Authors:

• Chris Lumens
• David Cantrell
• Logan Johnson
• Alan Hicks

Slackware® Linux Essentials is an indispensible resource that you will want to have by your side at all times. It contains the most complete and up-to-date information available on the Slackware Linux Operating System. A must-have reference guide you have been waiting for, it delivers everything you need to get started with Slackware Linux, including straightforward explanations of important programs and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the Slackware installation process. You too can become an expert on this powerful OS by reading about its history and capabilities.

With the help of this book, you will learn to use the advanced X Window System graphical interface, to enjoy Linux's excellent native networking and Internet access software, and to use many of the UNIX commands available on a Slackware Linux system. Essentials will also acquaint you with basic system administration skills, including software package management, handling user accounts, and using the powerful vi and emacs text editors. With Slackware Linux Essentials at your side, it's easy to become a Linux expert in no time at all!

"Slackware Linux has presented me with one of the cleanest, most usable desktops, very suitable for anyone from a Linux professional to the casual desktop user."
Andrew Chen, LinuxPlanet

• A great reference for beginners!
• Step-by-step guide to installing Slackware!
• Get to know and work in Slackware Linux like a pro!
• Get Linux up-and-running in no time! Become an expert later!

Changes from the First Edition

This second edition is the culmination of years of hard work by the dedicated members of the Slackware Documentation Project.

The following are the major changes in this new edition:

• Chapter 3, Installation, has been modified with new screenshots of the installer, and reflects changes in disk-sets, and CD installation.
• Chapter 4, System Configuration, has been updated with new information about Linux 2.6.x kernels.
• Chapter 5, Network Configuration, has been expanded with further explanation of Samba, NFS, and DHCP. A section on wireless networking has also been added. This chapter now reflects major changes in how Slackware handles network setup.
• Chapter 6, X Window System, has been substantially rewritten for Xorg based systems. This chapter now also covers the xdm graphical login manager.
• Chapter 13, Basic Network Commands, has been enhanced with information about additional network utilities.
• Chapter 14, Security, is a new chapter with this edition. It explains how to keep a Slackware Linux system secure.
• Chapter 17, Emacs, is a new chapter with this edition. It describes how to use Emacs, a powerful editor for Unix.
• Chapter 18, Package Management, has been updated with information about SlackBuild scripts.
• There are many other changes, both minor and major, to reflect changes in Slackware as it has matured.

A Slack Pack is also available that includes both this new book and the most recent official release of Slackware on CD at a reduced price.