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. |