~ Admiral Grace Hopper (pioneer programmer) - 7 De aera eeSay Hello to Linux Why Linux? What is it? Where do | get it? Why Pera ise ala ie ued cavers beginners ask these, and many more, questions when starting out. It’s true that Linux is an Tiree te WAVE CEL p ei ee) curler) Rua keh lt em UG] Ano] can Find the answers in this section. BUEN enrol eRe Raed Lela Cole) DSR Ud R aot se) DUR Tela ules cell b Cote Lg Linux is, what a distro is and what a desktop environment is. You can also begin to explore WAR L AUS LAO ath acm Colt wonabdmpublcatonscom 74) Say Hello to Linux ) Why Linux? For many of its users, Linux means freedom. Freedom from the walled garden Erykah Mellel CMe le EL Te Rs Man LOSE Ro and Freedom from any Form of licensing or payment. There’s a lot more to Linux than ue aepet is FREE AND OPEN Linux is a Fantastic fit For those who want something different. The efficiency of the system, the availablity of applications and stability are just a few good reasons. ‘The first thing you need to know is that there sno such operating system called Linux. Linux in Fact the operating system kernel, the core component of an OS. When talking about Linux what we, and ‘others are refering to are one of the many distributions, or distros, that use the Linux kemel. No doubt you've heard of atleast one of the current popular distros: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, openSUSE, Debian, Raspbian, the list goes on. Each one of these distros offer something alittle different for the user. While each has the Linux kemel atits core, they provide the user witha different ooking desktop environment, different preloaded applications different \ways in which to update the system and get more apps installed anda sightly different look and Feel throughout the entre system. However, atthe centre lies Linux, which i why we say Linux Linuxis a great operating system on which to start coding. pox % = Linux works considerably differently to Windows or macOS. I's Free Fora stat: Free to download, Free to install on as many computers asyoulke, Free to use for an unlimited amount oftime and free to upgrade and extend with, equally, Free programs and applications. This Fee to.use element is one ofthe biggest draws for the ‘developer, While a Windows license can cost upto £100, and a Mac considerably more, a user, be they a developer, gamer or someone ‘who wants to put an older computer to use, can quickly download a distro and get to work in a matter of minutes. ‘Alongside the free to use aspect comes a evel of freedom to customise and mould the system to your own uses. Each ofthe ‘avaliable distros avaliable on the Internet have a certain ‘spin,‘There are thousands of free packages available for programmers under Linux. in that some offer increased security, a Fancy looking desktop, ‘8 gaming speci spn, or something directed toward students This extensibility makes Linuxa more desirable platform to use, ‘as you can quickly mould the system into a development base, including many different kinds of IDES forthe likes of Python, web development, C++, Java and so on; or create a base for online anonymity, perhaps asa Minecraft server, media centre and ‘much more, ‘Another remarkable advantage for those looking to learn how to.code, is that Linux comes with mast ofthe popular coding environments builtin, Both Python and C+ are preinstalled in 2 high percentage of Linux distros available, which means you can start to pragram almost as soon as you install the system and boot it up For the First time, Generally speaking, Linux doesn't take up as many system resources ‘as Windows or macOS; by system resources we mean memory, hard drive space and CPU load. The Linux code has been streamlined {andis ree from third-party ‘bloatware’ which hogs those systems. resources. A more efficient system of course means more available resources For the coding and testing environment and the programs you eventually create. Les use of resources also means you can Use Linux on older hardware that would normally struggle or even ( Why Linux? ry oe Ql Mandriva stackrsre Each distro offers something unique to the user butall have Linuxatthe core. refuse to run the latest versions of Windows or macOS;so rather than throwing away an old computer, it can be reused with a Linux distro, It’s not all about C++, Python or any ofthe other more popular programming languages though, Using the command line of Linux, also called the Terminal, you're