diff options
author | Gerard Beekmans <gerard@linuxfromscratch.org> | 2005-02-19 22:16:42 +0000 |
---|---|---|
committer | Gerard Beekmans <gerard@linuxfromscratch.org> | 2005-02-19 22:16:42 +0000 |
commit | 81fd230419b0cfd052b08fc1ed352bb7d49975df (patch) | |
tree | 24c98d2876e5b457dcb88d39e7cca4905f58691a /prologue | |
parent | 2f9131f8390243dbc350fe2eeb9e1d58f0264888 (diff) |
Trunk is now identical to Testing
git-svn-id: http://svn.linuxfromscratch.org/LFS/trunk/BOOK@4648 4aa44e1e-78dd-0310-a6d2-fbcd4c07a689
Diffstat (limited to 'prologue')
-rw-r--r-- | prologue/audience.xml | 81 | ||||
-rw-r--r-- | prologue/bookinfo.xml | 20 | ||||
-rw-r--r-- | prologue/dedication.xml | 1 | ||||
-rw-r--r-- | prologue/foreword.xml | 57 | ||||
-rw-r--r-- | prologue/organization.xml | 30 | ||||
-rw-r--r-- | prologue/prerequisites.xml | 27 | ||||
-rw-r--r-- | prologue/typography.xml | 48 |
7 files changed, 245 insertions, 19 deletions
diff --git a/prologue/audience.xml b/prologue/audience.xml index 2d2edf45d..b9a1842a1 100644 --- a/prologue/audience.xml +++ b/prologue/audience.xml @@ -7,6 +7,85 @@ <title>Audience</title> <?dbhtml filename="audience.html"?> -<para>See testing</para> +<para>There are many reasons why somebody would want to read this +book. The principle reason is to install a Linux system straight +from the source code. A question many people raise is, <quote>why go +through all the hassle of manually building a Linux system from +scratch when you can just download and install an existing +one?</quote> That is a good question and is the impetus for this +section of the book.</para> + +<para>One important reason for LFS's existence is to help people learn +how a Linux system works from the inside out. Building an LFS system +helps demonstrate what makes Linux tick, and how things work together +and depend on each other. One of the best things that this learning +experience provides is the ability to customize Linux to your own +tastes and needs.</para> + +<para>A key benefit of LFS is that it allows users to have more +control over the system without relying on someone else's Linux +implementation. With LFS, <emphasis>you</emphasis> are in the +driver's seat and dictate every aspect of the system, such as the +directory layout and bootscript setup. You also dictate where, why, +and how programs are installed.</para> + +<para>Another benefit of LFS is the ability to create a very compact +Linux system. When installing a regular distribution, one is often +forced to install several programs which are probably never used. +These programs waste precious disk space, or worse, CPU cycles. It is +not difficult to build an LFS system of less than 100 megabytes (MB), +which is substantially smaller compared to most existing setups. Does +this still sound like a lot of space? A few of us have been working on +creating a very small embedded LFS system. We successfully built a +system that was specialized to run the Apache web server with +approximately 8MB of disk space used. Further stripping could bring +this down to 5 MB or less. Try that with a regular distribution! +This is only one of the many benefits of designing your own Linux +implementation.</para> + +<para>We could compare Linux distributions to a hamburger purchased at +a fast-food restaurant—you have no idea what might be in what +you are eating. LFS, on the other hand, does not give you a hamburger. +Rather, LFS provides the recipe to make the exact hamburger desired. +This allows users to review the recipe, omit unwanted ingredients, and +add your own ingredients to enhance the flavor of the burger. +When you are satisfied with the recipe, move on to preparing it. It +can be made to exact specifications—broil it, bake it, deep-fry +it, or barbecue it.</para> + +<para>Another analogy that we can use is that of comparing LFS with a +finished house. LFS provides the skeletal plan of a house, but it is up +to you to build it. LFS maintains the freedom to adjust plans +throughout the process, customizing it to the user's needs and +preferences.</para> + +<para>An additional advantage of a custom built Linux system is +security. By compiling the entire system from source code, you are +empowered to audit everything and apply all the security patches +desired. It is no longer necessary to wait for somebody else to +compile binary packages that fix a security hole. Unless you +examine the patch and implement it yourself, you have no guarantee +that the new binary package was built correctly and adequately fixes +the problem.</para> + +<para>The goal of Linux From Scratch is to build a complete and usable +foundation-level system. Readers who do not wish to build their own +Linux system from scratch may not benefit from the information in this +book. If you only want to know what happens while the computer boots, +we recommend the <quote>From Power Up To Bash Prompt</quote> HOWTO +located at <ulink url="http://axiom.anu.edu.au/~okeefe/p2b/"/> or on +The Linux Documentation Project's (TLDP) website at <ulink +url="http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/From-PowerUp-To-Bash-Prompt-HOWTO.html"/>. +The HOWTO builds a system which is similar to that of this book, +but it focuses strictly on creating a system capable of booting to a +BASH prompt. Consider your objective. If you wish to build a Linux +system while learning along the way, then this book is your best +choice.