From Linux Power User to Linux Guru

[mjordan2nd]

I am an Ubuntu power user. I'm comfortable using my system to browse the internet, can install/uninstall programs, edit configuration files, and am comfortable using the terminal when need be. I am also competent enough to find instructions when a more complicated task is presented. Basically, I can get the system to do what I need it to do.

That said, Linux is a fascinating system, and I'd like to learn more. Most of my 'learning' comes from just getting the system to do what I need it to do, but there is so much to learn that I feel a more systematic approach would be better. So, to progress from being a mere power user to a Linux 'guru', what topics should I learn? Where should I go from here to learn more? There are just so many fascinating topics. Should I pick up a book on Linux administration? Should I pick a topic, learn it in depth, and then move on to another topic? How would the Linux gurus suggest I proceed?

[daark.child]

Depends on what your interests are really. The best way to learn is by using something on a daily basis and also by experimenting. I learnt a lot about Linux by trying out different distros, setting up my own servers from scratch and doing some entry level certifications in my spare time. Slackware and Gentoo were particularly good for learning commands and the terminal because the installation routines were completely command line based and so were the admin tools. With that said, I've been using Linux for about 11 years and I still wouldn't class myself as a guru. There is just so much to learn.

[gruven]

I know you consider yourself a "Power User", but you should really pick up Gentoo, Slackware, or LFS to learn the ins and outs of your system. When you are presented with a task and there are NO gui tools to do it and you have to do it all yourself, this is where these skills come in. Even something as small as installing video drivers can be a hassle.

I say step up your game and give Gentoo a go (or Funtoo if you are really into learning). You should pick up every linux book you can find and read it (although most linux books are already about 6 months behind the times when published), they will help. Go download the vanilla kernel from kernel.org and patch it with whatever patches you think sound cool, configure it for your system, and build it. Stuff like that. Compile programs from source. Setup a LAMP server from scratch without the package manager (that way you can compile what options you want into the software). Learn to use the command line to convert videos, manage files, get more in depth with SQL, learn bash scripting, etc...

There is a LOT to learn past ubuntu (not to say that you can't learn these things with ubuntu, it is just easier with a distro that doesn't hold your hand IMO). I wouldn't know what I do now if it weren't for Gentoo (even though I use Debian now).

I have been using linux for ~15 years, and I am by no means a guru, power user, or any of that. I am just a user.

[Bemk]

The way to becoming a Linux Jedi is just to go play with every single part of the system, and the easiest guide in my opinion is linux from scratch.

Also try things like using your ubuntu/gentoo/debian/.... box as a router. That teaches you a lot about networking and iptables (there really is a lot to learn in that field and by setting up a router, you barely even scratch the surface, but it's a nice start).

If you want to know more about the commands, you can always try to port busy box to my kernel (when the kernel is ready for it of course). If that's too much for you, there's always briliant documentation.