ableto create Shell scripts, ‘which are programs that ae designed to run from the command line and made up of scripting languages. They are used mainly to ‘automate tasks or offer the user some form of input and output For ‘certain operation, Finally, although there are many more advantages we can lst, there are thousands and thousands of free programs and apps avaliable that cover nearly every aspect of computing, Known as packages, there are (atthe time of writing) over 8,700 specific programming applications just on Linux Mint alone and an incredible 62,000+ overall packages catering for everything from Amateur Radio to WWW tools Linux then, isa great resource and environment for programming in. It’s perfecty suited For developers ands continually improving ‘and evolving. IF you're serious about getting into coding, or you just ‘want to try something new, give Linux a try and see how it works. For you. ‘A Linux programming environment can be as simple or as complexas you need itto be.4) Say Hello to Linux.) The Best Linux Distributions MU tk 1am Cole Ko Eon Nel Mla Ue a=) le) carelOa MDI e olla fo nm =tCen CE) different ethos and approach. Here are five great distributions to try and where you can get them. GOING LINUX ‘The installation process for most distributions is similar. You download a disk image from the website and burn it to an optical disk or Create a USB Flash Drive installer. Just be careful to get the right distribution For your hardware and read the instructions carefull. Tae By Far the most popular Linux distro (distribution) i Linux Mine. "Mint began life back in 2006, as an alternative tothe then most popular distro, Ubuntu. Although based on Ubuntu’s Long Term Support build, Linux Mint took a different direction and offered the user a better overall experience, NU) Linux Mint has three main desktop versions avaliable with each new version ofthe core OSit releases. This may sound confusing at first butit’s quite simple. Currently, Linux Mint Uses the Cinnamon Desktop Environment as its Flagship model, there's MATE and Xfce models available too. Cinnamon sa graphically rch desktop environment, MATE uses less Fancy graphics, and is more stable ona wider variety of desktop systems, and Xfce san extremely streamlined desktop environment that’s built for speed and ultimate stability ‘The second most popular distro available is Ubuntu, which isan ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others Ubuntu’s popularity has fluctuated overits fourteen year ie ALone time, itwas easly the most used Linux-based operating systemin the world but some wrong choices along the way with regards toits presentation, and some unfavourable, controversial elementsinvolving privacy, sadly sawit topple from the number ane spot. “Throughout this tite well be using the Cinnamon version; however, you can try out any ofthe other desktop environments asyouwish. In fact, it's recommended that you do spend some time trying different environments, and even different distros, to.ee which suits you and your computer best ‘That sal, Ubuntu has since made amends and isslowing crawting its way back up the Linux leader board. The latest versions of the OS use the GNOME 3 desktop environment, an impressive environment, although itcan be litle confusing For Former Windows users and isa litle heavy on systern resources, especialy if you're planning on installing ton an ‘older computer. ‘wwwilinuxmint.com Ubuntu, forallits Faults, isa good Linux distro to start ‘experimenting wth, I a clean interface, easy to use and install and offers the user a complete Linux experience. www.ubuntucom eeThe Best Linux Distributions om Arch is one of longest running Linux ‘Arch sa distro For when you're more distributions and Forms the basis of experienced with Linux. You star with many other versions of Linux. Why install nothing but the command line and From Mint or Ubuntu when you can install there you have to manually partition your ‘Arch? Many users do exactly that but it’s hard drive, set where the installation £ notideal for beginners. Ubuntu and Mint files g0, create a user, set the OS locale both offer an easier installation path and and finally installa desktop environment come with software packages to help along with the apps you want. you get started ‘The advantage though, forall thishard ‘Arch on the other hand, is amore work ia distro that you have created. This ‘bare bones’ affair. Arch is committed to Free software