Your Linux system comprises many services and mechanisms whose activity and behaviour can be configured by many configuration files. Their text format makes them easy to read for any user. Most of these files are in the /etc directory.
"Linuxconf" is what is generally called a graphical "frontend". It enables you to adjust the parameters of your Linux system easily (with the mouse) and with precision.
To use linuxconf (you have to be "root"), type "linuxconf" or select this program in the K-menu>non KDE Applications>System>linuxconf.
You can also use linuxconf on console or via netscape.