You can find the last (off site) version of the Beginners guide here:
https://docs.google.com/View?id=ddq4dz3q_24cxjdstg2
Table of contents
1) Intro:
A beginners guide to Debian
2) Finding information:
2.1) basic built-in commands and documentation
2.2) terminology
2.3) external web-sites
2.4) the Debian-wiki
2.5) the Debian mailing-lists
2.6) Debian related forums
2.7) how to search
2.8 ) IRC
3) The Debian Project:
Some background info.
4) Getting started:
4.1) Preliminaries
4.2) Debian live-cd`s
4.3) Debian installation media
4.4) Installing Debian
5) Running Debian:
5.1) The command line
5.2) Installing software
5.3) The graphical display
5.4) The basic system file structure
5.5) The concept of Root and user
6) Desktop environments, available repackaged on CD:
6.0) Desktop environments
6.1) Gnome
6.2) KDE
6.3) XFCE
6.4) LXDE
6.5) Building your own system with a net install:
7)Window Mangers:
Window Managers
B) Additional information:
B1) Learning more: common tasks:
B1.1) SU and SUDO
B1.2) File Permissions
B2) Desktop environments: (TBC)
B2.1) Building your own desktop
B2.2) Window Managers
B3) The command line:
B3.1) terminal emulators
B3.2) editors
B4) Commands:
B4.1) processing the contents of files
B4.2) file and folder commands
B4.3) miscellaneous useful commands
B 5) Graphical user interface (GUI):
B5.1) GTK + QT
Beginner's Guide
41 posts
• Page 1 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
Beginner's Guide
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:38
Last edited by beginners-guide on 2010-12-20 20:19, edited 14 times in total.
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
Intro
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:40
1) A Beginners guide to Debian:
Intro
This is an effort to give a basic overview of the Debian system, frequently asked questions, and how people new to Debian can help themselves as much as possible.
I will explain what is expected of new users in terms of forum etiquette and effort. People here are friendly and helpful, but due to the very nature of Debian you are expected to put effort into solving any problems you encounter. This will help get you underway toward becoming a good community member and able to help others!
If after studying and trying a few things you do get stuck, or you're worried you may do damage or lose data, please post in the forum. No one here would want you to wipe out your wedding photos for fear of asking.
I will try to make this guide as sequential as possible, so new users get a basic grasp of things, in order, in a few sentences, and with more detailed answers in the links. Basically, “bite sized chunks” linking to FAQ or good how-to's that already exist. Some small how-to's will be incorporated. I shall refer to the Debian “stable branch" mostly.
Be aware that some information gets old very quickly while some can stay the same for years. Be as sure as you can it's still up to date before applying.
Something to be aware of: Debian is a core or source distribution. This means there are many Debian-based distributions. THEY ARE NOT DEBIAN. Their information may or may not be useful or safely applied to Debian. Debian has no way of knowing what has been changed on these systems. Do not add their repositories or install their programs. You will break your system eventually.
Distributions built from Debian? There are too many to list!
Distrowatch (http://distrowatch.com/) wrote:"The success of Debian GNU/Linux can be illustrated by the following numbers. It is developed by over 1,000 volunteer developers, its software repositories contain more than 20,000 packages (compiled for 11 processor architectures), and it is responsible for inspiring over 120 Debian-based distributions and live CDs. These figures are unmatched by any other Linux-based operating system. The actual development of Debian takes place in three main branches (or four if one includes the bleeding-edge "experimental" branch) of increasing levels of stability: "unstable" (also known as "sid"), "testing" and "stable". This progressive integration and stabilisation of packages and features, together with the project's well-established quality control mechanisms, has earned Debian its reputation of being one of the best-tested and most bug-free distributions available today."
back to the table of content
Intro
This is an effort to give a basic overview of the Debian system, frequently asked questions, and how people new to Debian can help themselves as much as possible.
I will explain what is expected of new users in terms of forum etiquette and effort. People here are friendly and helpful, but due to the very nature of Debian you are expected to put effort into solving any problems you encounter. This will help get you underway toward becoming a good community member and able to help others!
If after studying and trying a few things you do get stuck, or you're worried you may do damage or lose data, please post in the forum. No one here would want you to wipe out your wedding photos for fear of asking.
