Jargon File

The Jargon File

Term	Explanation	read more
distro, distribution	A collection of software making up a compete operating system with desktop and applications. In car terms, this would be everything except the engine	Some Linux distros
live CD/DVD	A complete distribution on a CD/DVD. Allows you to try out a distro without installing. Can be run on Windows without installing anything at all on your hard drive. Safe but slow.	Some Live CD's
repo, repository	Collection of additional software, that can be downloaded and installed on your machine. See your distributions webpage for more info
terminal	the Linux command line	Konsole
Package manager	Application to browse repos, add, or remove software. Distros often have their own package managers. This is the preferred way to install, or remove software safely. Software installed this way will automatically be kept up to date with the latest safety upgrades and bug fixes.	Some Package Managers
root	The administrator of your machine. Even if you administer your own machine, it is still preferable to only log in as root when you absolutely must. Usually, if you want to do something that needs you to be root, a popup will simply ask for root's password, so you won't need to switch user.
console	the Linux command line	Konsole
shell	the Linux command line	Konsole
su	Shell command to switch user to root. Used, when you need special rights to do something. You will be promptet for the root password before su takes effect. NB: remember to type exit when you are done. This gets you back to your regular user.
sudo	Like su, but it only grants root priviledges for one command, so the command you want to run should immediately follow sudo. You will still be prompted for the root password.
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