and means your Arch distro wor't come with athe unnecessary files and its repositories contain over 50,000 apps to instal, including _apps that others have preinstalled custom made for you, by you, multiple different Desktop environments, and use as you would with any other distro, Rig 4s. a keg No doubtyou'e heard ofthe Raspbeny®.shadnottotine, | See cee ord yom forthe last saya since os tecuced “There are several aspects ta the Raspberry Pi that make it such asought after piece of the computing world, For ane it's cheap, costing around £25 for what s essentially a Fully working computer. t's small, measuring not much bigger than creditcard, You can buld electronics witht, using a fully programmable interface; and it comes with Raspbian, its own ‘custom-made, Debian-based operating system that includes an office suite alongside many different programming languages ‘and educational resources. Raspbian is exclusive to the Pi hardware, since the Raspberry Pi uses an ARM processor to power it. However, the Raspberry i Foundation has since released a PC version of Raspbian: Raspberry Pi Desktop. ‘Most Linux distributions fall into two camps. There are ones with the latest features and technology lke Ubuntu and ‘Mint and those with few new features but rack solid reliability, lke Debian. ust lke the Pi version, Raspberry Pi Desktop comes withthe allthe coding, educational and other apps you will ever need. Ie quick, stable and works superbly. Fyou'e interested in stretching your Linux experience, then ths s certainly one of the top distros to consider. “Meanwhile, penSUSE attempts to cover bath bases. (OpenSUSE Leap i the rock solid system. It's developed openiy bya community along with SUSE employees, who develop an enterprise evel operating system, SUSE; this powers the London Stock Exchange amongst other things. Itis designed For mission critical environments where there is no scope Forinstabilty’. you Find al that too sensible, openSUSE Tumbleweed sa rolling release with all the latest Features, and the occasional crash ‘www.raspberrypiorg/downloads/raspberry-pi-desktop ‘openSUSE is 2 highly respected Linux distribution and many of ts core contributors work on the Linux Kernel, LibreOfice, Gnome and other key Linux areas. n short, openSUSE is where {youll find the pros hanging out wwrwopenSUSE.org een~ 4) Say Hello to Linux ) Equipment You Will Need The system requirements for successfully installing Linux Mint on to a PC are evr ature la OAR UE Ree ln) Uc im eat] e OI O lee RW Mar) VAR eel cco However, it’s worth checking you have everything in place before proceeding. MINTY INGREDIENTS Before we start working our way through this book, here's what you need to install and run Linux Mint. You have several choices available, so take your time and see which works best for you. SIMU Ieee) ‘The minimum system requirements for Linux Mint are ‘You can install Linux Mint onto your computer via USB or DVD. asfollows: We look into each alittle later on but i you're already Familiar “with the process, or thinking of USB and just gathering the 2 hardware you need, then you're going to OE) need a minimum 4G8 USB fash drive RAM/Memory—512MB, tostorethe Linux Mint SO. Hard Drive space ~ 9GB (20GB recommended) Display - 1024 x 768 resolution ‘Obviously the better the system you have, the better the ‘experience willbe and quicker too =e 63.8 eee DVD INSTALLATION WD installation of Linux Mint simply requires blank DVDR disc. OF course, you aso need an optical drive (a DVD Writer E deive) before you're able to transfer or burn the SO image tothedisc 7Equipment You Will Need ry hy Installation toa virtual environment i a Favourite method of testing and using Linux distros. Linux Mint works exceedingly well ‘when used ina virtual environment but more on that later. There are many different virtual environment apps available; however VirtualBox, From Oracle, is one ofthe easiest to into, You can Find the latest version at wwwvirtualbox.org Parse 0 VirtualBox Ie. goes without saying really, that an internet connection is vital for making sure that Linux Mint is up to date withthe latest updates and patches, as well as the installation of further software. Although you donttneed an internet connection to use Linux Mint, youl miss out on world of free software available forthe distro. Cerny Although Linux Mint can be installed ‘onto a Mac, there's @ school oF thought that recommends Mac owners use a virtual environment, such as