Red Hat Linux

 

Red Hat Linux

 

Configuring the Date and Time

The Time and Date Properties Tool allows the user to change the system date and time, to configure the time zone used by the system, and to setup the Network Time Protocol (NTP) daemon to synchronize the system clock with a time server.

You must be running the X Window System and have root privileges. To start the application from the desktop go to the Main Menu Button => System Settings => Date & Time or type the command redhat-config-date at a shell prompt (for example, in an XTerm or a GNOME terminal).

The first tabbed window that appears is for configuring the system date and time and the NTP daemon (ntpd).

The Network Time Protocol (NTP) daemon synchronizes the system clock with a remote time server or time source (such as a satellite). The application allows you to configure a NTP daemon to synchronize your system clock with a remote server. To enable this feature, click the Enable Network Time Protocol button. This will enable the Server pulldown menu. You can choose one of the predefined servers or type a server name in the pulldown menu. Your system will not start synchronizing with the NTP server until you click OK. After you click OK, the configuration will be saved and the NTP daemon will be started (or restarted if it is already running).

Clicking the OK button will apply any changes that you have made to the date and time, the NTP daemon settings, and the time zone settings and then exit the program.

 

System Directories

 

Mounting and Unmounting a Diskette

A diskette must first be mounted before it can be used. To mount a diskette, insert it into the diskette drive and type mount /mnt/floppy/ at a shell prompt.

The diskette drive activity light should blink as the diskette's file system is mounted to the /mnt/floppy directory.

You can access the contents of the diskette by changing into that directory with the cd /mnt/floppy/ command.

Alternatively, you can also mount a diskette by right-clicking on the desktop and choosing Disks => Floppy. This mounts the diskette and adds a desktop icon which you can double-click to explore the diskette contents.

Now that the diskette has been mounted it is available to be copied from or written to. You can open, save, and copy files to/from it as you would normally do to your hard drive. Konqueror.

When you are done using the diskette, you should unmount it before ejecting it from the drive. To do this, close any applications that may be using files on the diskette or exploring the diskette's contents (such as Nautilus or Konqueror), and at a shell prompt type the following command : 

umount /mnt/floppy/

If you are using GNOME, you can unmount the diskette by right-clicking on the Unmount Volume from the menu.

You can now safely eject the diskette from the drive.

 

Putting Linux Files on an MS-DOS Diskette

To copy files from a Linux machine to an MS-DOS formatted diskette so that a Windows machine can read it you should format your diskette with an MS-DOS (FAT) file system. This can be done with the Windows OS or with floppy (see Section 4.1.3.1 Using floppy). Then mount it in Linux as described in Section 4.1.1 Mounting and Unmounting a Diskette. Copy files using the following command (substituting filename with the name of the file you wish to copy):

cp filename /mnt/floppy

You can then unmount the diskette and eject it from the drive. The new file on the diskette should now be accessible from your Windows machine.

 

Formatting a Diskette

To use a diskette specifically with Red Hat Linux, you need to format the diskette using the ext2 file system. ext2 is one of the file systems supported by Red Hat Linux, and is the default method used for formatting diskettes.

Formatting a diskette will erase all of its contents. Be sure to backup any files that you need before performing any of the following operations on your diskettes.

Once you have created an ext2 file system on the diskette, you can manipulate its contents in the same ways that you manipulate directories and files on your hard drive.

To start floppy, choose Main Menu => System Tools => Floppy Formatter. From a shell prompt, type /usr/bin/floppy. The floppy interface is small and has few options. The default settings are sufficient for most users and needs; however, you can format your diskette with an MS-DOS file system type if necessary. You can also choose the density of your diskette (if you are not using the usual high density 3.5" 1.44MB diskette). You can also elect to quick format the diskette if it was previously formatted as ext2.

 

Using mke2fs

The mke2fs command is used to create a Linux ext2 file system on a device such as a hard drive partition or (in this case) a diskette. mke2fs essentially formats the device and creates an empty, Linux-compatible device which can then be used for storing files and data.

Insert your diskette into the drive and issue the following command at a shell prompt: 

/sbin/mke2fs /dev/fd0

On Linux systems, /dev/fd0 refers to the first diskette drive. If your computer has more than one diskette drive, your primary diskette drive is /dev/fd0, your second /dev/fd1, and so on.

The mke2fs utility has a number of options. The -c option makes the mke2fs command check the device for bad blocks before creating the file system. The other options are covered in the mke2fs man page.

Once you have created an ext2 file system on the diskette, it is ready to be used with your Red Hat Linux system.

 

OpenOffice.org Suite

The OpenOffice.org suite contains several applications for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, business presentations, and artwork. It includes templates, forms, and wizards for creating basic professional documents and presentations quickly. If you have ever worked with or received .doc or .xls files, you know they are commonly associated with the Microsoft Office suite. The OpenOffice.org suite is able to read, edit, and create files in several formats, including files which are commonly associated with Microsoft Office.

 

ApplicationFile CompatibilityDocument Types
OpenOffice.org Writer .sxw, .sdw, .doc, .rtf, .txt, .htm/.html Formal letters, business forms, school papers, resumes, newsletters, reports
OpenOffice.org Calc .sxc, .dbf, .xls, .sdc, .slk, .csv, .htm/.html Spreadsheets, charts, tables, graphs, personnel directories, address books, budgets, simple databases
OpenOffice.org Impress .sxi, .ppt, .sxd, .sdd Business and academic presentations, Web presentations, lectures, slide shows
OpenOffice.org Draw .sxd, .sda; export files to several image formats, including .jpg, .bmp, .gif, and .png Illustrations, line drawings, clip art, organizational charts

 

OpenOffice.org Writer

Writing documents using OpenOffice.org is similar to other word processing applications you may have used before. A word processor is like a text editor but has several additional features that allow you to format, design, and print your documents without the need to memorize complex formatting tags or codes. OpenOffice.org Writer is a powerful word processor that features WYSIWYG formatting — what you see in the OpenOffice.org Writer window is exactly what you get if you printed the document or if you gave the document file to someone else for them to view.

 

OpenOffice.org Writer

To start OpenOffice.org Writer from your desktop panel, choose Main Menu => Office => OpenOffice.org Writer; to start it from a shell prompt, type oowriter.

The main interface is the document editing area (the white space in the middle of the window) where you can add and edit text. At the top of the window are various functions collected into toolbars that let you choose your fonts, letter sizes, justification (aligning the text of your document to the left, center, or right margins), and more. There is also a text box that enables you to specify the exact location of a document on your machine and load the document into the editing area. There are also buttons for opening, saving, and printing documents, as well as buttons for creating new documents (which will open up a new window with a blank document for you to add content).

Along the left side of the window, there is a toolbar with buttons for checking your spelling, toggling the automatic highlighting of misspelled words, keyword and phrase searching, and other convenient editing functions. If you hover the mouse cursor over a toolbar button, a pop-up Tip is displayed with a brief explanation of the button's functionality. You can display more detailed Tips by clicking the Help menu and choosing Extended Tips.

You can immediately begin typing text into the document editing area at any time using the default settings. To save your text, click the Save button choose the file format from the File type drop down menu at the bottom of the browser window. The default file type is appropriate for files that you are working on exclusively with OpenOffice.org applications. However, for files that you need to distribute to Microsoft Office users, or if you are editing a file that was sent as an email attachment with the .doc extension, you can save the file as a Microsoft Word file type that others will be able to open it in Microsoft Word.