I will try to make this guide as sequential as possible, so new users get a basic grasp of things, in order, in a few sentences, and with more detailed answers in the links. Basically, “bite sized chunks” linking to FAQ or good how-to's that already exist. Some small how-to's will be incorporated. I shall refer to the Debian “stable branch" mostly.
Be aware that some information gets old very quickly while some can stay the same for years. Be as sure as you can it's still up to date before applying.
Something to be aware of: Debian is a core or source distribution. This means there are many Debian-based distributions. THEY ARE NOT DEBIAN. Their information may or may not be useful or safely applied to Debian. Debian has no way of knowing what has been changed on these systems. Do not add their repositories or install their programs. You will break your system eventually.
Distributions built from Debian? There are too many to list!
Distrowatch (http://distrowatch.com/) wrote:"The success of Debian GNU/Linux can be illustrated by the following numbers. It is developed by over 1,000 volunteer developers, its software repositories contain more than 20,000 packages (compiled for 11 processor architectures), and it is responsible for inspiring over 120 Debian-based distributions and live CDs. These figures are unmatched by any other Linux-based operating system. The actual development of Debian takes place in three main branches (or four if one includes the bleeding-edge "experimental" branch) of increasing levels of stability: "unstable" (also known as "sid"), "testing" and "stable". This progressive integration and stabilisation of packages and features, together with the project's well-established quality control mechanisms, has earned Debian its reputation of being one of the best-tested and most bug-free distributions available today."
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
basic built-in commands and documentation
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:42
2) Finding information:
2.1) Basic built-in commands and documentation: Built in to the system and available via a console, terminal window or help menu:
If all is going well you have a nice graphical desktop with all the familiar controls and menus available. If for any reason that is not the case and you're seeing only the white text on a black screen of a default console, it's essential you know how to navigate the user interface:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_co ... -interface) quote ref:
Usually in Linux, the first six virtual consoles provide a text terminal with a login prompt to a Unix shell. The graphical X Window System starts in the seventh virtual console. In Linux, the switching is performed with a key combination of Alt plus a function key – for example Alt+F1 to access the virtual console number 1. Alt+Left arrow changes to the previous virtual console and Alt+Right arrow to the next virtual console. To switch from the X Window System, Ctrl+Alt+function key works. (Note that users can redefine these default key combinations.)
Some further information can be found in section B3 and B4: different terminal-emulators are explained in B3.1; followed by the command-line editors in B3.2 The basic commands for the command line are introduced in section B4.
If you have the graphical X Window System up and running and need to do something at the command line, you will normally just start your favourite or desktop default "terminal window" program. Xterm is always there. The general term "terminal" can refer to either.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Virtual_Consoles
http://www.bellevuelinux.org/console.html
http://www.bellevuelinux.org/terminal_window.html
man pages:
Every time you install an application it installs its user manual on your machine. These are called “man pages” for short. The quality and style depends on the author. It may be new-user friendly, very technical, very short, or just poor. Some are excellent. To access the man page you open a terminal window and type the man command and the name of the program or command you're interested in, for example:
Code: Select allman mplayer
This will open the mplayer man page. You can use up/down and page up/page down keys to navigate through the document. Typing the letter 'q' will quit the man page browser and return you to the prompt.
You will also find the man pages online in many places. Try “man mplayer” in your favorite search engine.
--help: Many commands have a help file. It uses the normal standard of command name followed by a space followed by --help or -h with some programs. To view the copy command help e.g.
cp --help
move
mv --help
listq
ls --help
If a help page is very large you can use the pipe "|"command (The pipe command uses the output of one command as the input of the next command) This together with the "less" command (The less command displays output one screen size at a time) You can use up/down and page up/page down keys to navigate through the document. Typing the letter 'q' will quit and return you to the prompt.
cp --help | less
mv --help | less
ls --help | less
whatis: The "whatis" command will give you a very short description of any installed application. e.g. whatis (space) name_of_application.
$ whatis xterm
xterm (1) - terminal emulator for X
$ whatis iceweasel
iceweasel (1) - a Web browser for X11 derived from the Mozilla browser
$ whatis man
man (7) - macros to format man pages
man (1) - an interface to the on-line reference manuals
$ whatis whatis
whatis (1) - display manual page descriptions
Docs:
More documentation is found in /usr/share/doc. Open your favorite file browser and navigate to that directory. Most installed applications will have a subdirectory of the same name that contains various text or archive files that you can click on to see more information. The package maintainers will often include a read me file that describes what they did to configure the package for the Debian system. This information tends to the technical, but often gives some useful clues.
