This procedure explains what to do to stop an individual computer. If the system is operating correctly, things should pretty much happen as described. If there are problems, refer to the Linux manuals for more information.
Many Linux desktops have a method to shutting down using the graphical interface. Because the graphical method may vary, the command line method is described here.
Note that the file server computer should be the last machine stopped. Remember that the other computers use the file server.
Procedure 1.2. Linux Shutdown
Open a terminal (command prompt).
Super-user to root: su -
Enter the root password.
Enter the shutdown command: shutdown -h now
The system will perform a number of operations. If the system does not automatically power down, a message is displayed saying that it is safe to shut off the power.
There are other ways of shutting down, this is just one example. For example, an alternative to the above command might be poweroff.