</para> + +<para>There are too many good reasons to build your own LFS system to +list them all here. This section is only the tip of the iceberg. As +you continue in your LFS experience, you will find the power that +information and knowledge truly bring.</para> </sect1> + diff --git a/prologue/bookinfo.xml b/prologue/bookinfo.xml index 1fbf9e04d..2aca11534 100644 --- a/prologue/bookinfo.xml +++ b/prologue/bookinfo.xml @@ -14,20 +14,12 @@ <copyright id="copyright"> - <year>1999-2005</year> + <year>1999–2005</year> <holder>Gerard Beekmans</holder> </copyright> - -<abstract> -<para><note><para>In this book there is only the commands to build an LFS system -and new stuff. For a full version with all the explanations see <ulink -url="&lfs-root;lfs/view/testing"/>.</para></note></para> -</abstract> - - <legalnotice> -<para>Copyright (c) 1999-2005, Gerard Beekmans</para> +<para>Copyright (c) 1999–2005, Gerard Beekmans</para> <para>All rights reserved.</para> @@ -38,14 +30,14 @@ met:</para> <itemizedlist> <listitem><para>Redistributions in any form must retain the above copyright -notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.</para></listitem> +notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer</para></listitem> <listitem><para>Neither the name of <quote>Linux From Scratch</quote> nor the names of its contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived -from this material without specific prior written permission.</para></listitem> +from this material without specific prior written permission</para></listitem> <listitem><para>Any material derived from Linux From Scratch must contain -a reference to the <quote>Linux From Scratch</quote> project.</para></listitem> +a reference to the <quote>Linux From Scratch</quote> project</para></listitem> </itemizedlist> @@ -62,5 +54,5 @@ NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.</para> </legalnotice> - </bookinfo> + diff --git a/prologue/dedication.xml b/prologue/dedication.xml index a523b2936..41cca4d77 100644 --- a/prologue/dedication.xml +++ b/prologue/dedication.xml @@ -7,3 +7,4 @@ <title>Dedication</title> <para>This book is dedicated</para> </dedication> + diff --git a/prologue/foreword.xml b/prologue/foreword.xml index c9aaf7242..7f2c31288 100644 --- a/prologue/foreword.xml +++ b/prologue/foreword.xml @@ -7,6 +7,61 @@ <title>Foreword</title> <?dbhtml filename="foreword.html"?> -<para>See testing</para> +<para>My adventures in Linux began six years ago when I downloaded and +installed my first distribution. After working with it for awhile, I +discovered issues I definitely would have liked to see improved upon. +For example, I didn't like the arrangement of the bootscripts or the way +programs were configured by default. I tried a number of alternate +distributions to address these issues, yet each had its pros and cons. +Finally, I realized that if I wanted full satisfaction from my Linux +system, I would have to build my own from scratch.</para> + +<para>What does this mean? I resolved not to use pre-compiled packages +of any kind, nor CD-ROMs or boot disks that would install basic +utilities. I would use my current Linux system to develop my own +customized system. This <quote>perfect</quote> Linux system would then +have the strengths of various systems without their associated +weaknesses. In the beginning, the idea was rather daunting, but I +remained committed to the idea that a system could be built that would +conform to my needs and desires rather than to a standard that just +did not fit what I was looking for.</para> + +<para>After sorting through issues such as circular dependencies and +compile-time errors, I created a custom-built Linux system that was +fully operational and suitable to individual needs. This process also +allowed me to create compact and streamlined Linux systems which are +faster and take up less space than traditional operating systems. I +called this system a Linux From Scratch system, or an LFS system for +short.</para> + +<para>As I shared my goals and experiences with other members of the +Linux community, it became apparent that there was sustained interest +in the ideas set forth in my Linux adventures. Such custom-built LFS +systems not only to meet user specifications and requirements, but +also serve as an ideal learning opportunity for programmers and system +administrators to enhance their Linux skills. Out of this broadened +interest, the Linux From Scratch Project was born.</para> + +<para>This <emphasis>Linux From Scratch</emphasis> book provides +readers with the background and instruction to design and build custom +Linux systems. This book highlights the Linux from Scratch project and +the benefits of using this system. Users can dictate all aspects of +their system, including directory layout, script setup, and security. +The resulting system will be compiled straight from the source code, +and the user will be able to specify where, why, and how programs are +installed. This book allows readers to fully customize Linux systems +to their own needs and allows users more control over their +system.