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    Linux programming

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    2019-08-31 Coding for Linux

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    Linux programming

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
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    41 views149 pages

    2019-08-31 Coding For Linux

    Uploaded by

    Antonio Martins
    Linux programming

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
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    of 149
    Linux Mint 19.1 Scripting | Python & C++ (ad! Coding for Linux Master Linux and expand your programming skills ” &sPacked with dtLearn Python 3 &Starttolearn 4 Discover the world toptipsand andapplyittoreal — thebasics aie EI aot world programs (iG with Linux Discover more of our complete manuals on Readly today... BS Mee Uthys)eM| Manual The Complete Building Your The Complete __ Android Manual Photograph Rael Y The Complete untu Manual 7 san Mae WhatsApp Manual The Complete Google Manual > ary _ Ere ea ancy icy INE _, The Complete Linux Mint Manual The Complete WordPress ww. Manua = TED VeTalelel "#t Black Dog i-Tech Series Coding for Linux “That's what makes Linux so good: you put in something and that effort multiplies. It’s a positive Feedback cycle.” Linus Torvalds (developer of the Linux kernel) Linux is everywhere. It powers the Internet as the main operating system behind the Web's servers, it powers spacecraft, it's the operating system for the Fastest supercomputers in the world and it’s used in smart TVs and mobile devices. Why? Becauseit's ultra stable, lightning fast and completely free of charge. However, there's more to Linux than simply being a free to use operating system. Its unique configuration allows the user to customise and Personalise the OS into any form they wish. A Linux user can change their OS look and Feel From one day to the next, install thousands of freely available apps and programs and take back control of their computer. Linuxis about freedom. Freedom from the walled-garden approach of other restrictive operating systems, freedom to choose what you want on your computer, freedom to alter it and use it how you please. It’s a worldwide community of like-minded users, all striving to get the best development from this incredible OS. With this book, you too can become a part of the open community of Linux users. The tutorials within these pages will help you get to grips with Linux, show you how it works, what you can do with it and how you can code with it to take your Linux experience to even greater heights. Discover Linux. Discover freedom. www.bdmpublications.com O @bdmpubs Gi BDM Publications Contents Coding For Linux 8 Why Linux? 10 The Best Linux Distributions 12 Equipment You Will Need 14 Desktop Environments 16 Which Distro? 18) Getting Started with Linux 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 Recut d aus Q 30 Introduction to the Cinnamon Menu 32 _ Navigating the Cinnamon Desktop 34 10 Things to do After Installing Linux Mint 36 _DidyouKnow...Apollo 11 38 Creating Users 40 _Customising the Desktop 42 _ Becoming Anonymous Online EE) 0 see seunest 46 Basics of the Terminal 48 Update Mint via the Terminal 50 Install Apps via the Terminal ~Part 1 52 Install Apps via the Terminal —Part 2 54 Did you Know...Linux Kernel 0.01 56 Creating a File Using the Terminal 58 Creating and Removing Directories 60 Fun Things to do in the Terminal 62 _ More Fun Things to do in the Terminal 64 LinuxTips and Tricks 66 Did you Know...Linux and the Big Bang 68 Creating Bash Scripts- Part 1 70 Creating Bash Scripts—Part 2 72 Creating Bash Scripts — Part 3 74 Creating Bash Scripts Part 4 76 Creating Bash Scripts—Part 5 7B _ PixLinux= The Perfect Combination 80 Command Line Quick Reference 82 AZof Linux Commands 84 Did you Know...Good enough for NASA CONT 88 WhyPython? 90 How to Set Up Python in Linux 92 Starting Python for the First Time 94 — Your First Code 96 Saving and Executing Your Code 98 Executing Code from the Terminal 100 Did you Know...Space Invaders 102 Numbers and Expressions 104 Using Comments 106 Working with Variables 108 User Input 110 Creating Functions 112 Conditions and Loops 114 Python Modules 116 Didyou Know...Debugging 120 WhyC+4? wn bdmpublcatonscom 122 _ Your First C++ Program 124 Structure of a C++ Program 126 Compile and Execute 128 Did you Know...Virus! 130 Using Comments 132 Variables 134 Data Types 136 Strings 138 C++ Maths 140 User Interaction 142 Did you Know...The Hobbit 144 Common Coding Mistakes Coding or Linux LY index “How did you knowso much about computers Kelemen aa lol a ~ Admiral Grace Hopper (pioneer programmer) CU ca Ld el ee lack Tech Seres-Volume 38 worm bdmpubleations.com Say Hello to Linux “vy Why Linux? What is it? Where do | get it? Why are there so many different versions of it? Most beginners ask these, and many more, questions when starting out. It's true that Linux is an incredibly versatile and powerful operating system but where do you start? Thankfully, you can Find the answers in this section. ‘There is so much you can do with Linux but you need to know where to start; we're here to help you out. In this section you can learn what Linux is, what a distro is and what a desktop environment is. You can also begin to explore how Linux works and how it can work For you. 8 WhyLinux? 