Addison-Wesley's Interactive Linux Tutorial and Reference is a CD-ROM tutorial and a lab/reference guide which together enable you to acquire basic user-level familiarity with Linux in a self-paced environment. The material covers mostly generic Linux concepts (though it is based on the bash shell) and assumes no previous knowledge of Linux.

The CD-ROM includes 14 modules (which average about an hour each) that demonstrate particular aspects of the Linux system using dynamic examples and hands-on exercises in a simulated Linux environment. Using the assessment software contained on the CD-ROM, you can determine how well you understand the topics covered in the modules; this tool generates multiple-choice tests and points out your strengths and weaknesses based on your performance, and can be used as often as you like.

Upon completing a particular module, you can gain experience working with Linux terminal exercises in the module's corresponding lab manual chapter. The lab manual also includes Linux command references and a glossary of key terms, both of which are provided as a useful reference to the Linux user.

• Understand the role of operating systems and get an overview of the differences between DOS, Linux, and Windows
• Recognize the role of the Linux shell
• Define key terms
• Understand the overall Linux file structure
• Log in and out of a Linux system
• Understand the importance of a home directory
• Use cal, date, mail, news, who, and write commands
• Copy, rename, delete, move, link, sort, find, join, and print files
• Make, change, and delete directories
• Use pipe, redirection, and filters
• Use Linux on a daily basis
• Construct simple shell scripts
• Decipher Linux error messages
• Control the security of files
• Use vi text editor