Linux is everywhere. It powers the Internet as the main operating system behind the Web's servers, it powers spacecraft, it's the operating system for the fastest supercomputers in the world and it's used in smart TVs and mobile devices. Why? Because it's ultra stable, lightning fast and completely free of charge.

However, there's more to Linux than simply being a free to use operating system. Its unique configuration allows the user to customise and personalise the OS into any form they wish. A Linux user can change their OS look and feel from one day to the next, install thousands of freely available apps and programs and take back control of their computer.

Linux is about freedom. Freedom from the walled-garden approach of other restrictive operating systems, freedom to choose what you want on your computer, freedom to alter it and use it how you please. It's a worldwide community of likeminded users, all striving to get the best development from this incredible OS.

With this book, you too can become a part of the open community of Linux users. The tutorials within these pages will help you get to grips with Linux, show you how it works, what you can do with it and how you can code with it to take your Linux experience to even greater heights. Discover Linux. Discover freedom.