1. About this book#
The target audience for this book, what you will need to follow the included recipes and a note on the author.
1.1. Who is it for?#
If you are a student or a researcher in biological sciences and are new to Linux, this book will help you get started quickly.
The primary focus is in using graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to accomplish tasks, but you will also find methods that make use of the command line interface (CLI), in this book.
1.2. What you will learn#
In these chapters, you will learn how to:
Run Linux on your computer
Use the desktop and included software
Work with files and directories
Search, install, and use software
Use the command line and learn some basic commands
1.3. The author#
Hello. I’m Vimal.
I got introduced to Linux and open source software while pursuing my Master’s degree in Biotechnology at Madurai Kamaraj University, India.
The idea of being able to use and modify software without restrictions was new and exciting to me. I learnt to install Linux, compile software from source code and even create my own Linux live CD!
This experience became valuable in academia, where I worked primarily in research support for a period of over 9 years. During this time, I had installed and managed Linux servers, databases, web applications and websites, contributed in the development of scientific software, published software in repositories, and taught beginner level courses in Python programming and Bioinformatics.
This book is a compilation of the experiences I had gained over time in my interactions with students, colleagues, and the users of our services. Thank you for your interest in reading it. I hope you will find it useful.