Most GUI (graphical) applications access files here via their help menus.
back to the table of content
2.1) Basic built-in commands and documentation: Built in to the system and available via a console, terminal window or help menu:
If all is going well you have a nice graphical desktop with all the familiar controls and menus available. If for any reason that is not the case and you're seeing only the white text on a black screen of a default console, it's essential you know how to navigate the user interface:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_co ... -interface) quote ref:
Usually in Linux, the first six virtual consoles provide a text terminal with a login prompt to a Unix shell. The graphical X Window System starts in the seventh virtual console. In Linux, the switching is performed with a key combination of Alt plus a function key – for example Alt+F1 to access the virtual console number 1. Alt+Left arrow changes to the previous virtual console and Alt+Right arrow to the next virtual console. To switch from the X Window System, Ctrl+Alt+function key works. (Note that users can redefine these default key combinations.)
Some further information can be found in section B3 and B4: different terminal-emulators are explained in B3.1; followed by the command-line editors in B3.2 The basic commands for the command line are introduced in section B4.
If you have the graphical X Window System up and running and need to do something at the command line, you will normally just start your favourite or desktop default "terminal window" program. Xterm is always there. The general term "terminal" can refer to either.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_Virtual_Consoles
http://www.bellevuelinux.org/console.html
http://www.bellevuelinux.org/terminal_window.html
man pages:
Every time you install an application it installs its user manual on your machine. These are called “man pages” for short. The quality and style depends on the author. It may be new-user friendly, very technical, very short, or just poor. Some are excellent. To access the man page you open a terminal window and type the man command and the name of the program or command you're interested in, for example:
Code: Select allman mplayer
This will open the mplayer man page. You can use up/down and page up/page down keys to navigate through the document. Typing the letter 'q' will quit the man page browser and return you to the prompt.
You will also find the man pages online in many places. Try “man mplayer” in your favorite search engine.
--help: Many commands have a help file. It uses the normal standard of command name followed by a space followed by --help or -h with some programs. To view the copy command help e.g.
cp --help
move
mv --help
listq
ls --help
If a help page is very large you can use the pipe "|"command (The pipe command uses the output of one command as the input of the next command) This together with the "less" command (The less command displays output one screen size at a time) You can use up/down and page up/page down keys to navigate through the document. Typing the letter 'q' will quit and return you to the prompt.
cp --help | less
mv --help | less
ls --help | less
whatis: The "whatis" command will give you a very short description of any installed application. e.g. whatis (space) name_of_application.
$ whatis xterm
xterm (1) - terminal emulator for X
$ whatis iceweasel
iceweasel (1) - a Web browser for X11 derived from the Mozilla browser
$ whatis man
man (7) - macros to format man pages
man (1) - an interface to the on-line reference manuals
$ whatis whatis
whatis (1) - display manual page descriptions
Docs:
More documentation is found in /usr/share/doc. Open your favorite file browser and navigate to that directory. Most installed applications will have a subdirectory of the same name that contains various text or archive files that you can click on to see more information. The package maintainers will often include a read me file that describes what they did to configure the package for the Debian system. This information tends to the technical, but often gives some useful clues.
Most GUI (graphical) applications access files here via their help menus.
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
terminology
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:46
2.2) Terminology:
You will likely come across some strange terminology. Many a new users has asked why the foo and bar commands failed!
http://kb.iu.edu/data/aetq.html
Abbreviations: gui = graphical user interface,
cli = command line interface,
irc = internet relay chat ,
De = Desktop environment,
Wm = Window manager,
rms = Richard M Stallman,
Toc = Table of contents,
fsf = Free Software Foundation,
foss and floss = free (libre) open source software,
DFSG = Debian Free Software Guidelines,
OS = Operating system.
back to the table of content
You will likely come across some strange terminology. Many a new users has asked why the foo and bar commands failed!
http://kb.iu.edu/data/aetq.html
Abbreviations: gui = graphical user interface,
cli = command line interface,
irc = internet relay chat ,
De = Desktop environment,
Wm = Window manager,
rms = Richard M Stallman,
Toc = Table of contents,
fsf = Free Software Foundation,
foss and floss = free (libre) open source software,
DFSG = Debian Free Software Guidelines,
OS = Operating system.
