Title: Module 5 Discussion: Linux
Course: CGS 1560 Microcomputer Operating Systems > Section: Module 5 - Major OS File Systems

A computer file system is the method that it used to store and retrieve data from a storage device. The idea of a filing system has been with us since man started collecting documents. The simplest analogy for describing a modern computer's file system is to relate it to the vertical filing system. The vertical filing system was invented by Edwin G. Seibels in 1898.

Think of the computer system as the filing cabinet. The disk drives or volumes on a disk drive are the filing cabinet drawers. The directories and sub-directories are the filing folders. Finally, the files are the individual paper documents.

The UNIX and Linux operating systems have long been perceived as being command-line only operating systems with applications only for power users. This has deterred the average computer user from venturing into the world of UNIX/Linux. Another deterrent is the amount of distributions (distros) for Linux such as, Mandriva, Ubuntu and Fedora. Fedora has approximately 20 different distributions all by itself. We will use Linux as the topic for this module’s discussion question.

File systems vary slightly between the different operating systems, yet they still utilize the same basic structure. Your first task will be to review the following three videos. The first two will give you a brief overview of the operating system and basic file structure used in Linux. The third video gives you a quick look at the Gnome GUI used with Fedora 17.

- Linux Basics – Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWxG6mcjI8Q&feature=related

- Linux Basics – Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L391Wzf6x4&feature=relmfu

- Intro to Fedora 17 and Gnome 3: Part 1 of 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P4_hRp7aDg&feature=relmfu

In this discussion, describe what your perception was of Linux prior to watching the videos and what it is after watching the videos. Explain why your perception either changed or remained unchanged. Briefly compare and contrast the Linux file system to that of a Windows or Mac file system. You also need to explain why you are more or less likely to use Linux in the future.

Once everyone has completed the discussion question go back and read your classmates postings. Respond to two of them with at least one complete paragraph, explaining to them why your perception has changed or remained the same.

Use the information in the rubric as a guide toward successful completion of this module's discussion.