While OpenOffice.org Writer is useful for general document editing, you can also add objects such as images, illustrations, charts, and tables to your document to complement your text or give impact to your documents. To add an image to the document, select Insert => Graphics => From File, and choose the image from the pop-up file browser. The image will appear where you placed your cursor and can be made larger or smaller by clicking on the resizing borders around the image.

 

Adding an Image to Your Document

Once you have created your document, you can save it in any format that you wish. Note that you can also export your document to HTML or PDF format, formats which can be read by almost every computer with a Web browser (such as Mozilla) or PDF viewer application (such as xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader).

 

OpenOffice.org Calc

From large enterprises to home offices, professionals in every industry use spreadsheets for keeping records, creating business charts, and manipulating data. OpenOffice.org Calc is a software spreadsheet application that allows you to enter and manipulate data cells organized in columns and rows. A cell is a container for individual pieces of data, such as a quantity, label, or mathematical formula. You can perform calculations on groups of cells (such as adding or subtracting a column of cells) or create charts based on the quantities contained in a group of cells. You can even incorporate spreadsheet data into your documents for a professional touch.

To start OpenOffice.org Calc from the desktop panel, select Main Menu => Office => OpenOffice.org Calc. To start OpenOffice.org Calc from a shell prompt, type oocalc.

 

OpenOffice.org Calc

OpenOffice.org Calc allows you to enter and manipulate personal or business data. For example, you can create a personal budget by entering data descriptions (such as rent, groceries, and utilities) into column A and the quantities of those data descriptions in column B. OpenOffice.org Calc allows you to enter the data either in the cell itself by double clicking the cell and typing your information or by using the Input Line (the text box on the toolbar). Then you can run a formula on column B to come up with a total. OpenOffice.org Calc has several preset functions and calculations (such as =SUM() for addition/multiplication, =quotient() for division, and =subtotal()for preparing receipts). For detailed information about creating functions for calculating your numerical data in OpenOffice.org Calc, refer to the documentation by selecting Help => Contents.

If you need to create charts or graphs for class or business presentations, OpenOffice.org has several chart and graph templates available. Highlight the areas you would like to chart, then click Insert => Chart.... Click Next to display the many different charts and graphs you can create using your data. Choose the style you want, and click Create. The graph will be displayed anchored within the spreadsheet window. You can move it anywhere on the screen for printing, or you can save the graph as an object that you can then embed in OpenOffice.org Writer documents or OpenOffice.org Impress presentations.

 

Creating Charts with OpenOffice.org Calc

You can save spreadsheets created with OpenOffice.org Calc in several file formats, including the native .sxc as well as Microsoft Office compatible .xls formats. Additionally, you can export rendered charts and graphs to several image file formats and integrate them with document files, webpages, and presentations.

 

OpenOffice.org Impress

Visual aids can give your presentations an added impact that catches your audience's attention and keeps them interested. OpenOffice.org Impress is a graphical tool that can help you make a more convincing presentation.

To start OpenOffice.org Impress from the graphical desktop, select Main Menu => Office => OpenOffice.org Impress. To start OpenOffice.org Impress from a shell prompt, type ooimpress.

OpenOffice.org Impress features a step-by-step automated presentation wizard called AutoPilot that allows you to create presentations from a collection of default style templates. You can make slides with itemized lists, outlines, or images. You can even import charts and graphs created by OpenOffice.org Calc into a slide.

 

OpenOffice.org Impress

When you first start OpenOffice.org Impress, you will be presented with the AutoPilot. You can choose the style of your slides, the medium with which you will present your slides (plain paper, transparent paper for overhead projectors, slides, or a display monitor), and any animated visual effects you want to apply to the slides if you run presentations from your computer.

 

OpenOffice.org Impress> AutoPilot Wizard

Once you have chosen your preferences with AutoPilot tool, you can choose the type of slide you want to create. You can select a pre-formatted slide from the list or start with a blank slide and customize the layout yourself. To add new slides to your presentation, click Insert Slide... in the floating toolbar, and a pop-up window will appear allowing you to choose the layout of the new slide. You can have as many slides in your presentation as you need.

You can also preview your presentation at any point by selecting Slide Show => Slide Show from the file menus. The presentation will be presented in full screen, which you can exit by cycling through every slide until you reach the end or by pressing the [Esc] key at any point in the slide show.

Your presentation can be saved in several file formats. You can save in the native OpenOffice.org Impress format (for example, mypresentation.sxi), the Microsoft PowerPoint format ( mypresentation.ppt), or StarImpress format ( mypresentation.sdd). You can also print your presentation to plain or transparent paper formats by clicking File => Print from the file menu.

To learn more about OpenOffice.org Impress, click Help => Contents from the file menus.

 

OpenOffice.org Draw

If you want to create graphics for your documents and presentations, you can use OpenOffice.org Draw. Using your mouse as a you would a pen or a paintbrush, OpenOffice.org Draw allows you to make illustrations and save them in several formats that you can add to printed documents, place on websites, or attach to emails.

To start OpenOffice.org Draw from the desktop panel, click Main Menu => Office => OpenOffice.org Draw. To start OpenOffice.org Draw from a shell prompt, type oodraw.

 

OpenOffice.org Draw

If you are familiar with illustration and graphics applications such as The GIMP you will find that OpenOffice.org Draw has some of the same basic functions. There are toolbars for creating straight and curved lines, basic shapes such as squares and circles, 3D objects such as cones and cubes, and more. You can create images and fill them with the color of your choice using the Area Style/Filling drop-down menu on the main toolbar. You can additionally insert text into your illustrations. OpenOffice.org Draw also allows you to open and import images and modify them with the tools provided.

When you complete your illustration or image modifications, you can save the file in one of several native file formats or export your work to several popular formats such as .jpg or .png.

 

Email Applications

Red Hat Linux includes several email applications, including graphical email clients like Evolution and Mozilla Mail, and text-based clients like mutt. All of the email client applications are designed to suit certain types of users; so, you can choose one with the features that best suits your particular needs.

Before you launch an email client, you should have some information from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) handy so that you can configure the client properly. The following lists a few important things you may need to know:

Your email address

The email address you will use to send and receive mail. This is usually in the form of yourname@yourisp.net.

Server type for receiving email (POP or IMAP)

In order to receive mail, know what type of server your network administrator or ISP is using. This POP or IMAP address, is usually in the form of mail.someisp.net.

POP, short for Post Office Protocol, is used to send email from a mail server to your email client's inbox, the place where incoming email is stored. Most ISP email servers use the POP protocol, although some can use the newer IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol).

IMAP, short for Internet Message Access Protocol, is a protocol for retrieving email messages from your ISP's email server. IMAP differs from POP in that email from IMAP servers are stored on the server and stays there even as you download and read your mail, whereas POP mail is downloaded to your email client directly and does not stay on the server.

Server type for sending email (SMTP)

The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is a protocol for sending email messages between servers. Most email systems that send mail over the Internet use SMTP to send messages from one server to another; the messages can then be retrieved with an email client using either POP or IMAP. SMTP is also used to send messages from a mail client to a mail server. This is why you need to specify both the POP or IMAP server and the SMTP server when you configure your email application.

If you have any questions regarding what information you need, contact your ISP or network administrator. Unless properly configured, you will not be able to make full use of the email clients.