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
external web-sites
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:48
2.3) external web-sites:
http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals
http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debia ... l#contents
http://newbiedoc.berlios.de/wiki/Debian ... umentation
http://tldp.org/
http://www.linfo.org/newbies.html
http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/l8/lesson8a.html
Debian GNU/Linux Reference Card: The 101 most important things when using Debian GNU/Linux:
http://tangosoft.com/refcard/
http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#refcard
http://www.togaware.com/linux/survivor/
http://www.aboutdebian.com/
http://www.debian.org/doc/FAQ/
http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/toc.html
http://www.linuxforums.org/articles/how ... e_503.html
http://www.google.com/search?q=linux+refcards
Useful Wallpaper for beginners:
http://www.tux-planet.fr/a-linux-wallpa ... debutants/
http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show. ... tent=91961
back to the table of content
http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals
http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debia ... l#contents
http://newbiedoc.berlios.de/wiki/Debian ... umentation
http://tldp.org/
http://www.linfo.org/newbies.html
http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/l8/lesson8a.html
Debian GNU/Linux Reference Card: The 101 most important things when using Debian GNU/Linux:
http://tangosoft.com/refcard/
http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#refcard
http://www.togaware.com/linux/survivor/
http://www.aboutdebian.com/
http://www.debian.org/doc/FAQ/
http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/toc.html
http://www.linuxforums.org/articles/how ... e_503.html
http://www.google.com/search?q=linux+refcards
Useful Wallpaper for beginners:
http://www.tux-planet.fr/a-linux-wallpa ... debutants/
http://www.gnome-look.org/content/show. ... tent=91961
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
the Debian wiki
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:52
2.4) The Debian-wiki:
Debian has a wiki, very similar to Wikipedia. This information can be edited by anyone that's registered.
There is lots and lots of information there.
http://wiki.debian.org/
back to the table of content
Debian has a wiki, very similar to Wikipedia. This information can be edited by anyone that's registered.
There is lots and lots of information there.
http://wiki.debian.org/
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
the Debian mailing-lists
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:55
2.5) The Debian mailing-lists:
Debian lists are archives of email correspondence. They contain may Q&A's. You can search the different archives and subscribe to the lists that interest you. Once you've subscribed you can post questions and receive updates via email and rss feeds.
http://www.debian.org/MailingLists/
http://lists.debian.org/
back to the table of content
Debian lists are archives of email correspondence. They contain may Q&A's. You can search the different archives and subscribe to the lists that interest you. Once you've subscribed you can post questions and receive updates via email and rss feeds.
http://www.debian.org/MailingLists/
http://lists.debian.org/
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
Debian related forums
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:56
2.6) Debian related forums:
Forums, like this one:
http://forums.debian.net
http://www.debianhelp.co.uk/
http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/debian-linux-help/
http://www.debian-administration.org/tag
back to the table of content
Forums, like this one:
http://forums.debian.net
http://www.debianhelp.co.uk/
http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/debian-linux-help/
http://www.debian-administration.org/tag
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
how-to search
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 19:58
2.7) How to search:
Obvious places:
Beginners Questions
forums.debian.net-faq
Docs, Howtos, Tips & Tricks
The built-in search could be better. You can use the Google site search facility to get better results. Paste these examples into a Google search to see how they work.
wifi lenny solved site:forums.debian.net
printing site:tldp.org
Note that site:domain restricts the search to just the site you want to look at.
ppc OR imac OR ibook AND Bro.Tiag AND oswaldkelso site:forums.debian.net
This one made me laugh, but offers very good advice on searching via subject and user name using the AND and OR options.
Use quotes to group words; "wifi lenny" is not the same as wifi lenny. Google will look for the phrase exactly as quoted, rather than the individual words anywhere in the document. Remember quotation marks can help and hinder your search. Be smart. You can refine your search even more by adding a users name to narrow down your search. You can also help your self and others by asking clear questions and posting with titles that contain information that can be logically found. "Blank screen on imac PPC" is much better than "blank screen" or "broken mac" If you ask for help and get a fix, mark it "solved" works wonders.
back to the table of content
Obvious places:
Beginners Questions
forums.debian.net-faq
Docs, Howtos, Tips & Tricks
The built-in search could be better. You can use the Google site search facility to get better results. Paste these examples into a Google search to see how they work.
wifi lenny solved site:forums.debian.net
printing site:tldp.org
Note that site:domain restricts the search to just the site you want to look at.
ppc OR imac OR ibook AND Bro.Tiag AND oswaldkelso site:forums.debian.net
This one made me laugh, but offers very good advice on searching via subject and user name using the AND and OR options.