</para> + +<para>I hope you will have a great time working on your own LFS +system, and enjoy the numerous benefits of having a system that is +truly <emphasis>your own</emphasis>.</para> + +<para></para> + +<literallayout>-- +Gerard Beekmans +gerard@linuxfromscratch.org</literallayout> </sect1> + diff --git a/prologue/organization.xml b/prologue/organization.xml index 70d8572e4..f701fc388 100644 --- a/prologue/organization.xml +++ b/prologue/organization.xml @@ -7,6 +7,34 @@ <title>Structure</title> <?dbhtml filename="organization.html"?> -<para>See testing</para> +<para>This book is divided into the following parts.</para> + +<sect2> +<title>Part I - Introduction</title> + +<para>Part I explains a few important notes on how to proceed with the +LFS installation. This section also provides meta-information about +the book.</para> +</sect2> + +<sect2> +<title>Part II - Preparing for the Build</title> + +<para>Part II describes how to prepare for the building process—making +a partition, downloading the packages, and compiling temporary +tools.</para> +</sect2> + +<sect2> +<title>Part III - Building the LFS System</title> + +<para>Part III guides the reader through the building of the LFS +system—compiling and installing all the packages one by one, +setting up the boot scripts, and installing the kernel. The resulting +Linux system is the foundation on which other software can be built to +expand the system as desired. At the end of this book, there is an +easy to use reference listing all of the programs, libraries, and +important files that have been installed.</para> +</sect2> </sect1> diff --git a/prologue/prerequisites.xml b/prologue/prerequisites.xml index b22902560..506fe4487 100644 --- a/prologue/prerequisites.xml +++ b/prologue/prerequisites.xml @@ -7,6 +7,31 @@ <title>Prerequisites</title> <?dbhtml filename="prerequisites.html"?> -<para>See testing</para> +<para>This book assumes that the reader has a reasonable knowledge of using +and installing Linux software. Before building an LFS system, we +recommend reading the following HOWTOs:</para> + +<itemizedlist> +<listitem><para remap="verbatim">Software-Building-HOWTO +<ulink url="http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Software-Building-HOWTO.html"/></para> + +<para>This is a comprehensive guide to building and installing +<quote>generic</quote> Unix software distributions under Linux.</para></listitem> + +<listitem><para remap="verbatim">The Linux Users' Guide +<ulink url="http://espc22.murdoch.edu.au/~stewart/guide/guide.html"/></para> + +<para>This guide covers the usage of assorted Linux software.</para></listitem> + +<listitem><para remap="verbatim">The Essential Pre-Reading Hint +<ulink url="&hints-root;essential_prereading.txt"/></para> + +<para>This is an LFS Hint written specifically for users new to Linux. +It includes a list of links to excellent sources of information on a +wide range of topics. Anyone attempting to install LFS should have an +understanding of many of the topics in this hint.</para></listitem> + +</itemizedlist> </sect1> + diff --git a/prologue/typography.xml b/prologue/typography.xml index d13d31282..3a74378a4 100644 --- a/prologue/typography.xml +++ b/prologue/typography.xml @@ -7,6 +7,52 @@ <title>Typography</title> <?dbhtml filename="typography.html"?> -<para>See testing</para> +<para>To make things easier to follow, there are a few typographical +conventions used throughout this book. This section contains some +examples of the typographical format found throughout Linux From +Scratch.</para> + +<screen><userinput>./configure --prefix=/usr</userinput></screen> + +<para>This form of text is designed to be typed exactly as seen unless +otherwise noted in the surrounding text. It is also used in the +explanation sections to identify which of the commands is being +referenced.</para> + +<screen><computeroutput>install-info: unknown option '--dir-file=/mnt/lfs/usr/info/dir'</computeroutput></screen> + +<para>This form of text (fixed width text) shows screen output, +probably as the result of commands issued. This format is also used +to show filenames, such as +<filename>/etc/ld.so.conf</filename>.</para> + +<para><emphasis>Emphasis</emphasis></para> + +<para>This form of text is used for several purposes in the book, +mainly to emphasize important points or items.</para> + +<para><ulink url="&lfs-root;"/></para> + +<para>This format is used for hyperlinks, both within the LFS +community and to external pages, including HOWTOs, download locations, +and websites.</para> + +<screen><userinput>cat > $LFS/etc/group << "EOF" +<literal>root:x:0: +bin:x:1: +......</literal> +EOF</userinput></screen> + +<para>This format is used when creating configuration files. The first +command tells the system to create the file +<filename>$LFS/etc/group</filename> from whatever is typed on the +following lines until the sequence end of file (EOF) is encountered. +Therefore, this entire section is generally typed as seen.</para> + +<para><replaceable>[REPLACED TEXT]</replaceable></para> + +<para>This format is used to encapsulate text that is not to be typed +as seen<phrase condition="html"> or copy-and-pasted</phrase>.</para> </sect1> + |