 

Evolution

Evolution is more than just an email client. It provides all of the standard email client features, including powerful mailbox management, user-defined filters, and quick searches. It additionally features a flexible calendar/scheduler which allows users to create and confirm group meetings and special events online. Evolution is a full-featured personal and workgroup information management tool for Linux and UNIX-based systems, and is the default email client for Red Hat Linux.

To launch Evolution from the desktop panel, go to Main Menu => Internet => Email.

 

Evolution Welcome Screen

The first time you start Evolution you will be presented with the Welcome Screen which allows you to configure your email connection. Follow the on-screen instructions and fill in the information you collected from your ISP or administrator in the text boxes provided. When you are done, click Finish, and you will be presented with the Main Screen.

 

Evolution Main Screen

To see what is in your inbox or to send an email, click on the Inbox icon.

 

Evolution Inbox Screen

To compose a mail, select New Message from the toolbar.

 

Evolution New Email Message Screen

Once you have composed a message and entered an email address to send the email to, click Send on the toolbar.

 

Root

Linux uses the term root in several different ways, which might be confusing to new users. There is the root account (the superuser, who has permission to do anything), the root account's home directory ( /root) and the root directory for the entire file system ( /). When you are speaking to someone and using the term root, be sure to know which root is being discussed.

Unless you are a system administrator or have root (superuser) access, you probably do not have permission to write to the files and directories outside of your home directory. Certain directories are reserved for specific purposes. For example, /home is the default location for users' home directories.

Users that do not have superuser access might find the following directories useful for finding their home directories, reading documentation, or storing temporary files.

Linux distros generally follow the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS), which standardize the way system programs and files are stored on all Linux systems.

 

Connecting to the Internet

Types of Internet connections include:

Red Hat Linux includes the Internet Configuration Wizard, which can be used to create an Internet connection. You can then configure the connection that you created at any time using the Network Administration Tool.

To use Internet Configuration Wizard, be running the X Window System and have root privileges. To start the application, use one of the following methods:

In both cases you will have to enter your root password to continue.

Your own ISP may have specific connection requirements for their service which differ from the instructions in this chapter. Before connecting, check with your ISP for any specific instructions that they provide, including the following information:

 

Internet Configuration Wizard

ISDN Connection

An ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) connection uses high-speed, high-quality digital telecommunication lines as opposed to an analog modem connection. This special phone line must be installed by a phone company. To configure this type of connection, start Internet Configuration Wizard, select ISDN Connection, and follow the steps in the wizard.

Modem Connection

A modem connection uses a modem to establish a connection to the Internet. Digital data is modulated into analog signals and sent over phone lines. To configure this type of connection, start Internet Configuration Wizard, select Modem Connection, and follow the steps in the wizard.

xDSL Connection

An xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection uses high-speed transmissions through telephone lines. There are different types of DSL such as ADSL, IDSL, and SDSL. Internet Configuration Wizard uses the term xDSL to mean all types of DSL connections.

Some DSL providers require you to configure your system to obtain an IP address through DHCP with an Ethernet card. To configure this type of connection, start Internet Configuration Wizard, select Ethernet Connection, and select DHCP on the Configure Network Settings screen. Some DSL providers require you to configure a PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) connection with an Ethernet card. To configure this type of connection, start the Internet Configuration Wizard, select xDSL Connection, and follow the steps in the wizard. If supply a username and password to connect, you are probably using PPPoE. Ask your DSL provider which method you should use.

Cable Modem Connection

A cable modem connection uses the same coaxial cable that your TV cable travels on to transmit data. Most cable Internet providers require you to install an Ethernet card in your computer that connects to the cable modem. Then, the cable modem connects to the coaxial cable. The Ethernet card is usually required to be configured for DHCP. To configure this type of connection, start Internet Configuration Wizard, select Ethernet Connection, and select DHCP on the Configure Network Settings screen.

Wireless Connection

If you are connecting your Red Hat Linux computer to a wireless access point (WAP) or peer-to-peer (also called ad-hoc) network with a wireless (802.11 x) network card, then you will need to configure your wireless device. Choose the Wireless Connection, then select the device from the list provided. You can then configure the device for DHCP or fixed IP addresses In the pop-up device configuration window.

The Internet Configuration Wizard is a utility that guides you step-by-step through the process of establishing your Internet connection. Once your connection is up and running, you can then configure it to suit your needs or particular connection.

 

Printer Configuration

Most computer users either own a printer at home or use one at work. Printers have become a very popular PC peripheral due to their increasing quality and decreasing prices. Printer hardware manufacturers distribute CD-ROMs or diskettes with their printers, as most operating systems require these CD-ROMs because they contain printer drivers — software that communicates with both the printer and the operating system. Red Hat Linux provides drivers for most printer models, thus the drivers and software on the printer manufacturer's CD-ROM and diskettes are not needed. With few exceptions, all you need to do is attach the printer to your Red Hat Linux system, turn on the printer, and configure it with the useful tools provided by Red Hat Linux.

 

The Printer Configuration Tool

Red Hat Linux includes a graphical utility for configuring local and remote printers without the need to install additional drivers and applications. The Printer Configuration Tool uses a step-by-step process that can help you configure a printer faster than editing configuration files manually. This chapter shows you how to set up and test a printer directly connected to your Red Hat Linux system. For remote printer setup and more advanced printer configuration issues,

 

Frequently Asked Questions

This chapter answers some of the most common questions about using Red Hat Linux that you may ask as you become more familiar with it. From recovering forgotten passwords to troubleshooting package installation problems, this chapter will ease you step-by-step through some common tasks and get you on your way.

 

Localhost Login and Password

I have installed Red Hat Linux. After rebooting, I get a message telling me it needs a localhost login and password. What are these?

Unless you specified a host name for your computer, or received that information from a network, your Red Hat Linux installation will call your machine localhost.localdomain by default.

When you get to that initial prompt, it is asking you to log in to your system. If you created a user account with the Setup Agent, you can log in using that user name and password. If you did not create a user account, then you can log in as the super user, also known as root. The root password is the system password you assigned during installation.

It is highly recommended that you create at least one user account for regular use of your Red Hat Linux system. You can create a new user after logging in as root with the User Manager graphical tool or the useradd shell prompt utility.

 

Getting Started

From booting up to shutting down, whether you are working or playing, Red Hat Linux provides tools and applications to help you get the most out of your computing environment. This chapter guides you through some basic tasks that you can perform on your Red Hat Linux system.

 

Setup Agent

The first time you start your Red Hat Linux system, the Setup Agent is presented. The Setup Agent guides you through the configuration of your Red Hat Linux system. Using this tool, you can set your system time and date, add users to your system, install software, register your machine with the Red Hat Network, and more. Setup Agent allows you to configure your environment at the beginning, so that you can get started using your Red Hat Linux system quickly.

 

Setup Agent

The Setup Agent first prompts you to create a user account that you should use on a routine basis. It is not recommended to log in to your root account for common computing tasks, as you may damage your system or unintentionally delete a file. The Setup Agent lets you enter a username, an optional full name for the account, and a password (which enter twice). This creates a user account that you can use to log into your Red Hat Linux system and which has its own home directory on the system to store files.