Use quotes to group words; "wifi lenny" is not the same as wifi lenny. Google will look for the phrase exactly as quoted, rather than the individual words anywhere in the document. Remember quotation marks can help and hinder your search. Be smart. You can refine your search even more by adding a users name to narrow down your search. You can also help your self and others by asking clear questions and posting with titles that contain information that can be logically found. "Blank screen on imac PPC" is much better than "blank screen" or "broken mac" If you ask for help and get a fix, mark it "solved" works wonders.
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
IRC
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 20:00
2.8 ) IRC:(internet relay chat):
Quote: ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat
"Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a form of real-time Internet text messaging (chat) or synchronous conferencing. It is mainly designed for group communication in discussion forums, called channels, but also allows one-to-one communication via private message as well as chat and data transfers"
1. install an irc application. There are lots: barnowl-ircii-sirc-tinyirc-barnowl-iceape-chatzilla-ii-irssi-konversation-pidgin-scrollz-sic-talksoup-weechat-xchat
A very easy to use but light GUI one is lostirc. Here's how to get it set up
As root install it with
# apt-get install lostirc
Start it from a menu, or a run dialog or terminal by typing its name.
2. Add the server
Under "hostname" Thats the Server put: irc.oftc.net
Under "port" put: 6667
Under "password" leave that blank until you've registered your "nick"
Under "nickname" your-desired-nick
3. Join the channel : #debian-forums
4. Register Your Nick
In order to register your nick (nickname) for use on debian-forums irc channel you must notify the NicServ. You do this by typing
/msg nickserv REGISTER your-password your-email
NOTICE NickServ: Nickname "your-desired-nick" has been registered successfully and is now yours to use.
Now go and add your password to the "password" section and you can also tick the "connect automatically" box. And automatically join the forum chat by placing
/join #debian-forums
In the "commands to perform when connected" section.
http://lostirc.sourceforge.net/index.php?page=about
http://www.ircbeginner.com/ircinfo/ircc-commands.html
http://wiki.debian.org/GettingHelpOnIrc
http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/irctutor ... quickstart
back to the table of content
Quote: ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat
"Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a form of real-time Internet text messaging (chat) or synchronous conferencing. It is mainly designed for group communication in discussion forums, called channels, but also allows one-to-one communication via private message as well as chat and data transfers"
1. install an irc application. There are lots: barnowl-ircii-sirc-tinyirc-barnowl-iceape-chatzilla-ii-irssi-konversation-pidgin-scrollz-sic-talksoup-weechat-xchat
A very easy to use but light GUI one is lostirc. Here's how to get it set up
As root install it with
# apt-get install lostirc
Start it from a menu, or a run dialog or terminal by typing its name.
2. Add the server
Under "hostname" Thats the Server put: irc.oftc.net
Under "port" put: 6667
Under "password" leave that blank until you've registered your "nick"
Under "nickname" your-desired-nick
3. Join the channel : #debian-forums
4. Register Your Nick
In order to register your nick (nickname) for use on debian-forums irc channel you must notify the NicServ. You do this by typing
/msg nickserv REGISTER your-password your-email
NOTICE NickServ: Nickname "your-desired-nick" has been registered successfully and is now yours to use.