10 The Best Linux Distributions 12 Equipment You Will Need 14 Desktop Environments Which Distro? Coding or Linux vy Say Hello to Linux Why Linux? FREE AND OPEN Linuxis a Fantastic fit For those who want something different. The efficiency of the system, the availability of applications and stability are ust a few good reasons. ‘The first thing you need to know is that there sno such operating system called Linux. Linux isin Fact the operating system kernel, the ore component of an OS. When talking about Linux what we, and ‘thers are reFerring to are one of the many distributions, or distros, that use the Linux kemel, No doubt you've heard of atleast one o the current popular distros: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, openSUSE, Debian, Raspbian, the ist goes on. Each one of these distros offer something alittle different for the use. While each has the Linux keanel at its core, they provide the user with a different looking 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 is why we say Linux Linuxis a great operating system on which to start coding. BlackDop Mech Seres- Volume 38 Linux works considerably differently to Windows or macOS. I's Free Fora stat: Free to download, free to install on as many computers asyou lke, Free to use for an unlimited amount oftime and free to upgrade and extend with, equally, Free programs and applications. his ree to use element's one ofthe biggest draws For the developer. While a Windows license can cost up to €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 level of freedom to customise and mould the system to your own uses. Each ofthe available distros available on the Internet have a certain spin! There are thousands of free packages available for programmers under Linux. in that some offer increased security, Fancy looking desktop, ‘8 gaming speci spn, or something directed toward students This extensibility makes Linux a more desirable platform to use, ‘as you can quickly mould the system into a development base, including many different kinds of IDES for the likes of Python, web development, C++, Java and so on; or create a base for online ‘anonymity, perhaps asa Minecraft server, media centre and ‘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 a high percentage of Linux distros availabe, 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 {ands Fee from third-party ‘bloatware’ which hogs those systems. resources. A more efficient system of course means more avalable resources for the coding and testing environment and the programs you eventually create. Less use of resources also means you can Use Linux on older hardware that would normally struggle or even ( Why Linux? om Roe A cation == Mandriva slackware it yp cotos @ @ & Each distro offers something unique to the user butall have Linuxat the 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 mere popular programming languages though, Using the commandline of Linux, also called the Terminal, you're able to 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 avalable that cover nearly every aspect of computing, Known as packages, there are (atthe time of writing) over 8,700 specific programming applications ust 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. t'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. wn bdmpublcatonscom my Say Hello to Linux The Best Linux Distributions MUN tk Tm (ole Xoo Nel aU alle) om cael ae e lola fo nm =e) Ciel eee) kee ee Melee eel eee ACM RCA VLR ole) 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 astro (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 usera better overall experience. Linux Mint has three main desktop versions avaliable with teach new version ofthe core OSit releases. This may sound confusing at first buti’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 “Throughout thistite well be using the Cinnamon version; however, you can try out any ofthe other desktop environments asyouwish. In fact, t's recommended that you do spend some time trying different environments, and even different distros, toee which suits you and your computer best ‘wwwilinuxmint.com TNT The second most popular distro avaliable is Ubuntu, which Isan ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others Ubuntu’s popularity has fluctuated overits Fourteen year ie ‘Lone time, itwas easy the most used Linux-based operating systemin the world but some wrong choices along the way with regards toits presentation, and some unfavourable, controversial elements involving privacy, sadly sawit topple from the number one spot Thatsaid, Ubuntu has since made amends and isslowing crawling 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 isalittle heavy on systern resources, especialy you'r planning on installing it on an ‘older computer. Ubuntu, forallits Faults is good Linux distro to start ‘experimenting wth. Is a clean interface, easy to use and install {and offers the user a complete Linux experience. www.ubuntu.com Arch is one of longest running Linux distributions and Forms the basis oF ‘many other versions of Linux. Why install Mint or Ubuntu when you can install ‘Arch? Many users do exactly that but i's notideal for beginners. Ubuntu and Mint both offer an easier installation path and come with software packages to help you get started ‘Arch ontthe other hand, is amore tare bones’ affair. Arch is committed to free software and its repositories contain over 50,000 apps to install, including multiple