---
title: Introduction
author: Franklin Bristow
---

So far in the course we've been using someone else's Linux system: the CS
department's Linux systems, pre-configured virtual machines, and servers that
are deployed with complete operating system images.

While it's great to be able to use those pre-existing systems, we really want to
be able to do this for ourselves.

In this unit ([the last unit]!) we're going to spend some time looking at the
different kinds of Linux distributions that we can choose from, install a Linux
distribution in either a virtual machine environment or (if you're adventurous!)
on your own machine.

Then we'll look at how you can install packages on the command line, including
how to set up a web server.

[the last unit]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D475j4sZyz0

::: outcomes

* [ ] Choose a Linux distribution.
* [ ] Install the Linux distribution either on your laptop or in a virtual machine.
* [ ] Install packages using a package manager on the command line.
    * [ ] Install packages using a GUI package manager.
* [ ] Configure and run a web server.

:::