 

User Account

The Setup Agent allows you to manually set your machine's date and time, which adjusts the clock on your computer's BIOS (Basic Input Output System). To set the day, month, and year on your system, use the calendar interface. To set your time in hours, minutes, and seconds, use the provided text boxes.

You may also synchronize your date and time automatically with a network time server — a computer that sends accurate date and time settings to your system through a network connection. Check the box labeled Enable Network Time Protocol and use the drop-down menu to select the time server you want to use. Once you have set your time and date, click Forward to continue.

 

Date and Time Configuration

To register your system with Red Hat Network and receive automatic updates of your Red Hat Linux system, choose Yes, I would like to register my system with Red Hat Network. This will start the Red Hat Update Agent — a utility that guides you step-by-step through the registration of your machine with Red Hat Network. Selecting No, I do not want to register my system skips the registration.

 

Red Hat Network Registration Client

To install Red Hat Linux RPM packages that you did not install during installation, software from third-party providers, or documentation from the Red Hat Linux Documentation CD, you can do so at the Additional CDs screen. Insert the CD containing the software or documentation you want to install, click the Install... button, and follow the instructions.

If you are installing a package from the Red Hat Linux Installation CDs, insert CD 1, click the Install... button, choose the package(s) or component you want to install, and, if prompted, change the CD.

 

Installing Additional Software

Now that your system is configured, you are ready to log in and start using Red Hat Linux. Press Forward to exit the Setup Agent.

 

Installing and Updating Red Hat Linux Packages

Red Hat Linux consists of various software applications and utilities, known as RPM packages. A package is just a file that contains a software program.

This chapter explains three ways to update your system: using Red Hat Network, using the online Errata List, and using the Red Hat Linux Installation CD-ROMs.

 

Red Hat Network

Red Hat Network is an Internet solution for managing one or more Red Hat Linux systems. All Security Alerts, Bug Fix Alerts, and Enhancement Alerts (collectively known as Errata Alerts) can be downloaded directly from Red Hat using the Red Hat Update Agent standalone application or through the RHN website available at http://rhn.redhat.com/.

Your RHN

Red Hat Network saves users time because they receive email when updated packages are released. Users do not have to search the Web for updated packages or security alerts. By default, Red Hat Network installs the packages as well. Users do not have to learn how to use RPM or worry about resolving software package dependencies; RHN does it all.

Each Red Hat Network account comes with:

To start using Red Hat Network, follow these three basic steps:

  1. Create a System Profile using one of the following methods:

  2. Log in to RHN at http://rhn.redhat.com/ and entitle the system to a service offering. Everyone receives a free Red Hat Network account for one system. Additional accounts can be purchased.

  3. Start scheduling updates through the RHN website or download and install Errata Updates with the Red Hat Update Agent.

Red Hat Linux includes the Red Hat Network Notification Tool, a convenient panel icon that displays visible alerts when there is an update for your Red Hat Linux system. For more information: http://rhn.redhat.com/help/basic/applet.html

 

Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are a few keyboard shortcuts you can use to perform common tasks quickly. Many more are available in addition to what is listed here. For more command line and keyboard shortcuts, visit:

 

Nautilus

Nautilus is a core component of the GNOME desktop environment and provides an easy way to view, manage, and customize your files and folders, as well as browse the Web.

Nautilus integrates your access to files, applications, media, Internet-based resources, and the Web, making it convenient for you to locate and use all the resources that are available.

If you are using Nautilus, browsing the Web is one mouse click away. Click Web Search in the toolbar to launch the Nautilus Web browser feature.

 

Nautilus Web Search

Or, you can use the Location: bar to enter path names, URLs, or other types of addresses.

When you are viewing a Web page, Nautilus gives you additional browser choices in case you want to use a full-featured Web browser. To select a different browser, click one of the buttons in the sidebar.

For additional information on using Nautilus, click on Help (on the top menu panel) and select Nautilus User Manual or Nautilus Quick Reference.

 

Web Browser Keyboard Shortcuts

 

ShortcutDescription
[Ctrl]-[T] Open a new tab for browsing multiple websites within one browser window
[Ctrl]-[N] Open a new browser window
[Ctrl]-[Q] Close all browser windows and exits the application
[Ctrl]-[L] Move the cursor to the browser's address field
[Ctrl]-[P] Print the current displayed webpage or document
[Ctrl]-[right arrow] Move forward by one link or page
[Ctrl]-[left arrow] Move backward by one link or page
[Ctrl]-[R] Reload the current page
[Ctrl]-[H] Open the browsing history
[Ctrl]-[F] Find a keyword or string within a page

 

Time Zone Configuration

To configure the system time zone, click the Time Zone tab. The time zone can be changed by either using the interactive map or by choosing the desired time zone from the list below the map. To use the map, click on the city that represents the desired time zone. A red X will appear and the time zone selection will change in the list below the map. Click OK to apply the changes and exit the program.

 

Timezone Properties

If your system clock is set to use UTC, select the System clock uses UTC option. UTC stands for the universal time zone, also known as Greenwich mean time (GMT). Other time zones are determined by adding or subtracting from the UTC time.

 

Using Nautilus

The graphical desktop includes a file manager called Nautilus that gives you a graphical display of your system and personal files. Nautilus is designed to be much more than a visual listing of files, however. It allows you to configure your desktop, configure your Red Hat Linux system, browse your photo collection, access your network resources, and more all from one integrated interface. In essence, Nautilus becomes a shell for your entire desktop experience.

Working in Nautilus is efficient and provides an alternative to searching through the various sub-menus connected to the Main Menu or using a shell prompt to navigate the file system. The following sections explain how to use the Nautilus to enhance your desktop experience.

To start Nautilus as a file manager, double-click on your home directory icon:

Once Nautilus appears, you can navigate through your home directory or the rest of the file system. To return to your home directory, click the Home button.

The browser window contains folders and files which you can drag with your mouse to move and copy into new locations. You can open another Nautilus window by selecting File => New Window. Once you have another Nautilus window, you can drag and drop files to different directories. By default, dragging a file from one directory to another moves the file. To copy the file to another directory, press the [Ctrl] key while dragging and dropping the file.

By default, image files in your home directory will be seen as thumbnails. For text files, this means you see a portion of the actual text in the icon. For images, you see a scaled-down (or thumbnail) version of the image. To turn off this feature, select Edit => Preferences. Select the Preview tab, then select Never in the drop down for Show Thumbnails. Disabling this (and other) previewing feature increases the speed of Nautilus.

 

Using the Panel

The desktop panel is the bar that stretches across the bottom of the screen and holds icons and small applications which makes using your system easier. The panel also holds the Main Menu, which contains shortcuts for all of your applications. Applets embedded on the panel allow you to run specific tasks or monitor your system or services while remaining out of your way. The notification area holds alert icons such as the one for Red Hat Network so that you can be quickly alerted to critical messages.

Using the Main Menu

You can click on the Main Menu button allow you to access the applications on your system.

From here, you can start most applications included in Red Hat Linux. Notice that, in addition to the recommended applications, you can also access additional applications within each sub-menu. These sub-menus give you access to a full range of applications on your system. From the Main Menu, you can also log out, run applications from a command line, find files, and lock your screen (which runs a password protected screen saver).

 

Using Applets

Applets are small applications that run on the panel. Applets let you monitor various aspects of your system. Some applets perform useful tasks while others are designed to be entertaining.

There are a few applets that run on your panel by default. These applets are fairly important and are covered in the following list.