Vrtualbox or Parallels; and why not, macOS's already a splendid operating system. If you're wanting to breathe new life into an colder Mac, make sure i's an intel CPU madel and not the Power PC models. Beware though, it's nat as pain free as installing on to aPC.ry Say Hello to Linux Desktop Environments WHICH MINT? ‘A Desktop Environment is the graphical interface which you use to interact with the core Linux system. Just as the graphical desktop For Windows 10s also called Fluent Design. Linux Mint offers the user a choice of versions of the distro: Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce, While that may sound alittle confusing for the newcomer, essentially each of the versions available contains the same core Linux structure and kernel, the kernelis the core oF the operating system, that handles all the instructions between the software and hardware h versionis simply a diferent desktop environment, th Graphical User Interface (GUI that you use to interact with the ‘operating system. Each ofthe desktop environments uses diferent ‘apps to access or use the system, suchas the file manager to browse the operating system's file structure or the way it launches other ‘apps. Again though, the core available productivity, video and a" aN Network Interfaces EB screens ron ss:nnintian Sromedyarton tenon voonsa2 = pew FETTER The default installation location of VirtualBox ESTEE You'll probably be asked by windows to accepta should satisy most users but if youhave any special security notification. Click Yes for this and you may location requirements click on the ‘Browse’ button and change the encounter a dialogue box asking you to trust the installation from Install folder. Then, make sur that allthe iconsin the VirtualBox Oracle; again, clickyes and accept the installation ofthe VirtualBox feature tree are selected, ie. none of themhavearedX next to __ application. When i's complete, click finish to start VirtualBox. them. Click Next to move on, (Bh Ore vietion 602 Sap x (crac aoc Seip x costom Stop Oracle VM VirtualBox 6.0.2 Sect he ay yuan ete bee installation is complete. (suet onte trator 02ers WraBox Boe) ate ences Son yor ap] restoryten 235.) Rbteanres secede FSTEEEAD Thissection can beleft alone to the defaults, should ESSE With VirtualBox up and running you can now ‘you wish. Itsimply makes ie alittle easier when install the VirtualBox Extension Pack. Locate the dealing with VMs, especially when dealing with downloaded VMs, downloaded add-on and double-ick. There may be a short pause \which you may encounter in the Future. Again clicking Next moves while VirtualBox analyses the pack butyou eventually receives you onto the next stage message to instal it; obviously cick Install to begin the process, scroll down the next screen to accept the agreement and cick Agree. [Once Vion 602 Sete x custom Setup & VirtualBox - Question 7 x | ‘The Oracle VM Virtualbox Extension Packhas been | ) sucessful dowricaded fom bibs: ‘em nm fom tu eomre bd: | Seg ss Seen 202 econ ounuetneveme ‘2 saved bcaly 2s G\Users\david iralbox \Oracle_Vit_Virtuallox_ Extension Pack-6.0.2.vbox- oestessartatn edie extpack, ‘orate s ttn be ick a Do you wish to instal is extension pack? Drege ocr4) Getting Started with Linux) Installing Linux ina Virtual Environment Pe eM om En nm ae ae kerr Ate MACE enuianca unin se en mnicinlecoenteaien ils currently installed operating system, which is why a VM is a great choice. CREATING THE VM. ‘There are plenty of options to choose from when creating a VM. For now though, let's set up a VM adequate to run Mint Cinnamon and perform well. FETED With VirwalBox open, cick on the New con in the top right ofthe app. This opens the new VM wizard, e222 ered Seen Ey = FESR nc vrnoisnona pein the Type and Ubuntu (64-bit) as the Version; if not then use the drop-down boxes to select the carrect settings (remember Mint ‘mainstream i based on Ubuntu]. Click Next when you're ready BETESEWD The next section defines the amount of system ‘memory, or RAM, the VM has allocated. Remember this amountis taken from the available memory installed on your ‘computer, so don't give the VM too much. For example, we have {8GB of memory installed and we're giving 2G8 to the VM. When you're ready, click Next to continve. pers. as This section is where you stat to create the virtual hard isk that the VM uses to install Minton to. ‘The default option, ‘Create a virtual hard disk now, isthe one we're using. Click Create