linux secrets

The first thing you’ll notice about Linux Red Hat (using the Gnome interface) is that it looks a lot like Windows 95/98/NT. But that’s where the similarity ends. Linux requires a whole new set of commands, as well as a new way of thinking about things.

For example, in Windows 95/98 you can adjust monitor or display properties with just a few keystrokes. However, with Linux, to adjust monitor settings, you must run a program called Xconfigurator. And there is no information anywhere on how to do this. It’s one of those secret things that Linux users don’t bother with because “everyone knows how to do it”. Those of us switching from Windows to Linux need to know these things.

Let me tell you the secret: you have to log in as “Root” and then exit to the terminal. Now this looks like a DOS shell, so Windows users don’t get too confused. Then, at the # prompt, type Xconfigurator. Then you’ll be taken to a setup program that requires you to know a lot about your monitor and video card. Most of that information is found in the manufacturer’s or hardware’s user manual. You will need to know the name, model number, and manufacturer of the video card and monitor, and you will need to know the refresh rate and the vertical and horizontal frequency of the monitor. Make sure you have this information before you begin. After that, just fill out the form and follow the instructions, it’s that simple from there.

Another well-kept secret is that you need to exit to the terminal in order to run any program that doesn’t have a desktop icon. That’s everything that doesn’t come specifically with Red Hat. Some programs will be configured with an icon if they are installed on the correct desktop interface. Linux has several different desktop interfaces, which is really cool. Gnome is very similar to Windows. The only downside to Gnome is that some programs like StarOffice don’t place an icon in the Gnome interface. So the user can do it.

The first thing to do is find the StarOffice executable file, this would be a file called “soffice”. The best way to find it is to use File Manager to locate it. Then make a note of the path and go to Dashboard and then New Launcher.

Type the name of the program, for example, Star Office in the Name field. Then, in the Comment field, enter the text that will appear when the mouse hovers over the icon. Then, in the Command field, type the full path to the program, for example, /home/jerry/Office51/bin/soffice. Finally, choose an icon by clicking the “No Icon” button or leave it without an icon. Click OK and the icon will appear on your panel (which looks like the Windows taskbar).

Linux is not as difficult as it seems at first. Although they try to tell you that it is very easy, it is not entirely true either. If you know Unix, it’s easy. If you know Windows, it’s a bit difficult at first, but then it makes sense. If you’re new to computers, then Linux is a good program to learn first, because it’s so configurable and versatile. There is no end to the possibilities with Linux.