hi! Linux newbie, totally excited!

[hj7]

Hi, all! I'm super new to Linux. I'm taking a Linux+ class right now, but I started out without much computer-related knowledge and I feel stupid asking questions in class. The instructor encourages questions, but a lot of the people there already use Linux, and many of them work in computer-related jobs, and I mostly can't bring myself to speak up.

I'm taking an A+ Operating Systems class right now, too, and am planning to take the hardware portion of the class next semester. Other than these two classes, my education includes zero computer-related knowledge. I have a BA in English/Creative Writing.

Anyway, I just (FINALLY!) figured out how to burn an ISO image to a CD and get basic Debian running on our "spare" computer.

...yes, I chose Debian. We're using OpenSUSE in class (and I have it running as a virtual machine in VirtualBox on our main computer at home), and I know Debian's not considered newbie-friendly compared to OpenSUSE and Mandriva and whatnot, but we did a research essay on different distros and I'm just drawn to Debian. I figure, throw myself in there and sink or swim. I may regret this in the near future. I already have a question that I'm going to put over in the Debian help forum, and I imagine it's only the first of many.

Still...when I booted up my computer and was immediately greeted by a command prompt, I was ridiculously excited. Confused, yes, and completely clueless as to what to do with my command prompt -- but goddammit, I'm root! Scary thought, that. Hehehe.

Standard "about me" details -- I'm 27/f. I'm from New York but am currently living in SoCal (Irvine, specifically), and will soon be moving up to the Santa Cruz area.

Thanks for listening. If you hang around over in Debian Help much, you'll surely be getting to know me better.

[jayd512]

Welcome aboard!

Specifically, welcome from a guy who, until late '05, had NO knowlrdge of computers and OS's
Got started doing by reading through an A+ book and getting a job doing basic tech support in a predominantly Windows environment, and heard about this thing called "Linux".
Here I am, Windows free since mid '07.
My suggestion, read the forums... seriously!
You'll find a boat-load of information just by looking at posts that are getting answered by the experts we have here... I still read them

Debian is a great place to start if you wanna dive right in. If, however, you have any major issues, you could also go for Ubuntu or Mint. Both are Debian based, and you still have the power of the terminal to dig under the hood if you feel the need.

Either way, have fun with it. That's rule #1 for me

[oz]

Welcome aboard... hope you'll enjoy Linux!

[nujinini]

Welcome hj7!

from a guy who, until late '05, had NO knowledge of computers and OS's

Really?! Wow!

My suggestion, read the forums... seriously!
You'll find a boat-load of information just by looking at posts that are getting answered by the experts we have here... I still read them

That's rule #1 for me

I Totally agree!

[waterhead]

Hello and welcome to Linux Forums!

The first thing to learn is that it is called a terminal, not a command prompt. If you open a terminal in an application, like the Gnome terminal, it is usually referred to as a terminal window.

Whenever I hear about an English Major, it reminds me of Garrison Keillor's parodies about them on his Prairie Home Companion radio show. Here is the script of one of those skits, I hope you find it amusing.

A Prairie Home Companion: January 15, 2005 - English Majors script

[twoHats]

Welcome to the forums and to Linux. If you haven't spent much time there yet - you are going to love Santa Cruz - coolest city in the world, and UC is awsum there!

I terms of the cp - If you have to back off a little it's no big deal, but you will learn more from Debain or other similar system where you have to install your own window manager if you want one.

By backing off, i mean of course something like Ubuntu/Kubuntu, where you can still be root and work from a prompt when you like, but have the window manager to make life a little easier.

Good luck and have a ball

[brown10]

hello....

Thanks a lot