to move on. oes.Installing Linux in a Virtual Environment. Thepopwpnicow etepeassterciing | TRARY ste ing etetheltalseip he Susp Create is asking you what type of virtual hard disk S18 is complete; you should now be looking at the you wantto crete We're gongtousethedefauk VD (Vituelbox newly crested Vist te Vituloox apples Before you Dekimage ths case, asthe othersare ten vedto moves begin though ck the Settings button and within the ceneral from one VM aplationto the next Make sureVOl selected and section cick the Advanced ta, Using the pul-down mens, choose clk wet ‘idrectonl for bath shared Cipboad and brag Or0p am a— o— ba o— 2 ae FETED) The question of whether to opt For Dynamically ESTEE DD Follow that by clicking on the System section, cor Fixed sized virtual hard disks may come across then the Processor tab. Depending on your CPU, {as being somewhat confusing to the newcomer. A Dynamically allocate as many cores as you can without detsimentto your host Allocated virtual hard diskis amore flexible storage management _system:; we've opted For two CPUs. Now click onthe Display section, ‘option and wont take up much space within your physical hard disk side the Video Memory up to the maximum and tick Enable 3D to begin with. Ensure Dynamically Allocated s selected and clckNext. Acceleration’. Click OK to commit the new settings. PEPTEDD The vieeual hard dskis asingle older, up tothesize RIM cick on the Star button and use the explorer {you state in this section. Ensure the location of the button a folder with a green arrow) inthe ‘Select Virtual hard disk, on your camputer, has enough free space available. Starcup Disk window to locate the downloaded ISO of Mint; then For example, we've used a bigger storage option on ourD:\ drive, click Start to boot the VM with the Linux Mint Live Environment. You named Linux Mint and allocated 25.50GB of space tothe virtual can now install Linuxas per the standard PC installation requirements. hard disk ®“Anyone can build a Fast processon The trick is to PUR seen 1 ~ Seymour Cray (Electrical Engineer, and designer/founder of Cray Supercomputers) 1) ED) serowiatorscom - |Getting to Know Linux ACA PRT Tae eel tee ee eerie cle ett ae eee eek Lo most developed and well documented Linux Cee REST ROME hiae Ceo ite tla) 1s Mensa RO ecee Ce Rene Ae Cinnamon Menu and Desktop Environment, WA aL SEU ULES (lt kelks (hse) CT Te ea aco rele Cre ee mea eel EU Crane kod coe ee)wv Getting to Know Linux Introduction to the Cinnamon Menu CINNAMON VIRTUALBOX FIX You've already looked at some list functions, using insert, .remove, and .pop but there are also functions that can be applied to strings Before we begin we'e assuring youre having ths SUP i issue within Virtualbox. The Software Rendering message appeasinthe top right ofthe desktop. Tf ths cick ‘on Devices in the Vrtualbox window, Followed by Insert Guest Additions CD Image. PEPE DD) The Guest Additions CD contains divers For Virtualbox, including the virtual video hardware. en t's loaded in, you get a software needs running’ natifcation box with two options, Cancel and Run. Click the Run button and enter your Linuxuser password. automatically stated, Would you ike to run 2 Aer 8 moment ort youre automaticaly SUaPS dropped into a command line view, called the jerminalin Linux. Ts deta the staan ofthe new VitualBox divers remoungany old verses detected and insalng the latest versions, won take long anduhen ks dane you willbe asked toh ture ext the Terminal PEP D The Vireualbox Additions CD iconis on the desktop, soright-ickit and then scrall down the menu to Eject. You can now restart Linux Mint by clicking the Menu, the bottom ican in the strip to the lft, then the Restart button. This reboots Mint and the problem s Fixed.CINNAMON ON THE MENU Introduction to the Cinnamon Menu Now the Software Rending issue For Virtalbox users is out of the way, let's take a look at the Mint Menu and how it all works. Remember, this s just for Mint Cinnamon, other distros look and behave differently. PEPE Fi'scoFF you may have already noticed the Welcome Screen that pops up when you login to Linux Mint Take a moment to browse through the options, read the First Steps ‘option and so on. When you're done, click the Xin the top right comer of the window to close it FETIP DD open up the Menu again but this time hover the mouse pointer over Graphics, then click on CGN Image Manipulation Program. GIMP isa powerful image manipulation app that’s probably