Linux Basics is an introductory class for people who are basically comfortable with using a computer for web browsing, word processing, and so forth, but who are new to GNU/Linux. You will learn how to do a typical Linux installation on a PC, and how to use and maintain GNU/Linux and several popular applications.
Some of the topics to be covered include:

• What is GNU/Linux? (An overview of Open Source software concepts)
• What is Ubuntu Linux?
• How GNU/Linux differs from other operating systems, and also what
  it has in common with them
• Trying out Ubuntu Linux with a "live demo" CD or DVD
• Planning your first installation: How to lay out your hard drive
  for easy backups and upgrades
• Installing Ubuntu Linux
• Connecting to the Internet with Linux
• Surfing the Web and checking email with Linux applications
• Managing your files in the Linux desktop
• A tour of the productivity applications available on Linux
• How to use Windows[tm] files and disks in Linux
• Basic troubleshooting procedures
• Installing and removing software, and applying updates

Students will be provided a PC laptop to use for a hands-on experience. The class will use the Ubuntu distribution of Linux, which is popular with many newcomers, but most of what you learn will be applicable to other Linux versions as well. (The laptop you use may be purchased after class for a nominal fee, expected to be around $100.)

Instructors: Scott and Katherine Courtney, Sine Nomine
Schedule: 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm