Com Sci 501
System Administration in Linux

Department of Computer Science
The University of Chicago

Local Documentation

This local documentation is not intended to cover features of Linux systematically. Rather, it presents specific nuggets of information that you are likely to need with some urgency, and tailors those nuggets to the reference configuration for Com Sci 501. Topics are presented roughly in descending order of urgency. Since you will need much of this information most when your Linux system doesn't work, I urge you to print at least the early sections on paper, and keep copies near your computer.

• Escaping When Linux is Stuck

  • Getting Back to Windows

  • Getting to BIOS

  • Shutting Down and Rebooting Linux

  • Getting Out of X Windows

  • Getting to Single-User Mode

  • Booting a Previous Linux Kernel With LILO

  • Booting a Linux Rescue System

• Installing Debian GNU/Linux

• Upgrading and Updating Your System

  • Installing and Updating Debian Packages With Dselect

  • Installing and Updating Debian-Style Packages from Non-Debian Sources

  • Installing and Updating Alien Software

  • Installing Software from Source Distributions

  • Booting Multiple Kernels from LILO on a Diskette

  • Compiling a Custom Kernel

• Installing and Configuring Crucial Applications

  • Graphical User Interface: XFree

  • Networking with PPP

  • Answering Dialins with Mgetty

• Preserving Your Windows System

• Hardware Inventory