as effective as Adobe's Photoshop but requires little more workto getthe results you want. t's Certainly worth taking the time to master, though, BEER Youve already used the Mint Menu to reboot the system and when you first used the Live ronment. Thistime, click the Menu button and haver over the Office entry in the middle column. Tis changes the icons represented in the right-hand column, detaling what apps are installed under that section, Launching any ofthe apps from the Menus as. simple as finding one and clicking it. For example, under the Office section, click on LibreOffice Writer, Writer isthe preinstalled word processor For Linux Mint. t opens and saves as, Microsoft Word and functions in almost the same way. FETED you're looking fora particular Function or app, such as setting up a printer, click on the Search box ‘atthe top of the Menu box. Start typing the app or function you. ‘want, such as printers, and the Mint Menu displays the relevant options below. This works with mast madecn Linux menus, regardless ofthe distro. FETS over over any ofthe apps listed on the righthand column and right-click, to be presented with alist of options: Ad to Panel, Add to Desktop, Add to Favourites and Uninstall Most of these options are obviousin their use. Add to Favourites though places the app inthe left-hand, quickaccess column, ommD Getting to Know Linux Navigating the Cinnamon Desktop feragKel 09. ne) Rake aK CeCe R Mela ca Ma eer aD) kee widgets that can be customised and placed on the desktop, others instead opt for a clean, sharp look to keep everything running as fast as possible. Let's see what the Cinnamon desktop has to offer. A TOUCH OF SPICE ‘The Cinnamon desktop environment isa great blend of style and performance. There's lots to like about it, which is why it’s such a popular DE. PEPER) e2cinexoioring the Cinnamon desktop by double- RIE nemohas many different Features, views and clicking the Computer icon. This brings up Nemo, waysso that you can view and manipulate files and the file manager used in Cinnamon. The Computer icon opens up Folders. For example, if you have any images in the Pictures Folder, the root level ile system, with access and views to the optical drive you can select the icon zoom level for the images by using the slider (iF you have one installed}, hard drive and core Linux file system. located in the bottom right of Nemo, labelled Adjust Zoom Level WEHE COS RRB R EEE ZREEBSERBaE BRR Awe Eater The Linux ile system can appear confusing to Be ust lke any good file manager, iFyou rightclick a former Windows user, so until you're alittle any of the Fle or Folders within you get a wealth of ‘more knowiedgeable on how it ll works, we'd recommend you __options.n the case of Cinnamon, the defaults allow you to play or concentrate on the Home con on the desktop instead. Inhereis _viewa file depending on what type of fileitis and copy, cut, delete, ‘everything relating to your user account: where youstore Pictures, compress, rename, send via email and view its properties. Videos, Music, Documents, Downloaded items etcAte bottom ofthe destop there's the Panel Suz ‘We've already looked at one section of the Panel, the Me. Fyouritecikonhee onthe Panel oter than on Panel app yu see 8 menu allowing ou ted add and setup the Panelino erent ay Eee For example, if you cick the option Modify Panel, you can remove, move, remove the Panel, add 2 ‘new one and clear it of any Applets that are currently present. An ‘Applet, by the way isan app that’s designed to work and Fit into the ‘Cinnamon Panel IF you rightclick anywhere on the Cinnamon desktop you see a set of options that allows you to further add to, editor view the desktop content differently. It's very similar to that of Windows, which s why Mint is a good choice For exwindows users. = E> Asatte ge Desleop Background Navigating the Cinnamon Desktop @FY¥ that desktop right context me select S18 Customise, followed by the Desktop Settings link at the bottom ofthe ney opened wncow-Ths opens ane window where youre ableto edt which desktop cans are preset. Fyoue Using setup wth matile motors tached you con ao cose which reir dls chon FETIP lick onthe Menu and type system settings and ‘open the resulting icon. This takes you to the ‘system Settings options. From here you're able to control and edit the way Linux Mint Cinnamon looks and works as welladd new users, manage the firewall and enable accessibilty options aea B8seeaacsa a ogsae