Workspace Switcher

The graphical desktop gives you the ability to use multiple workspaces so you do not have to have all of your running applications crowding one viewable desktop area. The Workspace Switcher represents each workspace (or desktop) in small squares and show the applications running on them. Click on one of the squares with your mouse to move to that desktop. You can also use the keyboard shortcut [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[up-arrow], [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[down-arrow], [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[right-arrow], or [Ctrl]-[Alt]-[left-arrow] to switch between desktops.

 

Workspace Switcher

Taskbar

Next to the Workspace Switcher is the Taskbar. The Taskbar is an applet which shows you the titles of running applications on any one virtual desktop. This is very helpful if you decide to minimize an application as it will seem to disappear from the desktop. Once it disappears, you can bring it back by clicking on its title in the Taskbar.

 

The Taskbar

 

Using the Notification Area

Red Hat Network Notification Tool

Part of the Notification Area, the Red Hat Network Notification Tool provides you with an easy way to make sure your system is up-to-date with current errata and bug fixes from Red Hat. The applet shows you different images that indicate whether your system is up to date or needs upgrades. If you click on the icon, a list of available updates will be displayed. To update your system, click the button to launch the Red Hat Update Agent. If you are not registered with Red Hat Network, it will launch the registration component. Right-click on the applet icon for a list of options from which to choose.

 

Red Hat Network Notification Tool

The Authentication Icon

The key icon that is sometimes displayed in the Notification Area is a security notification that displays whenever you have gained root authentication for your system (such as running a graphical system configuration tool). It disappears when the authentication times out.

 

Authentication Icon

Printer Notification Icon

The Printer Notification Icon allows you to manage your print jobs. Click on the icon to view running print jobs, and cancel jobs by right-clicking on the job and selecting Cancel.

 

The Printer Notification Icon

If you cannot see any of the notification icons, then the notification area was removed from the desktop panel. To add the it back to your panel, right-click on the panel and choose Add to Panel => Utility => Notification Area.

 

Adding Icons and Applets to the Panel

To make the panel fit your needs, you may want to add more applets and launcher icons.

To add an applet to the panel, right-click in an unused area on the panel, select Add to Panel, and choose from the various types of applets. When you select an applet, it will appear on your panel.

 

The Weather Report Applet on the Panel

To add a launcher icon to the panel, right-click in an unused area on the panel and select Add to Panel => Launcher.... This will launch a dialog box that allows you to enter the name of the application, the location and name of the command that starts the application (such as /usr/bin/foo), and even choose an icon for the application. Click OK and the new launcher icon will appear on the panel.

Another quick and easy way to add a launcher to the panel is to right-click on an unused area of the panel and choose Add to Panel => Launcher from menu. Then select an application that appears in the menu. This will automatically add a launcher icon based on the properties of the item in the Main Menu.

 

Configuring the Desktop Panel

You can hide the panel automatically or manually, place it on any edge of your desktop, change its size and color, and change the way it behaves. To alter the default panel settings, right-click in an unused area of the panel and select Properties. You can set the size of the panel, its position on the desktop, and whether you want the panel to be automatically hidden ( Autohide) when not in use. If you choose to autohide the panel, it will not appear on the desktop until you move your mouse pointer over the panel area (called hovering).

 

The Start Here Window

Start Here was designed to hold all of the tools and applications you need to access when using your system. From your favorite applications to system and configuration tools, the Start Here window provides a central location for using and customizing your system.

You can access the Start Here screen at any time by double-clicking on the desktop icon labeled Start Here.

The Start Here screen includes icons that allow you to access your favorite applications, desktop preferences, Main Menu items, server configuration tools, and system settings.

You can add your favorite locations to the Bookmarks. Navigate to the location you want to bookmark, and then select Bookmarks => Add Bookmark.

 

Customizing the Desktop

From the Start Here screen, you can select the Preferences icon to configure your desktop, which presents you with a wide selection of configuration options. The following lists some of the options and tools in each area.

Background

You can configure your background with new colors or a new image.

Sound

In this section you can configure the system sounds associated with various functions. For example, to play a sound when you log in to your desktop, you can configure it.

Keyboard Shortcuts

You can configure shortcuts — pressing a combination of keystrokes on the keyboard — to perform actions within an application or on your desktop. For example, you can configure a shortcut to move from your current Workspace to Workspace 2 by pressing [Ctrl]-[F2].

 

Changing your Desktop Background

One way to dramatically alter the appearance of your graphical desktop is to change the background using the Background Preferences tool. You can choose from several background images included with Red Hat Linux in the /usr/share/backgrounds/ directory, or you can use your own image. To start the Background Preferences tool, right-click on the desktop and choose Change Desktop Background from the menu. You can also double-click the Start Here icon, select Preferences, and finally select Background.

 

The Background Preferences Tool

The Background Preferences tool allows you to load a new background from a directory of provided images ( /usr/share/backgrounds/images/). You can also drag an image into the window from your own image directory. There are several additional options for displaying your background image. The Wallpaper option displays multiple instances of your image across the desktop, which is useful if you use a small image or if you use a tile (or pattern) image from /usr/share/backgrounds/tiles/ or from your own image collection. The Centered option places your image in the center of the desktop, leaving the default background colors to fill in any remaining desktop space. To fill the desktop with an image without tiling it, use the Scaled or Stretched options.

 

The Desktop with a New Background

If you want to create a background with your own custom colors and no images, choose the No Picture option and adjust your colors using the Background Style options. Choose your own Top Color and Bottom Color and the color gradient (or the blending of colors). Click Close to save and exit the Background Preferences tool.

 

Customizing your System

The Start Here screen in Nautilus contains additional configuration tools that help you with your new Red Hat Linux system and the server applications included.

The System Settings icon includes tools that help you set up your system for personal everyday use. The following lists some of the tools included in System Settings and what you can do with them.

Date & Time

This tool allows you to set the date and time of your machine. You will be able to set your time zone information as well.

Soundcard Detection

The Sound Card Configuration Tool tool probes your machine for available sound devices.

Users & Groups

The User Manager tool allows you to add and remove users from your system.

Printing

The Printer Configuration Tool allows you to add a new printer to your system. The printer may be connected to your machine or available on a network.

You may also find server configuration tools in the Start Here area, depending on which install type you specified during installation. These tools help you configure services and applications you are using on the local machine to serve other machines. The server configuration tools are found by clicking on the System Settings icon and then the Server Settings icon. A few examples of the tools found in this area are the HTTP Configuration Tool and the Bind Configuration Tool. You must have those server applications installed before these tools appear in this section.

 

CD-ROMs

The CD-ROM format is a popular medium to deliver typically large software applications as well as multimedia games and presentations. Most of the software that can be purchased from retail outlets come in the form of CD-ROMs. This section shows you how to use CD-ROMs on your Red Hat Linux system.

 

Using CD-ROMs with Your File Manager

By default, CDs are automatically mounted and the file manager is displayed allowing you to explore the contents of the CD.

 

Contents of a CD-ROM in Nautilus

A CD desktop icon eject your CD-ROM after use. Right-click on the icon to view all of the available choices. For example, to unmount and eject the CD-ROM, choose Eject from the menu.