different Desktop environments, and use as you would with any other distro Rig 145g a kel No doubt you've heard ofthe Raspberry Pi. shard not to have, 2asthis remarkable, tiny computer has taken the technology world by storm forthe lasts years since it was intr ‘There are several aspects to the Raspberry i that make t such asought after piece of the computing world. For one. it's cheap, costing around £25 for what s essentially a fully working computer. e's small, measuring not much bigger than a credit card You can build electronics wth t, using a Fully programmat ace; and it comes with Raspbian, its own sustom-made, Debian based operating system that includes a offce suite alongside mary different programming languages ‘and educational resources. Raspblan is exclusive to the Pi hardware, since the Raspberry Piuses an ARM processor to power it. However, the Raspberry i Foundation has since released a PC version of Raspbian: Raspberry Pi Desktop. Just lke the Pi version, Raspberry Pi Desktop comes withthe allthe coding, educational and ather apps you will ever nee Its quick, stable and works superbly. Fyou'e interested in stretching your Linux experience, then ths is certainly one of the top distros to consi www.raspberrypiorg/downloads/raspberry-pi-desktop worm bdmpubleations.com meansyour Arch ditro wor't come with athe unnecessary files and appsthat others have preinstalled ts custom made For you by you The Best Linux Distributions om Archisa distro for when yo experienced with Linux. Yo ‘nothing but the command line and From there you have to manually partition your hard drive, set where the installation files go, create a user, set the OS locale and finally installa desktop environment along with the apps you want, The advantage though forall this hard work isa distro that you have created. This "Most Linux distributions Fall into two camps. There are ones with the latest Features and technology like Ubuntu a ‘Mint and those with few new features but rack solid reliability, lke Debian. “Meanwhile, openSUSE attempts to cover both bases. (OpenSUSE Leap is the rock solid system. It's developed openiy bya community along with SUSE employees, wha develop an enterprise-level operating system, SUSE; this powers the London Stock Exchange amongst other things. Itis designed For mision critical environments where there is no scope Forinstablty’. you Find al that too sensible, openSUSE Tumbleweed sa rolling release with all the latest Features, and ‘openSUSE isa highly respected Linux distribution and many of ts core contributors work on the Linux Kernel, LibreOffice, Gnome and other key Linux areas. n short, openSUSE is where youllfind the proshanging out. wwwopenSUSE.org me Say Hello to Linux Equipment You Will Need BO ene Mieunedomteccs iM ure T acer ery Up oracale WAC eR Cone Reel em ea eer Oe ToL RMT ar) Men Kel acem 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. SiMe Mey sy eeuel | ‘The minimum system requirements for Linux Mint are ‘You can install Linux Mint onto your computer via USB or OVD. asfollows: We look into each ate later on but i you're already Familiar with the processor thinking oF USS and just gathering the 7 hardware you need, then you're going to Ca) 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 DVD INSTALLATION WD installation of Linux Mint simply requires blank DYDR disc. OF course, you also need an optical dive (a DVD Writer drive) before youre able to transfer or burn the SO image tothedisc, FED 2teck 009 tech Sries- Volume 38 ( Equipment You Will Need vy M3 PNWeN MLN Ls 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 availabe; however VirtualBox, From Oracle, is one ofthe easiest to into, You can Find the latest version at wwwvirtualbox.org Saves o7 VirtualBox INTERNET CONNECTION It. goes without saying really, that an internet connection is vital for ‘making sure that Linux Mint is up to date with the 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. Xe 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 lif 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. Poor Coni rts wn bdmpublcatonscom Coding or Linux wv 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 10 is also called Fluent Design. Linux Mint offers the user a choice of versions of the isto: Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce, While that may sound alittle confusing or the newcomer, essentially each ofthe versions available contains re Linux structure and kernel, the kernel isthe core of he operating system, that handles ll the instructions between the software and hardware fh versionis simply a different desktop environment, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) that you use to interact with the ‘operating system. Each ofthe desktop environments uses diferent apps ta accessor use the system, suchas the file manager to browse he operating system's file structure or the way it launches other ‘apps. Again though, the core available productivity, video and a — ae Follow that by clicking on the System section, then the Processor tab. Depending on your CPU, allocate as many cores as you can without detsimentto your host system; we've opted For two CPUs. Now click on the Display section, slide the Video Memory up to the maximum anc ‘Acceleration’. Click OK to commit the new settings k’Enable 30 Click on the Start button and use the explorer ca button a folder with a green arrow) inthe ‘Select Startup Disk’ window to