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Chapter 1. Computer Environment |  |
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Chapter 1. Computer Environment | |
Abstract
View the computer’s basic system information: operating system and version number, installed RAM (random access memory).
This information can also be found in a number of places. For example:
->->. This displays the KDE Control Centre.
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This gives you details of the Linux kernel you have installed on your system. In this case it is version 2.4.22-10.
Each of these numbers has a special meaning:
The second major release of the Linux kernel.
The fourth minor release of the second major release. The fact that it is an even number means that it is a stable release. If it were an odd number, it would indicate that the version is not yet fully tested.
The twenty second patch of the above release. A patch contains minor corrections to a version.
Build ten. A build contains even smaller changes than those found in a patch.
Abstract
Change the computer’s desktop configuration: date & time, volume settings, desktop display options (colour settings, screen pixel resolution, screen saver options).
![[Note]](../images/admon/note.png) |
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In order to carry out some of the changes to the system, you will need to know the root password. |
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Right click on the clock in the bottom right of the screen to display a context menu.
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Enter the root password when prompted.
Adjust the date and time on the calendar and clock.
Click OK when done.
An alternative method is to use:
->->->->.
->->->.
Adjust the volume level using the left-most slider.
-> or click the Close icon when done.
The main method of changing the appearance of the desktop is through:
->->->.
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->->->->.
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Select the colour scheme.
Adjust contrast, if necessary.
Click OK when done.
->->->->.
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Select the screen saver and set the time before the screen saver is displayed.
If you wish, set a password to stop screen saver. This will automatically protect your work should you leave your machine unattended for a period of time.
Click Apply.
Remove the cross in the Start screen saver automatically check box.
Click Apply.
->->->->.
Configure the background as you wish it. You may also use a background wall paper.
Click OK.
->->.
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Enter the root password when prompted and click OK. This will launch the Mandrake Control Centre.
Click Hardware in the left hand pane.
Click Change your screen resolution in the left hand pane.
Adjust the screen resolution and number of colours.
Click OK when done.
-> or press Ctrl-Q.
The keyboard language define the position of the various keys on the keyboard. For example, British, American and French keyboards all have different layouts. If some of the keys generate a different letter to that shown on the key itself, it could be that the keyboard language setting needs to be changed.
->->.
Enter the root password when prompted and click OK. This will launch the Mandrake Control Centre.
Click Hardware in the left hand pane.
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Click KeyboardDrake in the left hand pane.
Select the keyboard layout.
Click OK when done.
-> or press Ctrl-Q.
Abstract
Format removable disk media: diskette, Zip disk.
Before data can be saved on a disk, it has to be prepared. The process of preparing a disk to store files is called formatting. If a disk has been previously formatted, formatting a second time will result in the loss of any data that may have been stored on it.
Make sure the disk you wish to format does not contain any data you will need.
Insert the diskette into the diskette drive.
->->->
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Select the File system.
If you use DOS, you will be able to share the disk with Windows users. If you use ext 2, you will only be able to share it with Linux users.
Give the diskette a label.
This is the electronic label that the formatting process attaches to the disk.
If the disk has been formatted previously, you can select Quick format.
This makes use of the previous format to speed up the process.
Click Format.
Once the disk has been formatted, you can save files to it.
An alternative method of formatting a floppy disk is to open a terminal and type in the appropriate command.
Terminal windows give you access to the full power of Linux. The GUI simplifies the process of executing much of the power of Linux. Typing in the actual commands at the command prompt allows you to execute all the variations of Linux commands. The following example illustrates how to use the command line.
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When you use a terminal to enter commands, you must press the Enter key at the end of each line. Further commands are case sensitive. If a command does not work, check that you are typing the command exactly as required. For example, mkfs is correct but Mkfs and MKFS will not work. |
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Insert the floppy disk to be formatted.
Konsole.
Type in the following command exactly as shown and press Enter:
/sbin/mkfs.msdos /dev/fd0
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If you wish to format the diskette in Linux format, you would use: /sbin/mkfs.ext2 /dev/fd0. In this case you would not be able to share the disk with Windows users.
In order to format a zip disk, you would need to use a terminal.
Insert the zip disk to be formatted.
Konsole.
Type in the following command exactly as shown and press Enter: /sbin/mkfs.ext2 /dev/sd0
This will format the zip disk in ext2 format. This disk can only be shared with Linux users.
Abstract
Install, uninstall a software application
Mandrake Linux maintains a database of applications and their locations. Initially these are applications that are stored on the distribution CDs. Depending on the particular installation, only certain of these may be installed on a given system. The following illustrates how to install KOffice from the Mandrake distribution CDs.
->->->.
Enter the root password when prompted.
Click All Packages by Group.
Click on Office to expand its contents.
Click on KOffice. A window appears warning you of dependencies. A dependency refers to other software which needs to be installed on the machine before the application can be installed.
Click OK. A tick will then appear next to KOffice.
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Click Install.
When prompted, insert the required CD and click OK.
Other prompts may appear. Respond by clicking OK if you wish to proceed with the installation.
When the installation has completed a notification window will appear. Click OK.
Verify that the application has been installed. In this case use:
->->->.
You may get an application as part of a CD or through a download across the Internet. In some cases these applications are distributed with an install file. Double clicking on this in a file manager will initiate an automated installation process. You would simply sit back and wait for the entire process to complete.
The following illustration assumes the application is located on a CD.
Double click on the CD-ROM icon on the desktop.
Locate the directory in which the application installation file is located. This process will be explained fully in the section called “Directories/Folders” on directories.
Double click on the application.
Abstract
Use keyboard print screen facility and paste contents into a document.
You can take a snapshot of the screen you are working on and use it in a document.
Press the Print Screen button on the keyboard. It may be abbreviated to Prt Scr or similar.
This activates an application called KSnapshot which captures an image of your screen.
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Click the Save Snapshot icon.
Specify a name and location in which to save the snapshot.
The snapshot will be saved in png format.
The image can now be inserted into a document in the same way you would insert any graphics file by opening the document and doing the following:
Click on ->->.
Browse to the directory / folder containing the file.
Click the filename of the graphic you wish to insert and click Open or simply double click on it.
This will insert the graphic into the document at the current cursor position.
The KDE desktop comes with a number of manuals in electronic form.
->->
Click KDE User's Manual to expand its contents.
Click on First Impressions to expand the chapter into its sections.
Click on Desktop Components. The right hand pane will display information on this topic.
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If you find it difficult to read the help on-screen, you can print the contents of the current window.
-> .
The search function only allows you to scan the currently displayed topic.
-> or press Ctrl+F.
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Enter the text you wish to find. Notice the various options that you can set when carrying out a find.
Press OK.
The first occurrence will be highlighted in the text of the help. You will be prompted if you wish to locate the next occurrence.
Become as familiar as possible with the help system. These notes will provide you with an introduction to Linux using the KDE desktop. When you have worked through a section in these notes, you could read what the KDE help system has to say on the topic. If you wish to become an expert, you will need to read further and discover the full power of Linux and KDE. The help system is the best place to start.
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| Chapter 1. Computer Environment |  |
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