Now go and add your password to the "password" section and you can also tick the "connect automatically" box. And automatically join the forum chat by placing
/join #debian-forums
In the "commands to perform when connected" section.
http://lostirc.sourceforge.net/index.php?page=about
http://www.ircbeginner.com/ircinfo/ircc-commands.html
http://wiki.debian.org/GettingHelpOnIrc
http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/irctutor ... quickstart
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
The Debian project
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 20:05
3) The Debian Project:
What is Debian? A little background:
Debian is an operating system, performing the same job as Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX do: running your computer. It has several major differences. It's Free in terms of both liberty and cost, and you are free to contribute to it. Due to the number of different architectures it runs on, it's flexibility and power, it is referred to as “The Universal Operating System.”
http://www.debian.org/intro/about
http://wiki.debian.org/DebianIntroduction
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debian
http://d-i.alioth.debian.org/manual/en. ... 01s03.html
Debian gives you the choice of several kernels, or core operating programs, the most popular being the Linux kernel. The kernel is the software that interacts with your physical hardware and passes information to your application software. Debian tweaks the vanilla kernel for you, but you can get make your own modifications with tools Debian provides or use a vanilla kernel, too.
http://www.kernel.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
Many of the programs used to write applications were created using the GNU tools. These include compilers, editors, linkers, debuggers, as well as most of the system-level commands:
http://www.gnu.org/
All the software in the Debian system is free software that complies with the Debian Free Software Guidelines.(DFSG)
http://www.debian.org/social_contract#guidelines
The Debian project recognizes the valuable input of both the GNU system and Linux kernel in the full name of the Debian OS, “Debian GNU/Linux.”
Who owns Debian?
You could say “No one” or “You do.” Unlike most other distributions, there is no company or magnanimous dictator behind it. It's users create it and share it. This is why you are encouraged to give back by what ever means you can, be it programming, graphic design, documentation, translating, or sharing your knowledge in the forum. If you can only contribute money, that's fine too.
http://www.debian.org/social_contract
http://www.debian.org/intro/help
To find out more about Debian finances see here:
http://www.debian.org/donations
http://www.spi-inc.org/
Infrastructure:
Applications that are deemed secure, stable, and free enough to be part of the Debian system are stored on servers, in “repositories” that are mirrored (duplicated) many times around the world. Here is a list of official Debian mirrors:
http://www.debian.org/mirror/list
Along with the mirrors, many additional systems are used by the developers and maintainers to support the development process. Altogether, hundreds of dedicated machines and donated space on hundreds more support the creation and distribution of Debian GNU/Linux.
There are unofficial mirrors also. These may hold, for example, software that has possible patent issues in the USA where Debian is based. These issues may not apply in your country. Some DVD and mp3 software are examples that are not in the official repository but readily available:
http://debian-multimedia.org/
The three main Debian branches:
Debian's distribution is divided into three primary branches; stable, testing, and unstable. So far in project history, they have always been named after characters from the Disney "Toy Story" movies.
Stable is currently Lenny.
Testing is currently Squeeze.
Unstable is always Sid.
See: http://wooledge.org/~greg/sidfaq.html
You can use "stable" in your sources.list and when the current version of testing becomes stable your system will upgrade. If you want to run newer versions of certain applications on a stable system you can, via the unofficial but respected "backports" repository. This combination, stable plus backports, is a good recommendation for new users.
http://www.backports.org/
That said "squeeze," the testing branch, is more stable than many other distributions' full releases, but you will occasionally have breakages or bugs that take time to be fixed. With care and a little understanding, it can be a solid, up-to-date desktop system.
To update biotube's great post:
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=32860&start=0
Biotube wrote: Unstable (permanently Sid): When a new version of a package(or a new package all together) gets uploaded, it usually goes here. Sid machines can be highly volatile, (giving birth to the saying "If it breaks, you get to keep both halves"), although it's calmed down in recent years thanks to experimental.
Testing (currently "Squeeze"): After a while, a package in Sid with no really bad bugs gets moved here(the exact time depends on the urgency of the update). For this reason, it's much more stable than Sid. Since packages are updately fairly quickly, it's recommended for desktop users(don't let the name fool you - testing can be more stable than some distros' (especially the-one-that-cannot-be-named) releases).
Stable, (currently "Lenny", soon to be "Squeeze"): Every once in a blue moon, the Debian release team puts testing in what's know as "The Big Freeze". During this time, nothing but bugfixes may be moved to testing. Once all release-critical(RC) bugs are gone, testing becomes stable and a new testing branch is opened. Since only bugfixes are allowed in stable, the packages tend to get dated rapidly.