locate the downleaded 1SO of Mint; then ickStartto boot the VM with the Linux Mint Live Environment. You 1h now install Linux as per the standard PC installation requirements. = Gettingto » | nae LINUX “Anyone can build a Fast processor. The trick is to build a fast system.” ~ Seymour Cray (Electrical Engineer, and designer/founder of Cray Supercomputers) # worm bdmpubleations.com Getting to Know Linux @&Y We've used Linux Mint asa guideline here, as it’s an easy to use distro and perfect for former Windows users. It’s also one of the most developed and well documented Linux distros. as well as having some fantastic configuration options. In this section, we introduce the Linux Mint Cinnamon Menu and Desktop Environment, how it works and what you can do to customise it. Want to create another user or even discover how to become anonymous online? Then read on. Introduction to the Cinnamon Menu Navigating the Cinnamon Desktop 10 Things to do After Installing Linux Mint Did You Know...Apallo 11 Creating Users Customising the Desktop Becoming Anonymous Online Coding ortinux wy 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. FETED fore we beoin, we're assuming youre having this REINEMEM artera moment or two you're automaticaly issue within Vitualbox. The Software Rendering dropped into a commandline view, called the message appears in the top right of the desktop. To Fix thi, click erminalin Linux. This details the installation of the new VirwalBox ‘on Devices in the Virtualbox window, Followed by Insert Guest drivers, eemoving any old drives it has detected, and installing the Additions CD image. latest versions. won't take Long and when its done you will be asked to hit Return to exitthe Terminal PEPE D The Cucst Additions CD contains drivers For FEI D The virtualbox Additions CD iconis on the desktop, Virtualbox, including the virtual video hardware so right-click itand then scroll down the menu to \when its loaded in, you get a ‘software needs running’ notification Eject. You can now restart Linux Mint by clicking the Menu, the box with two options, Cancel and Run. Click the Run button and bottom icon inthe stripto the left, then the Restart button. This enter your Linuxuser password. boots Mint and the problems fixed. box 64s 602 ° automatically stated, Would you ike to run Black Dog ech Series-Velume38 CINNAMON ON THE MENU Introduction to the Cinnamon Menu om 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. PEPER F'scoFF you may have already noticed the Welcome Screen that pops up when you login to Linux Mint se through the options, read the First Steps Take a moment to brow ‘option and so on, When you're done, click the Xin the top comer of e window to close it You've already used the Mint Menu to reboot the system and when you first used the Live ronment. Thistime, click the Menu button and haver ove the Office entry in the middle column. This changes the icons represented inthe right-hand column detaling what apps are installed under that section ESTER L2unching any ofthe apps from the Menuis as simple as finding one and clicking it. For example, under the Office section, click on LibreOffice Writer, Writer isthe preinstalled word pracessor for Linux Mint. It opens and saves as Microsoft Word and functions in almost the same way. wn bdmpublcatonscom FTI D open up the Menu again but this time hover the mouse pointer over Graphics, then click on CGN Image Manipulation Program. GIMP isa powerful imag nanipulation app that’s probably as effective as Adobe's Photoshop but requires alittle more workto getthe results you want. It's certainly worth taking the time to master, though, IF you're looking for a particular Function or app, such as setting up a printer, click on the Search box ‘at the 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 most modem Linux menus, regardless ofthe distro. FPP tiover over any ofthe apps listed onthe righthand calumn and right-click, to be presented with als of options: Ad to Panel, Add to Desktop, Add to Favourites and Uninstall Most of these options are abviousin their use. Ad though places the app inthe left-hand, quick-access _ my Getting to Know Linux Navigating the Cinnamon Desktop Each desktop environment behaves differently to that of the next. Some DEs offer 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. PEPPER) eccin exploring the Cinnamon desktop by double. SPPED Nemohas many different Features, views and clicking the Computer icon. This brings up Nemo, ways so that you can view and manipulate files and the ile manager used in Cinnamon. The Computer icon opens up Folders. For example, if you have any images n the Pictures Folder, the root level ile system, with access and views to the optical rive you can select the icon zoom level forthe images by using the sider (Fyou have one installed), hard drive and core Linux fle system, located in the bottom right af Nema, labelled Adjust Zoom Level WHEE Gowe SERRE EE ZEEEBSERaE PEPER) The Linux ile system can appear confusing to EEPP DD ust ike any good file manager, you right-click a former Windows user, so until you're alittle any of the Fle or Folders within you get a wealth of ‘more knowledgeable on how it all works, we'd recommend you __optons.n the case of Cinnamon, the defaults alow 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, Musi, Documents, Downloaded items etc ck op eh Stele Ate bottom ofthe destop there's the Panel SNAPE ‘We've already