The Top Ten Reasons for Learning Linux, Number 8, More Control Over the Computer

Linux offers several dozen commands that allow you to control your computer to a degree which far exceeds the capabilities of Windows systems. For example, take the command ls to list files and directories. For the uninitiated, this is the Linux version of the DIR command in Windows that also shows the files and directories. Both LS and DIR commands switches offer many options that enable an expert user to adjust certain actions. But the Linux ls command (do not type in the LS) contains many powerful options that are often simply not available in the Windows world.

For example, the ls command shows the permissions for files and directories. With a simple command system administrator can block normal users to modify or execute a file. What does this mean to you? This reduces the likelihood that a user starts a virus by opening an email attachment. If execute permission has not been specifically selected, the file will not run and the attachment can not be run.

Another feature of Linux is inode. In short, it works: An individual file can be accessed by different names in different folders. Why would anyone do that? This feature allows the system to identify a particular file with different filenames natural for different users. Can you do that in Windows? More or less, more sophisticated versions, but only if you are a system administrator or have been granted special permission. Can you do this in Damn Small Linux? Yes, we cover this in one or more tutorials.

Linux is a multiuser system. After the installation of Damn Small Linux creates two users with very different file permissions. This provides an introduction to real-life data security. It’s easy to create new users and control what they can do. Of course, Windows may perform many of these activities, but often represent a risk for a costly error or security breaches that can disable certain features of the necessary equipment.

Linux provides several commands. Why would anyone want to run in Linux arcane commands, such as Windows, provides an attractive graphical user interface? Let’s say your job is to create five hundred new user accounts at the beginning of the semester at school. Do you really want to repeat the whole caboodle clicks and five or more times, once for each user, not to mention the additional time required each time you make a mistake? The answer is no.

You want to work with a script, a custom program using Linux commands to save your sanity by automating these tasks. A good script gives information about your log files so that data will not be reinstated. If the script is good or not depends on the skills of the person who authored it. But Linux offers all the tools necessary for good writing and also an excellent script.

When you know how to create and manage users may want to look at the Linux certification. It is the theme for our next article.