One of the primary functions of any operating system, Linux included, is to provide an interface between the application software and the peripheral hardware of the machine. Common peripheral hardware includes such devices as:

• the console terminal, for video output and keyboard input;
• modems for simple serial communication with other systems;
• mice as alternative input devices;
• printers for output of listings, text and graphics.

This tutorial looks at each of these devices in turn to see what facilities exist in Linux to set up and use them.

Next: Console Terminal

---