Windows 2003 server web - APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF LINUX TERMS commodity
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF LINUX TERMS commodity In the context of hardware, describes PC hardware usually based around Intel or AMD processors that can be bought off the shelf and used to create sophisticated computer systems (as opposed to buying specially designed hardware). One reason for Linux s success is its ability to use commodity hardware. community The general term for the millions of Linux users worldwide, regardless of what they use Linux for or their individual backgrounds. By using Linux, you automatically become part of the community. compile The practice of creating a binary file from source code, usually achieved using the ./configure, make, make install series of commands and scripts. config file Configuration file; any file that contains the list of settings for a program. Sometimes it s necessary to edit config files by hand using programs like vi or Emacs, but often the program itself will write its config file according to the settings you choose. copyleft The legal principle of protecting the right to share a creative work, such as a computer program, using a legally binding license. Copyleft also ensures future iterations of the work are covered in the same way. cracker Someone who breaks into computer systems to steal data or cause damage. The term is not necessarily linked to Linux or Unix but was created by the community to combat the widespread use of hacker in this sense. The word hacker has traditionally defined someone who merely administers, programs, and generally enjoys computers. cron Background service that schedules tasks to occur at certain times. It relies on the crontab file. CUPS Common Unix Printing System; set of programs that work in the background to handle printing under Unix and Linux. curses Library that lets software present a semigraphical interface at the shell, complete with menu systems and simple mouse control (if configured). The version of curses used under Linux and Unix is called ncurses.