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# From DOS/Windows to Linux HOWTO

## By Guido Gonzato, `ggonza at tin.it`

Version 1.3.5. 31 August 2000.

This HOWTO is dedicated to all the (soon to be former?) DOS and Windows users who have decided to switch to Linux, the free UNIX clone. The purpose of this document is to help the reader translate his or her knowledge of DOS and Windows into the Linux environment, as well as providing hints on exchanging files and resources between the two OSes.

## 1. Introduction

- 1.1 Is Linux Right for You?
- 1.2 It Is. Tell Me More
- 1.3 Conventions

## 2. For the Impatient

## 3. Meet bash

## 4. Files and Programs

- 4.1 Files: Preliminary Notions
- 4.2 Symbolic Links
- 4.3 Permissions and Ownership
- 4.4 Files: Translating Commands
- 4.5 Running Programs: Multitasking and Sessions
- 4.6 Running Programs on Remote Computers

## 5. Using Directories

- 5.1 Directories: Preliminary Notions
- 5.2 Directories Permissions
- 5.3 Directories: Translating Commands

## 6. Floppies, Hard Disks, and the Like

- 6.1 Managing Devices the DOS Way
- 6.2 Managing Devices the UNIX Way
- 6.3 Backing Up

## 7. What About Windows?

## 8. Tailoring the System

- 8.1 System Initialisation Files
- 8.2 Program Initialisation Files

## 9. Networking: Concepts

## 10. A Bit of Programming

- 10.1 Shell Scripts: .BAT Files on Steroids
- 10.2 C for Yourself
- 10.3 X11 Programming

## 11. The Remaining 1%

- 11.1 Running DOS/Windows Apps
- 11.2 Using tar and gzip
- 11.3 Installing Applications
- 11.4 Tips You Can't Do Without
- 11.5 Where to Find Applications
- 11.6 A Few Things You Couldn't Do
- 11.7 Practicing UNIX under DOS/Win
- 11.8 Common Extensions and Related Programs
- 11.9 Converting Files
- 11.10 Free Office Suites

## 12. The End, for Now

- 12.1 Copyright
- 12.2 Disclaimer

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