looked at one section of the Panel, the Menu. If you right-click anywhere on the Panel, other than on 2 Panel app, you see a menu allowing you to edit, add and set up the Panelin a different way “ Navigating the Cinnamon Desktop om FEPD From that desktop right-lick, context menu, select Customise, allowed by the Desktop Settings lnk at the bottom of the newly opened window. This opens new window where you're able to edit which desktop icons are present. you're using a setup with multiple monitors attached, you can also choose which monitor displays which icons. ESTEE) For example, ifyou click 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, san app that’s designed to work and it into the Cinnamon Panel IF you rightclick anywhere on the Cinnamon desktop you see a set of aptions that allows youto Further add to, editor view the desktop content differently. t's very similar to that of Windows, which s why Mint is @ good choice For ex'Windows users. = B creme NewDociment Ds Bi change Deny nackround + creme anewlauchertere 0 wn bdmpublcatonscom Clickon the Menu and type system settings and ‘open the resulting icon. This takes you to the System Settings options. From here you'e able to control and edt the way Linux Mint Cinnamon looks and works as well add new users, manage the firewall and enable accessibilty options eas a Bas Ss S @ Gacgss 8 PEPER | short Linux mint cinnamon can be configured tolook quite extraordinary. There are many examples avalable of how good it can get and what can be achieved. You can go as complex or as sim rent component and animations or ust easy toread, ss you want, adding -epingit plain a yD Getting to Know Linux ) 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 acouple of actions to update the system. lickon the shield ‘Updates ready for installation. Before you update icon in the Panel, found at the bottom right of the desktop next to though, click on the blue bar OK button to switch toa Lacal 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. Back n the Undate 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 for ther to Finish the middle, and recommended option. 10 Things to do After Installing Linux Mint “ SE the und: graded by level, 1 being alow BSTTSEDD when asked to accept the changes, enter ¥and also level update, level 5 being a dangerous one. Stick wen asked to configure ibdvd, Make sure OK is tollevel 3 updates, is our advice; and lace for any messages highlighted and press Ente, then Yes to any Further questions. Next -egarding overwriting a configuration file, With regards to the up, stilin the Terminal, enter: cat. /proc/sys/vm/sappiness; Software Rendering issue and lack oF drivers For non-VirtualBox _the result should be 60. F your computer has less than 4GB of RAM/ Users, click the Menu and type ‘diver int the search box. memory, then enter: gksudo xed /etc/sysctl..conf. Click the Driver Manager app that appears asa ‘This tweak helps speed up systems with ess than result ofthe search and enter your password, Mint 4G8 RAM/memory. Scroll down to the bottom of akes amo vallable and presents youwith the fileyou just opened and add the Following new lines: a 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 ent to analyse what's # 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 EEPTEM) 2: this point you'l probably need to restart Linux PBIB Security i always a concernin this modern digital ‘Mint, sa do that now. Aftera reboot click the Menu age. While Linux Mint isa secure system, t's n again, Followed by the Terminal. The Terminal icon s Found in advisable to always try and improve't Click the Menu button and he left-hand column, above the Files icon. With the Terminal open, search for Firewall click the Firewall Configuration icon and enter enter: sudo apt-get install Libdvd=pkg, press Enter and your password. In the Firewall window, click the Status slider to On. ype in your password, This enables encrypted DVD playback worm bdmpubleations.com Coding or Linux Apollo 11 [DID You KNOW... AAR Dee tans aca) Pesca halo! Beare st ae oe eters Preece Meus re era Lee elie) Tne aks Pere ieute che eens Saas ene ca een ee uae) ee ree us ere Ae eee ECS to view on GitHub. Uploaded by a researcher in 2003, you can view the code Rn Rae a Sa Apollo-11/.Look out for code snippets, tenes Mune ac gS Sa Seu Nak le) Meo Peed : humour Seawhatelsel inthers S Pee ee One giant leap for \ mankind, and coding. my Getting to Know Linux ) Creating Users When you first install Linux Mint it is configured For use with a single user. While Slee Melee aan eMC eM Reo eRe ROR ole] Dre feet eR MATTOON eM en ate) Le NEW USERS ‘on are separate, as with multiple users on other opers different users means each user has access to his or hers own areas on the system. Documents, pictures, videos and so systems, BETTE click on the LinuxMmint Menuand type ‘users to begin searching For 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 atthe 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. BlackDop Mech Seres- Volume 38 PEED Enter the new user's FullName, followed by the Username they need when logging into Linux Mint Make sure the username'sallin lower case, a and 0-9 characters ‘only. You can have full stops, underscores or hyphens iF you wish Click the Add button when you're ready to continue. FST The new user appearsin 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

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