Here's what some of the Linux jargon means:
- Desktop environment: The user interface, visual style, and functionality of a desktop. There are multiple desktop environments to choose.
- Distribution: A specific combination of Linux bundled with a variety of software and applications.
- Kernel: The heart of the operating system that handles communication with hardware and software.
- LiveCD: A CD containing an operating system that can be trialled and used from disk, rather than needing to be installed on your computer.
- Open source: A method (and philosophy) of creating software so that anyone can freely view and modify the underlying code.
Useful websites
Linux user groups:
- New Zealand Linux Resource: www.linux.net.nz
- Auckland Linux Users Group: http://auckland.linux.net.nz
- Bay of Plenty Linux Users Group: www.lug.co.nz
- Canterbury Linux Users Group: www.clug.org.nz
- Dunedin Linux Users Group: http://dunedin.lug.net.nz
- Palmerston North Linux Users Group: www.plug.org.nz
- Taranaki Linux Users Group: http://tlug.linux.net.nz
- Waikato Linux Users Group: www.wlug.org.nz
- Wellington Linux Users Group: http://wellylug.org.nz
Other:
- New Zealand Open Source Society: http://nzoss.org.nz
- Available applications: http://linuxappfinder.com
- Ubuntu: www.ubuntu.com
- Linux general information: www.linux.org
- Hardware compatibility: www.linux-drivers.org
- Listing for popular distributions: www.distrowatch.com
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