 

Using CD-ROMs From a Shell Prompt

You can also manually mount and unmount your CD-ROMs from a shell prompt. Insert a CD into your CD-ROM drive, open a shell prompt, and type the following command: 

mount /mnt/cdrom

The CD-ROM should now be mounted and available for use with your file manager. You can access your CD-ROM by clicking the home icon on the desktop and typing /mnt/cdrom in the location bar.

After working with your CD, unmount it before you can eject it from your CD-ROM drive. Close any applications or file managers that are using the CD-ROM and type the following command at a shell prompt: 

umount /mnt/cdrom

You can now safely press the eject button on your CD-ROM drive to retrieve your CD.

 

CD-Rs and CD-RWs

CD-writable (CD-R) drives have grown in popularity as an inexpensive way to backup and archive several megabytes of data, including applications, personal files, and even multimedia (audio/video and still image) presentations. Red Hat Linux includes several tools for using CD-Rs and CD-rewritable (CD-RW) drives.

 

Using CD Creator

If you want to perform a quick file or directory backup to a CD-R or CD-RW, there is a tool included in the Nautilus file manager called CD Creator.

CD Creator allows you to drag and drop files from a Nautilus window to the CD Creator interface. To access the CD Creator feature in Nautilus, insert a blank CD-R(W) into your drive and the CD Creator window will automatically display. You can also double click your home directory icon from the desktop and choose Go => CD Creator from the window menus. You can also type burn: in the Location bar to start CD Creator.

 

The CD Creator Interface in Nautilus

Open a new Nautilus window and select the files or directories you want to write to CD-R(W). To select multiple files, press and hold the [Ctrl] key, and click on the files and folders. Then release the [Ctrl] key, press and hold the left mouse button, and drag the files and folders to the CD Creator window.

When you are ready to write the files to your CD-R(W), click the Write to CD button in the CD Creator window, which displays a dialog box where you can select the writing speed, name the CD, and choose other options.

 

The CD Creator Write Dialog Box

Click the Write files to CD button to start burning. A status window displays the writing progress.

 

The CD Creator Write Status Window

By default, the CD-R(W) should automatically eject from your drive when it is finished. Since it is generally recommended to periodically backup personal files, the CD Creator can help you do so quickly.

 

Using X-CD-Roast

X-CD-Roast is a graphical application for duplicating and creating (also known as mastering) CD-ROMs. X-CD-Roast automates the process of burning CD-Rs and CD-RWs and is highly configurable to many CD mastering or duplicating needs.

To start X-CD-Roast choose Main Menu => System Tools => CD Writer. To start it at a shell prompt, type /usr/bin/xcdroast. X-CD-Roast first scans your device busses and find your CD-R(W) drive. It then allows you to configure settings for CD-writer, CD-ROM drive, and more.

 

X-CD-Roast> Setup Screen

Check your CD-R(W) manufacturer documentation to set some of the CD Settings options, such as CD Writer Speed and CD Writer FIFO-Buffer Size. All CD image ( .iso or .img) files need to be stored in a central location accessible to X-CD-Roast. You must specify a path on your hard drive's file system that has at least 700 Megabytes (MB) of free space available. You can configure the path where you wish to store CD images in the HD Settings tab under Path.

X-CD-Roast is well-documented within the interface itself, as several of the options have long, descriptive pop-up tips that informs you of the associated function in detail. You can access these tooltips by leaving your mouse pointer on a button or drop-down menu for at least two seconds.

 

Using X-CD-Roast to Duplicate CD-ROMs

To duplicate an existing CD-ROM for backup purposes, click the Duplicate CD button in the main panel. You can read all of the tracks on a CD — all CD-ROM information, including data and audio, is stored on tracks — by clicking Read CD. You can set the speed at which you read a CD-ROM as well as find out some information about the CD-ROM track such as its type and size. If you are copying tracks from an audio CD, you can preview each track with Play Audio-Tracks. Since X-CD-Roast reads all tracks of a CD-ROM by default, you can delete unwanted tracks with Delete Tracks.

Finally, to burn your tracks onto CD-R(W) media, choose Write CD.

Click the Write CD button to start the burning process.

 

Using X-CD-Roast to Duplicate CDs

 

Using X-CD-Roast to Create a CD

It is always recommended to backup personal data and information often in case of hardware failure or file system corruption. X-CD-Roast allows you to backup files on your hard drive partition using Create CD. This facility allows you to add files and directories into a CD session using Master Tracks. There are other options within the Master Tracks dialog that allows you to configure advanced settings; however, the defaults are set correctly to create data CD-ROMs, so no further configuration is necessary.

 

Using X-CD-Roast to Back-up Hard Drive Files

Highlight the files and directories that you wish to add to the session and click Add. After you have added all files and directories you want to write to the CD-R(W), click the Create session/image tab to create the .img file. You must first click Calculate size, then click Master to image file to create the image.

To write your tracks to the CD-R(W), click Write Tracks from the panel on the left. In the Layout Tracks tab, highlight the image file you created in the box on the right, and click Add. The image displays in the Tracks to write box on the left side. Click Accept track layout, and click the Write Tracks tab to return to the main writing dialog. Click Write tracks to write the image to the CD-R(W).

You can also create and write the image to the CD-R(W) in one step by clicking Master and write on-the-fly in the Create session image tab. This saves a few steps but can sometimes cause read-write errors. It is recommended that you use the multi-step method instead of the on-the-fly methods.

 

Writing ISOs with X-CD-Roast

Large files that end in .iso are known as ISO9660 (or ISO) image files. For example, Red Hat Linux is freely available as ISO images that you can download and write to the CD-R(W). There are also other ISO image files available on FTP and websites. There are other file types that can be burned as images, such as .img and .raw, but ISO images are the most common CD image format.

To write an ISO image file to a CD-R(W) with X-CD-Roast, move the ISO file to the path specified during setup, then click Create CD. In the Layout tracks tab, highlight the ISO image file you wish to burn and click Add, then Accept track layout. This automatically loads the Write Tracks tab, where you can click Write Tracks to burn the image to the CD-R(W).

 

Using CD-Rs and CD-RWs with Command Line Tools

If you want to use a shell prompt to write images to CD-R or CD-RWs, there are two utilities available: mkisofs and cdrecord. These utilities have several advanced options that are beyond the scope of this guide; however, for basic image creation and writing, these tools save some time over the graphical alternatives such as X-CD-Roast.

 

Using mkisofs

The mkisofs utility creates ISO9660 image files that can be written to a CD-R(W). The images created by mkisofs can include all types of files. It is most useful for archival and file backup purposes.

Suppose you wish to backup a directory called /home/joeuser/, but exclude the subdirectory /home/joeuser/junk/ because it contains unnecessary files. You want to create an ISO image called backup.iso and write it to CD-R(W) so that you can use it on your Red Hat Linux PC at work and your Windows laptop for trips. This can be done with mkisofs by running the following command: 

mkisofs -o backup.iso -x /home/joeuser/junk/ -J -R -A -V -v /home/joeuser/

The image is created in the same directory that you ran the command.

You can now use the ISO image file with either X-CD-Roast as described in Section 4.3.2.3 Writing ISOs with X-CD-Roast, or using cdrecord, the command line based CD recording utility.

