Tips for Linux beginners

[Agent-X]

In this thread, we give some simple, concise (to our best ability) tips for newcomers to Linux. This is in order to help people get more accustomed to the idea of Linux and how to excel their learning.

- Linux is the kernel, not the operating system.
- If the hardware doesn't work, find or wait for a newer/better/alternative kernel and/or modules.
- Almost everything can be done with terminal or command-line input; it just takes a lot of time to learn how.
- Learn what files do and make backups before you manipulate them.
- Know how to restore those backups before manipulating the original.
- Using a Live-CD helps prevent messing anything up.
- Wireless, in many cases, can be obtained with a Live-CD
- Once you get the Internet working, learning Linux becomes easier with online help.
- There is often an open-source or freeware program that imitates a program that costs money.
- Did you install the requirements to build files from source?
- Understand the concept of dependencies.
- Learn PERL.

[fingal]

1. Read as much as you can about Linux: there are some good magazines around these days, and a few books won't hurt either. You can also find information on-line, but don't forget your local library and remember that the Internet has little quality control, so not everything you read on the Web is going to be accurate.
   
   
2. Read manuals to learn how packages work, but don't worry if you think they seem too complicated. You probably don't need everything in there, and you can just skim through until you find what you need. Even manuals can contain mistakes.
   
   
3. Try to avoid compiling large complicated packages from source (unless you like doing this just for the hell of it). You would probably be better off using your package manager instead. Even if you do compile from source, you can use a package manager to install dependent software.
   
   
4. Learn Google's advanced search features: you will use these again and again, and get better at it. Soon there will be very little which you can't find if you put your mind to it.
   
   
5. In the very beginning you should try as many distros as you comfortably can, but it's probably better to avoid the more obscure ones.
   
   
6. When asking questions on a Forum, please supply plenty of concise details and check your spelling. It can be off-putting to read something that looks like it's written in machine code!
   
   
7. Browse through your directory tree from time to time... Get to know its structure and generally poke around. This can come in very useful later on, and you may well find programs you weren't aware of.
   
   
8. If you use BASH, the tab auto-complete feature is very useful and will save your fingers when typing in long directory paths / file names. This can really speed you up. In fact, spend time learning how your terminal works and how to configure it.
   
   
9. Don't worry if you don't program for a living. You can still participate in open source somehow. Participation can take many forms.
   
   
10. Install security and bug fixes at regular intervals. Again, your package manager can help with this: if you learn to use it you won't regret it.
    
    
11. Enjoy using Linux, and celebrate your freedom. We are lucky to have some.

[hazel]

- Learn PERL.

I can't learn perl. I don't understand why - I normally learn programming languages easily. I taught myself basic C. But I have a complete block about perl. Why is it so important anyway?

Seriously, my tips would be:

1) If you have info pages on your system, use them in preference to man pages. They're more user-friendly.

2) For broader, more subject-based guidance, look for HOWTOs either on this site or on The Linux Documentation Project.

3) When you run into a problem, check your /var/log/messages file for relevant error messages and paste them into google.

4) Contrary to Fingal, I think it's probably better to stick with one distro until you feel a bit more at home with Linux.

[tommytabib]

My tips for a newcomer to linux would be:

1. simply get on distrowatch and pick any of the top 10 distros and get on their website

2. look at the screen shots of that particular distro and see if you like the way it looks, then look at its specifications and see if it will run on your hardware

3. download it and install it, what have you got to lose by just trying it? You don't even have to install it just run the livecd.

P.S. i know these are not really tips about linux, but the best way to learn is to try it