Introducing UNIX and Linux

UNIX and Linux Design and Organisation

Overview
The Kernel and Shell
Files
      Networks
Technical Basics
      Bits, Bytes, Words and Characters
      ASCII Characters
How to get Linux
Summary

How to get Linux

For many years there has been a tradition in universities of freedom of information, and results of academic research are typically easily accessible. Furthermore, software created during that research is often made available free of charge, either as public-domain (where copyright no longer applies) or as shareware (where, although copyright still applies, the copyright-owner permits copying). The source code for that software may also be available, and much software is now open source, where the source code is distributed and the user licence prohibits sale of the software. Linux is open source.

You may have access to a UNIX system via your university or college. If you don't, or you would like to use UNIX on your PC at home, the next chapter tells you how to get and install your own copy of Linux.