Ssaaee aees oo | PEPER | short Linux mint cinnamon can be configured tolaok quite extraordinary. There are many examples available of how good it can get and what can be ‘achieved. You can go as complex or as simple as you want, adding rent component and animations or ust keepingit plain and easy toread,EEE) cetrsicvcontinn 10 Things to do After Installing Linux Mint Linux Mint is a polished distro out of the box but, as with most Linux distros, there are some tweaks that can be applied to improve the way it works. Although these are Mint- specific tweaks, most can be applied to other distros. LINUX TWEAKS Some of these post installation actions are highly recommended, while others are just handy additions and simply tweak the system or add a customisation. The first, and most important, postnstallation Click the OK button and you can see a couple of actions to update the system. Clickon the shield ‘Updates ready for installation. Before you update ‘conn the Panel, found at the bottom right of the desktop next to though, click on the blue bar OK button to switch toa Local Mirror. the time and date. This launches the Update Manager. ‘This opens the Software Sources option. nthe Mirrors section, click ‘on the Main and Base drop-down menus and select aserver closest toyour current location, PEPER Linux Mint offers the usera three level policy Bea ick the Update the Cache button and close the approach to updates: Don't Break My Computer, Software Sources window. Backin the Update Optimise Stability and Security and Always Update Everything Manager, click on the Install Updates icon and enter your password, The recommended options the Optimise Stability and Security, __The updates automatically apply themselves and relaunch Update which only updates safe, essential patches that won't impact critical Manager, this time with a lot more updates, Again, click Install elements ofthe core OS, Read through the descriptions but choose Updates, OK any messages and wait or ther to Finish the middle, and recommended option. ccd10 Things to do After Installing Linux Mint vv The upd graded by level, 1 being alow level update, level 5 being a dangerous one. Stick lace for any messages tolevel 3 updates, is our advice; and: -egarding overwriting a configuration file, With regards to the Software Rendering issue and lack of drivers for non-VirtualBox users, click the Menu and type ‘driver into the search box. PEPE cick the oriver manager app that appears asa result ofthe search and enter your password, Mint takes a moment to analyse what's available and presents you with selection of potential drivers based on your detected hardware. ‘Those with graphical problems, such as Software Rendering, should ‘optto use the lates, recommended Graphics drives Eee ’2this point you'l probably need to restart Linux Mint, sa do that now. Aftera reboot click the Menu button again, followed by the Terminal. The Terminal con is Foundin the lethand column, above the Files icon, With the Terminal open, enter: sudo apt-get install Libdvd-pkg, press Enter and type in your password. This enables encrypted DVD playback Beer When asked to accept the changes, enter Y and also, when asked to configure ibdvd, Make sure OK is highlighted and press Enter, then Yes to any Further questions. Next up, stilin the Terminal, enter: cat. /proc/sys/vm/snappiness; the result should be 60. IFyour computer has less than 4GB of RAM/ memory, then enter: gksudo xed /etc/sysctl..conf. BSTISED This tweak helps speed up systems with less than 4G8 RAM/memory. Scroll down to the bottom of the file you just opened and add the Following new lines: # Decrease snap usage to a more reasonable level ‘vm. swappiness=10 Click File > Save, then File > Quit. Reboot Linux Mint and you should notice a slight hike in performance BED Security is always a concern in this modern digital, age. While Linux Mintisa secure system, it's ‘advisable to always try and improve it. lick the Menu button and search for Firewall click the Firewall Configuration icon and enter your password, In the Firewall window, click the Status slider to On.Na AVAXHOME?nee cd providing you various content: LC eC a Ee ee eS mea eas ces Unlimited satisfaction one low price Cheap constant access to piping hot media Protect your downloadings from Big brother Safer, than torrent-trackers 18 years of seamless operation and our users' satisfaction PRE Uys ETC emer ol Tei AvaxHome - Your End Place We have everything for all