getting more involved

[LinuxZealot]

So, I'm really new to Linux (I started running Ubuntu 7.04 at the end of June) and I'm really double plus stoked about the whole idea of open source software and the flexibility of the various Linux distros. I actually started running Linux based on personal and political opinions over both Microsoft and Macintosh (and because I'm broke) and found that it is waaaaay better than either of the more mainstream options (especially considering there were only 2 options, and the better option is the more expensive one). Since I started, I've managed to convert most of my extended family and several of my friends and many of my customers (I sell Microsoft software for a major office supplies dealer) to give Linux a shot and they all agree that it's just all around better. My thing is this....the more I learn about Linux the more I want to know! is there any good, straightforward, way a noob like my self can learn more, dive in, and work my way up to guru status so I can help more? (aside from attending ITT tech?)

[Dapper Dan]

My recommendation would be to continually challenge yourself with all the different things you can do with Linux, and to try different more difficult distros as you go. Ubuntu is very nice and I love it and use it. However, I learn more about Linux when running Slackware and especially Crux. Maybe after getting a really good feel for Ubuntu, you might want to experiment with straight Debian or Fedora Core. Then perhaps, Slackware or Gentoo after that. It's good to read books about Linux, but when you get right down to it, nothing will teach you more than working with a good challenging distro. Just my 2 cents worth... Good luck.

[fingal]

Hi - Such enthusiasm! It's good to see. You might like to read this perhaps: How To Become A Hacker

[MikeTbob]

Hiya,
I agree with Dapper Dan and fingal, use multiple distros and do as much reading as you can.
I'd like to say, the way I learn most things about Linux, is to install stuff like samba, apache, etc, just so you know what it's all about. The more stuff you tinker with, the more your going to learn.

[oz]

Yes, certain distros force you to learn more about Linux if you want to use them. For learning about the internal workings of Linux, I'd recommend:

Arch
CRUX
Debian
Gentoo
Slackware

...but not necessarily in that order.

Another option for learning more about Linux is Linux From Scratch.

[Juan Pablo]

Some Arch, Gentoo and LFS installations will make you learn A LOT, they're kind of manual distros where you have to do everything yourself. I can assure it will be a learning and fun experience

[xedx]

So, I'm really new to Linux (I started running Ubuntu 7.04 at the end of June) and I'm really double plus stoked about the whole idea of open source software and the flexibility of the various Linux distros. I actually started running Linux based on personal and political opinions over both Microsoft and Macintosh (and because I'm broke) and found that it is waaaaay better than either of the more mainstream options (especially considering there were only 2 options, and the better option is the more expensive one). Since I started, I've managed to convert most of my extended family and several of my friends and many of my customers (I sell Microsoft software for a major office supplies dealer) to give Linux a shot and they all agree that it's just all around better. My thing is this....the more I learn about Linux the more I want to know! is there any good, straightforward, way a noob like my self can learn more, dive in, and work my way up to guru status so I can help more? (aside from attending ITT tech?)

Hi, i'm in the same boat. I have played with linux a few times but kinda relied on windows when problems showed up. Now i have just today installed ubuntu and plan on working through all the problems this time.

[MikeTbob]

Hi, i'm in the same boat. I have played with linux a few times but kinda relied on windows when problems showed up. Now i have just today installed ubuntu and plan on working through all the problems this time.

Just give us a shout when you need help.
Enjoy!

[kevirost]

Hi,

This is an active topic!

I have used DOS (prior to 1995), then tried the MAC (before it was chic), then had trouble using files from the office (all in Windows), then went back to Windows since 1994. I am now a student at MSOE in Milwaukee. I learned about Linux from my network professor. I started with Slackware, which is really getting your fingers dirty. The KDE GUI is primitive, so most configuration is done from the command line. You learn a lot, as was mentioned above. I tried SUSE, but I was disappointed with the way it installs and updates programs. I also had to install with a clutch of CDs--not way cool! I got a magazine with Fedora Core-6/Ubuntu DVD, earlier this year, and I have been hooked. One DVD is much easier to install. The anaconda installer does everything for you in an automated fashion, using the defaults. You can customize it as well. I used Fedora Core-6 first, and then Ubuntu. I like them both. I found that these packages work much easier than Slackware. The Gnome desktop is much nicer than KDE, but you can run either one.

The only problem I have had, however, is that Mozilla and Firefox do not have codecs to run streaming video. Does anyone know how to solve this problem? Also, mp3 is copywrite protected, so you have to use oog. You can work around this, but it is not facile.

Also, QuickBooks does not come in Linux. There is GNU-Cash, but it is not compatible, and the accountant will charge an extra $100 to do anything manual. We need more software that can run in Linux, even if it is from the commercial market!

I also noticed that files in MS Word format, transferred back and forth have some formatting issues. I am using OpenOffice 2.0 on the Linux, and MS Word from Office 2003. The fonts are changed (some go from regular to bold), and tables don't always work.

Any other comments?

Kevin Rosteing

[fingal]

Any other comments?

1. I stream video every day in Firefox with no problems: including commercial formats.
2. I don't agree that KDE is 'primitive'.
3. No ... more 'commercial' software isn't required thanks.
4. I stream mp3s every day using Firefox: also with no problems.

Nothing more to say.