Linux is a multitasking system and you will certainly want to take advantage of this (for example, to compile a program while you are surfing on the web). Two methods enable you to take advantage of this system's capacities.
The first method consists of launching the program in the background. To do this, you only have to type the "&" symbol right after the program's name. Then, the shell leaves you free to do something else. Note that you have to be careful for some programs are interactive: nothing will happen if you launch them in the background. To bring a program that was launched in the background back to the foreground, type:
fg name_of_the_programThe second method consists of launching several independent sessions. If you are in graphics mode, just launch another Xterm or Terminal-emulator program. In console mode, press "alt" and one of the keys that are contained between "F1" and "F6" simultaneously. A new login box appears and you can log into a new session. This method also enables you to work on another console if your console is no longer accessible and even kill a frozen program. This is why use of the computer's reset button is very rare under Linux!