New and Lost

[CelticWolf]

Hello everyone. I am day 2 into my linux birth. It has really opened my eyes on how much money I was throwing away with oem windows software. I am slowly learning the lingo and such.. Anyone have any idea on how to learn linux from the most basic on up? I can navigate around fairly well with the graphic side.. The terminal is very challenging. So if anyone knows an easy way to learn it.. I am very eager. Thanks for your time.
CW

[MikeTbob]

Hello and Welcome.
You are already doing the best thing.....you're actually using Linux man, that's huge! I liken the experience to the "Matrix". Just keep using it and trying new things. The more you use it, the better you get. Just like with MS and Apple proucts.

[jayd512]

Welcome aboard!

When you use it, you will learn it!
The graphical side is a great way to start... you learn the names of the programs that you will be able to equate to your Windows knowledge.
But, eventually, you'll need the command line. So you should take a moment here and there to learn about that, as well.
Check this out: LinuxCommand.org: Learn the Linux command line. Write shell scripts.

And, above all, have fun with it!

[CelticWolf]

Thanks Mike and Jay.

[CelticWolf]

How do I know if I am logged in as a superuser?

[jayd512]

Normal user:

something@computer:~$

Logged in as root:

something@computer:~#

Notice the difference?

[CelticWolf]

yeah.. $ vs #

So being in superuser is bad?

[jayd512]

So being in superuser is bad?

Yes and No.

For maintenance purposes, like system updates or installing software, being superuser rights are required.
On the other hand, you might be thinking about your days in Windows... you were the only user on the computer. Admin by default.

Linux doesn't work like that... and it's not designed to. Instead, you should do your day-to-day work as a regular user.
Not sure if you've seen it or not, but check out this article...
Linux is NOT Windows

Most of the differences between Linux and Windows are explained in true layman terms.
Really, some of the best comparisons I've ever seen!

[atreyu]

Normal user:

something@computer:~$

Logged in as root:

something@computer:~#

Notice the difference?

You could also run one of these:

whoami
echo $USER
echo $UID
id -ru

[atreyu]

yeah.. $ vs #

So being in superuser is bad?

bad as in bad-a$$, yes. this is one of my favorite tees:

ThinkGeek :: Bow before me, for I am root.

seriously, don't be root unless you have to do something you can't do as a regular user, and you understand the power that you wield.