A new and really nice overview
http://pthree.org/2009/11/17/debian-the ... ng-system/
back to the table of content
What is Debian? A little background:
Debian is an operating system, performing the same job as Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX do: running your computer. It has several major differences. It's Free in terms of both liberty and cost, and you are free to contribute to it. Due to the number of different architectures it runs on, it's flexibility and power, it is referred to as “The Universal Operating System.”
http://www.debian.org/intro/about
http://wiki.debian.org/DebianIntroduction
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debian
http://d-i.alioth.debian.org/manual/en. ... 01s03.html
Debian gives you the choice of several kernels, or core operating programs, the most popular being the Linux kernel. The kernel is the software that interacts with your physical hardware and passes information to your application software. Debian tweaks the vanilla kernel for you, but you can get make your own modifications with tools Debian provides or use a vanilla kernel, too.
http://www.kernel.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel
Many of the programs used to write applications were created using the GNU tools. These include compilers, editors, linkers, debuggers, as well as most of the system-level commands:
http://www.gnu.org/
All the software in the Debian system is free software that complies with the Debian Free Software Guidelines.(DFSG)
http://www.debian.org/social_contract#guidelines
The Debian project recognizes the valuable input of both the GNU system and Linux kernel in the full name of the Debian OS, “Debian GNU/Linux.”
Who owns Debian?
You could say “No one” or “You do.” Unlike most other distributions, there is no company or magnanimous dictator behind it. It's users create it and share it. This is why you are encouraged to give back by what ever means you can, be it programming, graphic design, documentation, translating, or sharing your knowledge in the forum. If you can only contribute money, that's fine too.
http://www.debian.org/social_contract
http://www.debian.org/intro/help
To find out more about Debian finances see here:
http://www.debian.org/donations
http://www.spi-inc.org/
Infrastructure:
Applications that are deemed secure, stable, and free enough to be part of the Debian system are stored on servers, in “repositories” that are mirrored (duplicated) many times around the world. Here is a list of official Debian mirrors:
http://www.debian.org/mirror/list
Along with the mirrors, many additional systems are used by the developers and maintainers to support the development process. Altogether, hundreds of dedicated machines and donated space on hundreds more support the creation and distribution of Debian GNU/Linux.
There are unofficial mirrors also. These may hold, for example, software that has possible patent issues in the USA where Debian is based. These issues may not apply in your country. Some DVD and mp3 software are examples that are not in the official repository but readily available:
http://debian-multimedia.org/
The three main Debian branches:
Debian's distribution is divided into three primary branches; stable, testing, and unstable. So far in project history, they have always been named after characters from the Disney "Toy Story" movies.
Stable is currently Lenny.
Testing is currently Squeeze.
Unstable is always Sid.
See: http://wooledge.org/~greg/sidfaq.html
You can use "stable" in your sources.list and when the current version of testing becomes stable your system will upgrade. If you want to run newer versions of certain applications on a stable system you can, via the unofficial but respected "backports" repository. This combination, stable plus backports, is a good recommendation for new users.
http://www.backports.org/
That said "squeeze," the testing branch, is more stable than many other distributions' full releases, but you will occasionally have breakages or bugs that take time to be fixed. With care and a little understanding, it can be a solid, up-to-date desktop system.
To update biotube's great post:
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=32860&start=0
Biotube wrote: Unstable (permanently Sid): When a new version of a package(or a new package all together) gets uploaded, it usually goes here. Sid machines can be highly volatile, (giving birth to the saying "If it breaks, you get to keep both halves"), although it's calmed down in recent years thanks to experimental.
Testing (currently "Squeeze"): After a while, a package in Sid with no really bad bugs gets moved here(the exact time depends on the urgency of the update). For this reason, it's much more stable than Sid. Since packages are updately fairly quickly, it's recommended for desktop users(don't let the name fool you - testing can be more stable than some distros' (especially the-one-that-cannot-be-named) releases).
Stable, (currently "Lenny", soon to be "Squeeze"): Every once in a blue moon, the Debian release team puts testing in what's know as "The Big Freeze". During this time, nothing but bugfixes may be moved to testing. Once all release-critical(RC) bugs are gone, testing becomes stable and a new testing branch is opened. Since only bugfixes are allowed in stable, the packages tend to get dated rapidly.
A new and really nice overview
http://pthree.org/2009/11/17/debian-the ... ng-system/
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
Preliminaries
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 20:08
4)Getting Started
4.1) Preliminaries:
As a new user your first task is to make sure you gather as much detail as you can about your system. If you are still using another OS, use that to learn as much as you can.