 

OptionFunction
-o Specifies an output file name of the ISO image.
-J Generates Joliet naming records; useful if the CD is used in Windows environments.
-R Generates Rock Ridge (RR) naming records to preserve filename length and casing, especially for UNIX/Linux environments.
-A Sets an Application ID — a text string that will be written into the volume header of the image which can be useful to determine what applications are on the CD.
-V Sets a Volume ID — a name that is assigned to it if the image is burned, and the disc is mounted in Solaris and Windows environments.
-v Sets verbose execution, which is useful for viewing the status of the image as it is being made.
-x Excludes any directory immediately following this option; this option can be repeated (for example, ... -x /home/joe/trash -x /home/joe/delete ...).

 

Using cdrecord

The cdrecord utility writes audio, data, and mixed-mode (a combination of audio, video, and/or data) CD-ROMs using options to configure several aspects of the write process, including speed, device, and data settings.

To use cdrecord, first establish the device address of your CD-R(W) device by running the following command as root at a shell prompt: 

cdrecord -scanbus

This command shows all CD-R(W) devices on your computer. It is important to remember the device address of the device used to write your CD. The following is an example output from running cdrecord -scanbus. 

Cdrecord 1.8 (i686-pc-linux-gnu) Copyright (C) 1995-2000 Jorg Schilling
Using libscg version 'schily-0.1'
scsibus0:
 0,0,0     0) *
 0,1,0     1) *
 0,2,0     2) *
 0,3,0     3) 'HP      ' 'CD-Writer+ 9200 ' '1.0c' Removable CD-ROM
 0,4,0     4) *
 0,5,0     5) *
 0,6,0     6) *
 0,7,0     7) *

To write the backup file image created with mkisofs in the previous section, switch to the root user and type the following at a shell prompt: 

cdrecord -v -eject speed=4 dev=0,3,0 backup.iso

The command sets the write speed (4), the device address (0,3,0), and sets write output (verbose [-v]), which is useful for tracking the status of the write process. The -eject argument ejects the CD-ROM after the write process is complete. The same command can also be used for burning ISO image files downloaded from the Internet, such as Red Hat Linux ISO images.

You can use cdrecord to blank CD-RW discs for reuse by typing the following: 

cdrecord --dev=0,3,0 --blank=fast

 

Viewing PDFs

A PDF (Portable Document Format) file is an electronic image of a document. PDF captures formatting information from a variety of desktop publishing applications, making it possible to send formatted documents and have them appear on the recipient's monitor or printer as they were intended. To view a PDF have a PDF reader.

An open source application called xpdf is included with Red Hat Linux. The xpdf toolbar at the bottom has navigational tools that let you move backward and forward through the PDF document, as well as standard zoom, print, and find tools. The xpdf man page provides useful information on the xpdf options. To view the xpdf man page, at a shell prompt type man xpdf.

 

xpdf

To view a PDF with xpdf:

  1. In your desktop environment, go to Main Menu => Graphics => PDF Viewer. You can also launch xpdf by typing xpdf at a shell prompt.

  2. Right-click in the xpdf screen to display a list of options.

  3. Select Open to display the file browser.

  4. Select the PDF file you want to view and click Open.

Another popular PDF viewer is Adobe Acrobat Reader. While it is not included with Red Hat Linux, you can download it free of charge at http://www.adobe.com/.

 

Editing Text Files

Red Hat Linux includes several text editors, applications that allow you to view and modify plain text files. Plain text files are files that contain text without any font or style formatting applied to it, such as system logs and configuration files.

gedit is a graphical text editor. It can open, edit, and save plain text files. You can also cut and paste text to and from other graphical desktop applications, create new text files, and print files. gedit has a clear and understandable interface that uses tabs so that you can open more than one file at the same time without opening more than one gedit window.

To start gedit, click Main Menu => Accessories => Text Editor. You can also start gedit by typing gedit at a shell prompt.

gedit can only be used in a graphical desktop environment.

 

gedit

Once gedit is running, you are presented with a blank editing area. You can begin using gedit immediately or click the Open button to locate the plain text file you want to edit. The file will load into the main editing area. You can navigate the text file by clicking and holding the scroll bar on the right edge of the window and moving your mouse cursor up and down; or, use the arrow keys to navigate through the text file line-by-line. Press the [Page Up] and [Page Down] keys to advance the document a page at a time.

gedit allows you to open multiple text files in one window using separate tabs for each file. If you have a file already open and want to copy text from another file, click Open, choose the file you want to access, and the file will open in a new tab within the gedit window. You can navigate between each file by clicking on the the tab associated with the particular filename.

Once you have modified or written your text file, you can save it by pressing the Save button in the toolbar, or by choosing File => Save from the file menus. If you are writing a new text file, a pop-up window will prompt you to name the file and save it in the directory of your choice. If you are editing an existing file, then any changes you make will automatically appear in the file the next time you open it. You can also choose File => Save As... to save an existing file under a new name or in a different location, which is convenient if, for example, you are editing a configuration file and you want to test your changes without losing your original configuration.

 

Shell Prompt Text Editors

If you are not using a graphical desktop and want to read and modify a text or configuration file, Red Hat Linux includes the vi (pronounced vee-eye) text editor. vi is a simple application that opens within the shell prompt and allows you to view, search, and modify text files. To start vi, type vi at a shell prompt. To open a file with vi type vi < filename> at a shell prompt.

 

vi

By default, vi opens a file in Normal mode, meaning that you can view and run built-in commands on the file but you cannot add text to it. To add text, press [i] (for Insert mode), which will allow you to make any modifications you need to. To exit insert mode, press [Esc], and vi reverts to Normal mode.

To exit vi, press [:] (which is the vi command mode) and press [q] then [Enter]. If you have made changes to the text file that you want to save, press [:] and type [w] then [q] to write your changes to the file and exit the application. If you accidentally made changes to a file and you want to exit vi without saving the changes, type [:] and then type [q] followed by [!], which exits without saving changes.

More information about using vi can be found by typing man vi at a shell prompt.

 

KMail

If you chose a custom installation of Red Hat Linux, your system may have the KMail email client. KMail is an email tool for KDE, the K Desktop Environment. It has an intuitive graphical interface similar to Evolution that makes sending and receiving email simpler. To open KMail, click on the Main Menu => Extras => Internet => KMail.

Before you can really use KMail, configure it so it can send and receive mail. To run the configuration tool, select Settings from the KMail toobar, and click on Configure KMail.

The Configure Mail Client window consists of seven sections: Identity, Network, Appearance, Composer, Security, and Miscellaneous. To begin sending and receiving messages you will only have to change the settings in the Identity and Network tabs. Have your email information from your service provider or administrator handy so that you can fill in the required information to begin using KMail. For additional information, http://kmail.kde.org.

 

KMail Main Screen

Once you have your email settings configured, you can begin sending and receiving email. The folders on the left side of the KMail screen allow you to view emails you have received, emails ready to be sent, emails you have sent, and more.

To compose a mail, click on the new message icon in the tool bar:

 

KMail New Email Message Screen

Once you have composed a message and entered an email address to send the email to, click Send in the toolbar:

 

Mozilla Mail

This section briefly covers the basic steps for sending and receiving email with Mozilla. If you need further information about using Mozilla Mail, the Mozilla Help contents are located under Help on the main menu.

To start Mozilla Mail, select Main Menu => Extras Internet => Mozilla Mail.

To open Mozilla Mail while in Mozilla, click on the mail icon near the lower left corner of the Mozilla screen.

 

Mozilla Mail and News

Mozilla Mail New Email Message Screen

To send an email, click on the Send button or go to File => Send Now or Send Later. If you choose to send later, you can go back to the main mail screen and go to File => Send unsent messages.

To read email, click on the mail folder you created for yourself to see a list of messages waiting for you. Then, click on the message you want to read.

Once you read a message, you can delete it, save it to a separate folder, and more.

 

Mozilla and Newsgroups

Newsgroups are Internet discussion groups with specific topics. The discussions are in threaded format (which means all topics and responses to the topic are sorted and organized for convenient reading) and subscribing to a group is very easy. You do not have to post messages if you do not want to; you can just lurk, which is a Newsgroup term for reading without posting messages. There are a great many newsgroups on the Web with topics ranging from politics to computer games to random strange thoughts. You can even post and download pictures and files to Newsgroups (although your ISP may restrict Newsgroups to text-based postings only).

To join a newsgroup, you first need to set up a newsgroup account. Click on your mail account name in the sidebar and select Create a new account from the options that appear on the right of the screen. The New Account Setup screen will appear. Select Newsgroup account and then click Next.

 

Newsgroup Account Setup

Enter your name and email address on the next screen and click Next. On the following screen, enter the name of your news server (if you do not know the name of your news server, contact your Internet service provider or network administrator for this information). On the last few screens, you can determine the name that this account will be referred to and review your settings.

The newsgroup account you created will appear in the sidebar of the Mozilla mail screen. Right-click on this account name and select Subscribe. A dialog box appears, listing all the newsgroups available. Select the groups you are interested in reading and click Subscribe. When you are done, click on OK.

Now, click on the arrow next to the newsgroup account name and the list of groups you are subscribed to will appear beneath. Select the newsgroup you want to access and a dialog box appears with information about downloading and reading existing messages. Posting to a newsgroup is just like writing an email, except that the newsgroup name appears in the To field rather than an email address. To unsubscribe from a newsgroup, right-click on the group name and select Unsubscribe.

 

Plain Text Email Clients

Most modern email clients allow the user to select whether they want to send their emails in plain text or in HTML. The advantage of HTML formatted email is that they can contain graphics and interactive links to Web sites. The particular font can be specified, the layout is very controllable, textures, and pictures or backgrounds can be added; all this makes for a visually appealing message when it gets to the recipient.

On the other hand, plain text email is just that — plain text. They is nothing fancy, there are no pictures embedded in the email, and there are no special fonts. Plain text emails are simple.

The term plain text refers to textual data in ASCII format. Plain text (also called clear text) is the most portable format because it is supported by nearly every email application on various types of machines.

This chapter will discuss the mutt plain text email client.

 

Using Mutt

Mutt is a small but very powerful text-based mail client for UNIX operating systems.

Mutt's configuration file, ~/.muttrc. gives mutt its flexibility and configurability. It is also this file that might give new users problems. The number of options that mutt has available to it are truly astounding. mutt allows the user to control nearly all of the functions that mutt uses to send, receive, and read your mail. As is true with all powerful software, it takes time to understand the features and what they can do for you.

Most of the options are invoked using the set or unset commands, with either boolean or string values, e.g. set folder = ~/Mail.

All configuration options can be changed at any time by typing a [:] followed by the relevant command. For example :unset help turns off the handy keyboard command hints at the top of the screen. To turn those hints back on, type :set help.

If you cannot remember the command you want to use, there is always tab-completion to help you.

You do not have to type all your preferred configuration commands each time you run mutt, you can save them in a file which is loaded every time the program starts up. This configuration file must exist in your home directory, it has to be named either ~/.muttrc or ~/.mutt/muttrc.

When you launch mutt, the first thing you see is a screen with a list of email messages. This initial menu is called the index.

 

mutt Main Screen

These messages are in a default mail folder, often called the mailspool, that you can think of as your inbox. Use the [K] and [J] keys on your keyboard to move the highlighted cursor up and down the list of messages.

In the index or pager views, use the [R] key to reply to a message or the [M] key to create a new one. Mutt will prompt for the To: address and the Subject: line. A text editor (defined by your $EDITOR environmental variable in the configuration file) will then launch allowing you to compose your message. Type your message, save your file and exit the editor.

After editing your email, Mutt displays the compose menu, where you can customize your message headers, change the encoding, add file attachments or simply press the [Y] key to send your email on its way. The mutt manual is installed in /usr/share/doc/mutt-1.2.x, where x is the version number of mutt installed on your system.

 

Troubleshooting Your Sound Card

If, for some reason, you do not hear sound and know that you do have a sound card installed, you can run the Sound Card Configuration Tool utility.

To use the Sound Card Configuration Tool, choose Main Menu => System Settings => Soundcard Detection. A small text box pops up prompting you for your root password.

Most sound cards are supported by Red Hat Linux, but there are some sound cards that are not completely compatible or may not work at all. If you are having trouble configuring your sound card, check the Hardware Compatibility List at http://hardware.redhat.com/ to see if your card is supported.

The Sound Card Configuration Tool utility probes your system for sound cards. If the utility detects a plug and play sound card, it will automatically try to configure the correct settings for your card. You can then click the Play test sound button to play a sound sample. If you can hear the sample, select OK and your sound card configuration is complete.

Sound Card Configuration Tool

 

If Sound Card Configuration Tool Does Not Work

If the Sound Card Configuration Tool does not work (if the sample does not play and you still do not have audio sounds), there are alternatives, although they are not quite as simple as running the Sound Card Configuration Tool. You can edit your modules.conf file as discussed below (this strategy is not recommended for most new users).

 

Manual Sound Card Configuration

If your sound card is not a plug and play card, you can manually edit your /etc/modules.conf file to include the sound card module that it should use. For example: 

alias sound sb
alias midi opl3
options opl3 io=0x388
options sb io=0x220 irq=7 dma=0,1 mpu_io=0x300

 

Playing Digital Videos

It has become more and more popular to play digital movie files, such as Video Compact Discs (VCDs), Digital Versatile (or Video) disks (DVD), and streaming video from the Web. Red Hat Linux offers a tool called Xine that can play several digital video file formats on your graphical desktop. Xine uses a panel that lets you open files and media, control volume, create playlists, take screenshots of the video stills, and more.

 

The Xine Panel

To start Xine, click Main Menu => Extras => Sound & Video => Video Player; or, you can start it by typing xine at a shell prompt.

To play a movie on disc, choose either VCD or DVD on the bottom of the panel. This should automatically mount and load your video disk for viewing by pressing the Play button.

To play a video file that you have downloaded from the Internet, choose the MRL browser on the left side of the panel. This will pop up a file browser that allows you to choose the video from a listing of your home directory. Choose the file and press the Play button. You can close the MRL browser by clicking Dismiss.

By default, Xine will play a file in a window on your desktop. To play a file full screen (where the video fills your desktop screen), click the Fullscreen/Window Mode button next to the Quit button at the top-right side of the panel. Right-click anywhere on the screen to hide the panel. When you are finished viewing the video, right-click again to show the panel and press the Quit button to quit Xine.

 

Additional Resources

While this chapter covers several applications briefly, there is so much more you can do with them. Refer to the following resources if you are interested in learning more about the applications in this chapter.

 

Installed Documentation

Some applications discussed have online documentation included with the package, accessible right from your PC.

 

Useful Websites

The Web has several sites of interest if you are looking for more detailed information about an application covered in this chapter: