The end of the beginning

This is the end of Getting Started with Linux, our beginner's introduction to this operating system. What we have intended to do is take you from the point where you've got some Linux CDs and a computer in front of you without Linux in it to where you've installed and and you're using it productively. This means that you're using it to maintain files, write documents , manage data, keep figures straight with a spreadsheet, surf the web, write email, chat with friends. At the same time you're listening to your favorite music in either MP3 or Ogg format, on a CD or streaming over RealAudio.

The fact is that there is an endless amount of things that you can do with Linux. Our aim here was to give you the basics. Now it's up to you to explore- to try expanding on the things that you've learned here. In the end, the point is to learn and to have a little fun in the process.

Where do you go from here?

At this time we're working on our Intermediate Linux Course. This course, which is still in development, will take you from the beginner level to the point where you feel very comfortable with Linux. Our aim is not to make professional systems administrators out of those who follow the course, but to make you independent enough with your Linux machine that you don't need to seek outside help as frequently as a novice does to solve the occasional problems that arise. Here are a few of the topics that we'll be covering in the next course.

• general system administration
• security alerts
• Linux kernel compiling and installation of new kernels
• automating services and tasks
• use of Bash and Perl scripts
• firewalls
• setting up a web server with Apache
• setting up a mail server with sendmail
• Samba for Windows file sharing
• Professional databases MySQL and PostgreSQL
• Linux for the small business

If you are a registered user, we'll keep you posted on updates as to the availability of the Intermediate Linux Course. If you're not registered, all you have to do is sign up and you'll receive our newsletter with updates.

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