of your needs. Just open https://avxlive.icuPt Ee tans aca) mankind first stepped on the moon. The Beene oe eters ode NO Cee eu eis ee ee Lee etc) Te cee Ens Demme eee kee Se eae) ene aan) Be uaa ere Ae eee CC eae eaNer gn MU tes) ee RPE RC ean ten ER Ree On Re ene nV Apollo-11/. Look out for code snippets, erate Mune ac nea 925 with the comment “Goodbye, Come Pee Have a look through, and see what else Netecara Programmers arent without fence a humour, Seewhatelsel inthere Ee ww bmpublcations com) One giant leap For \ mankind, and coding.my Getting to Know mux) Creating Users When you first install Linux Mint it is configured For use with a single user. While Slee Rc m-lecele naan eM MM eo RRO R Olt] tel coRe gree cRs ere) MU eA Man alm aR aT Rane) (ee NEW USERS on are separate, as with multiple users on other opers FETTER click on the LinuxMmint Menu and type ‘users to begin searching or the relevant console. From the search results, choose Users and Groups and enter your password, The Users and Groups console i quite basic looking, and thankFully easy to use. At first, you can just see your own username From when, You installed Linux Mint To add anew user, click the Add button at the bottom of the console. There are two types of ser you can create, Standard and Administrator. Unies the new ser has need to install new apps or access parts ofthe file system beyond their Home folder, then opt for the Standard account type, (Otherwise, use the Administrator account type publications com different users means each user has access to his or hers own areas on the system. Documents, pictures, videos and so systems. BETEDD Enter the new user's Full Name, followed bythe Username tey need when logging into Linux Mint. Make sure the username i alin lower case, a- and 0-9 characters ‘only. You can have full stops, underscores or hyphens iF you wish ‘lick the Add button when you're ready to continue. Cee] o ‘The new user appears in the list of current Linux ‘Mint users, in alphabetical order. At present, there's no password set so click the user inthe lst of current users, then lick the No Password Set option under the user's username. Mapa niYou can now enter a password forthe new user SUPE or click the curled arrow at the end of the New Password text boxto generate a password for you, as well as displaying it. Naturally it's a good idea to come up with as strong a password as possible. when you're done, click the Change button, se e You can cose the Users nd Groups console window EPS now, as the new user has been created. IF you click {he Mine Menu, flowed by Logout, you ae presented uth the Mine Login Manager The new user snow present inte st of currently avaiabe users, Clk ontimyher to log them, COMMAND LINE ACCOUNTS PRISED) once logaed in the new useris required to set up their own desktop wallpaper, icons, Panel, Menu ‘and so on, Depending on what Account Type you set up For them, ‘Standard or Administrator, they won't be able to install any new ‘app5. This screenshots From a Standard user account type, You can create as many new accounts as you ‘when required It's best to have just one account that's capable of installing new software, that way you can keep track of what's on your system. Session Log out ofthis system now? ce Switch User Just as you'd expect, you can also create a new user within the command Line. Open up a Terminal session under the main tev cuireereuetents PIR the process for adding 3 new user fromthe Course aera sos rae Pip y, the new user's login name, You're then asked to create n engi rte name eae Mitt ee hee eet PEPER vou can check the details and account type for the new user from within the Users and Grou Cease GG goY Piicgsudo deluser int pemie ies Peet Mair ern ons Cen) Creating Users omwv Getting to Know Linux Customising the Desktop YOUR DESKTOP Linuxis probably one of the customisable operating systems there is. With usta few tweaks, one or two extras installed and some imagination, you can create something incredible, STEERED The Fist aspect of desktop customisation sto change the wallpaper. Rightclick the desktop and choose Change Desktop Background, This opens the Backgrounds ‘pp in Linux Mint; emember, other distros may present their background, wallpaper selection tools differently. is different because it reads the image content from the Pictures folder in your Home area Youjust needa cick the aaiabeimages, rom any SNP) of the locations provided to have them install as the