For My Edification

[Louis Marrero]

Gentlemen,

 

I have a number of really dumb questions that I hope you might be able to
shed some light on.

 

Although I am familiar with basic computer operation, I've been trying to
understand a very experienced programmer friend that mixes Linux/Unix
terminology in his vocabulary under the assumption that everyone knows the
language.

 

Being familiar only with general knowledge on the Windows XP that I use
daily, I've gone on the web to find out more information on some of the
terms used by this programmer, such as "BSD", "shell terminal", "nc -u",
etc.  Since my friend knows that my computer is strictly MS Windows, when my
friend writes down something like "In a shell terminal type nc -u
10.101.97.200 5555." it makes me wonder what I'm missing.  

 

Here are some questions that can help my understanding:

 

1.         I know that Windows is an OS, and Linux/Unix as well as FreeBSD
are other Operating System.  My very basic question is this: Is it even
possible to install a second OS, like FreeBSD on an existing Windows-based
computer?

 

2.         Is it possible to link my Windows laptop to a web server with
Unix or FreeBSD and exercise Unix/Linux commands.  If so, how is that done?

 

I'd be grateful for any information.

 

Louis Marrero