Using Linux in JB 202
Postscript
and
pdf
versions are available.
This document provides instructions for how to accomplish various
tasks on the Linux machines in JB 202. To use one of the computers you
must have an account created for you. If you need an account, but don't
have one, contact Terry Sergeant
(670-1292).
For help with logging in and a list of tasks to perform during your first
session, read the Linux Quickstart document.
NOTE: This document focuses primarily on graphical tools. To find out how
to perform similar tasks using text-based tools, see the
Remote Access to csci
document.
This section explains how to launch/use several programs. Many programs
can be launched by selecting it from a menu. Others do have not
pre-existing menu options but can be launched by typing the name of the
program in a terminal window. For information about how to launch a
terminal window or how to change your password or how to set up thunderbird (email) see the Linux Quickstart
document.
The following table gives the name of programs that accomplish various
tasks. It also explains other ways to launch the program.
| Task |
Name of Program |
Where to Find It |
| Terminal Window |
gnome-terminal |
select Applications->System Tools->Terminal
(it also has a greyish icon on the panel) |
| Email Client |
thunderbird |
click letter icon in menu panel |
| Java Programming |
bluej |
type bluej from terminal window |
| Java Programming |
jgrasp |
type jgrasp from terminal window |
| Web Browswer |
firefox |
click world icon in menu panel |
| Editing Text |
gedit |
select Applications->Accessories->Text Editor
(or type gedit& from terminal window) |
The JB 202 lab does not have a printer. The computers are configured to
print to the printers in JB 104 and JB 105 with JB 104 being the default.
Any GUI program will provide a menu option for printing.
The lab machines contain software for a variety of games, media, graphics,
etc. Feel free to explore and test. If there is a particular task you'd
like to be able to perform and you don't see it listed, let me know.
There is a full-featured “office suite” called OpenOffice.org that is
installed. It can read and store documents in Microsoft Office format if
desired. It's various components (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.) can
be launched by choosing Applications->Office and then selecting the
desired program.
For instant messaging you can use pidgin. It knows several protocols
so you can be connected to several services with only one client.
Your home folder (where you will store your work) can be viewed by
double-clicking on it's icon on the desktop.
It is important for you to realize that in Linux, file names
are case-sensitive (along with everything else). In addition,
file names can be quite long. Most
characters are valid filename characters although I would recommend
avoiding the use of spaces in filenames. In Linux the period (“.”)
character is “just another character” (unlike DOS). Linux organizes
files using a hierarchical directory structure and separates
directories in a path name using a forward slash (“/”). Here
are some commands you will likely want to use.
You can use standard USB drives, CDs, DVDs, and Windows network drives from
your account.
To use a USB drive, insert it into an available port (there are two ports
on the side of the monitor and two on the front of the computer). The
drive should mount automatically and display your files in a file manager.
If you need to load a file from a menu in a program you will find your
files in a folder in /media/.
IMPORTANT: If you have written any files to the USB drive then you
must “unmount” it prior to unplugging it from the computer.
Failure to do so can result in lost work. To unmount the USB drive,
right click on the USB icon on the desktop and select the “unmount”
option.
To use a CD/DVD, insert the CD into the drive and it should open a file
manager showing your documents. When finished using the disk simply eject
it. If the CD drive will not open then right click the CD drive icon and
choose “Eject” or simply type eject in a terminal window.
If you need to load a file from a menu in a program you will find your
files at /media/cdrecorder/.
To connect to your HSU network drive click on the “Computer” icon on the
desktop. From the “File” menu choose “Connect to Server”. Enter
the following information:
| service type |
: |
windows share |
| server |
: |
hsufile2 |
| share |
: |
stuhome$ |
| folder |
: |
your HSU (Windows) user name |
| username |
: |
your HSU (Windows) user name |
| domain |
: |
hsunetwork |
The click “Connect”. Your network drive should appear in the list in
the “Computer” window.
A Next Step
There are many on-line and in-print resources that provide
information on how to use Linux. LINUX: Rute User's Tutorial and
Exposition is a book that is available in print (see
http://www.amazon.com/) and (for free) online (see
http://www.kefk.net/RUTE/). It is quite comprehensive and, among
other things, provides its own list of helpful resources.
Terry Sergeant tsergeant@hsutx.edu