For this course, it is important to learn how to '''open a command prompt in order to issue commands to perform common tasks'''. In Unix/Linux, a '''shell''' is simply an interface / interpreter to allow a user to communicate with the Linux computer system (server). Linux shells have evolved (improved) over a period of time. You will be using the '''Bash Shell''' which is considered to be user-friendly. By understanding how to issue Linux commands, you can create a file that contains Linux commands (called a '''shell script''') to automate tasks to make you a more '''productive''' user and administrator.

[[Image:matrix-layout.png|thumb|right|250px|The Matrix server consists of several Virtual Computers all connected together to form a '''cluster'''. A cluster is a '''cost effective''' alternative to larger servers. ]]