by Michael Stutz
Because of its robust and stable nature, the Linux−based system is the choice of millions today. But what some may not know is that the free software movement, of which Linux is a part, is very much a counter−cultural phenomenon: the design by which it is produced and published is contrary to the notions of proprietary, intellectual "property" that have dominated mainstream culture so long. While some programmers turn their research into corporate−backed software that you cannot openly change, share, or examine (but only purchase and run on your system), Linux and other free software is the product of many individuals who courageously published and shared their research and work openly, for everyone to benefit from.
I wrote this book because I want everyone to know how to use this software, because I think everyone deserves the freedom that comes with it. I don't willingly use proprietary software−−not because it is always
inferior to free software, but because its use precludes freedoms that I find I cannot exist without ... freedoms that should be everyone's right by default in a free, open society. (See Introduction.)I know that Linux isn't difficult to use, especially when compared with other software and operating systems, but what was needed was a guide to show people how to use it to get things done: "Oh, you want to do
that? Here, type this."That explains the premise of the book−−it's a hands−on guide to getting things done on a Linux system, designed for the everyday user who is not necessarily a computer programmer......