You'll want to know information like processor type, graphics card, motherboard or laptop make and model, hard disk type (ide, SCSI, etc.), network card, and wifi. Identify your monitor and find out what screen resolutions and refresh rates it supports. In short gather as much info as you can on your hardware and write it down or print it out.
back to the table of content
4.1) Preliminaries:
As a new user your first task is to make sure you gather as much detail as you can about your system. If you are still using another OS, use that to learn as much as you can.
You'll want to know information like processor type, graphics card, motherboard or laptop make and model, hard disk type (ide, SCSI, etc.), network card, and wifi. Identify your monitor and find out what screen resolutions and refresh rates it supports. In short gather as much info as you can on your hardware and write it down or print it out.
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
Debian Live-CD's
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 20:29
4.2) Debian live-CD`s: trying Debian with a live CD.
One aid may be a "live CD". This is a version of Debian running off a CD without installing onto your computer. This can be a great aid in gathering information about your computer hardware, prior to any "real" installation. They can be used to look at, run tests on and repair a broken system. Running a live CD is much slower and changes are not retained.
http://debian-live.alioth.debian.org/
http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/relea ... 86/iso-cd/
back to the table of content
One aid may be a "live CD". This is a version of Debian running off a CD without installing onto your computer. This can be a great aid in gathering information about your computer hardware, prior to any "real" installation. They can be used to look at, run tests on and repair a broken system. Running a live CD is much slower and changes are not retained.
http://debian-live.alioth.debian.org/
http://cdimage.debian.org/cdimage/relea ... 86/iso-cd/
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
Debian installation media
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 20:33
4.3) Debian installation media: Getting Debian.
You will usually be downloading a Debian image, burning it to CD or DVD, and using that to install Debian on your hardware. Select a mirror site to download from that is closest to your geographical area. You only need the first CD with the desktop of your choice to get up and running, The other disks provide additional programs, chosen by popularity, from disk 2 onwards, partly through data collected from users that opt in to the "popularity contest" when installing Debian.
http://popcon.debian.org/
Start here:
http://www.debian.org/distrib/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_architecture
You will need to choose which architecture you need. Many people will have i386 computers, but not all! Debian supports all the common architectures and processor chips, plus a number of older, more specialized, or uncommon systems.
http://www.debian.org/ports/
If you want to be able to install offline or have a slow internet connection, you'll need to download and burn (or buy from a vendor) a set of one or more CD's or DVD's that should have almost everything you need to install Debian with the features that you want.
back to the table of content
You will usually be downloading a Debian image, burning it to CD or DVD, and using that to install Debian on your hardware. Select a mirror site to download from that is closest to your geographical area. You only need the first CD with the desktop of your choice to get up and running, The other disks provide additional programs, chosen by popularity, from disk 2 onwards, partly through data collected from users that opt in to the "popularity contest" when installing Debian.
http://popcon.debian.org/
Start here:
http://www.debian.org/distrib/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_architecture
You will need to choose which architecture you need. Many people will have i386 computers, but not all! Debian supports all the common architectures and processor chips, plus a number of older, more specialized, or uncommon systems.
http://www.debian.org/ports/
If you want to be able to install offline or have a slow internet connection, you'll need to download and burn (or buy from a vendor) a set of one or more CD's or DVD's that should have almost everything you need to install Debian with the features that you want.
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
Installing Debian
by beginners-guide » 2010-12-20 20:35
4.4) Installing Debian:
There are many great “how-to's” on installing Debian, but you need to consider some questions before installation. Do I want or need to dual boot with another OS? Have I backed up my data in a suitable format? Will my hardware work with Debian? Can I revert if it all goes awry? Prepare first and ask for help if you need to.
The official installation manual:
http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/installmanual
Nadirs illustrated install:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddq4dz3q_25gj7n7dcr
back to the table of content
There are many great “how-to's” on installing Debian, but you need to consider some questions before installation. Do I want or need to dual boot with another OS? Have I backed up my data in a suitable format? Will my hardware work with Debian? Can I revert if it all goes awry? Prepare first and ask for help if you need to.
The official installation manual:
http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/installmanual
Nadirs illustrated install:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddq4dz3q_25gj7n7dcr
back to the table of content
- beginners-guide
- Posts: 38
- Joined: 2010-12-20 19:18
41 posts
• Page 1 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests