- Getting started with Linux. Some useful links and information for new Linux users
- Beginner Info
- Which Linux distribution should I choose?
- Where can I learn more about Free Software?
- Linux manuals and handbooks
Getting started with Linux. Some useful links and information for new Linux users
Beginner Info
If you would like to try out GNU/Linux because of https://itvision.altervista.org/why-windows-10-sucks.html, you can do one of the following:
0) Install a GNU/Linux distribution of your choice in a Virtual Machine (preferably using KVM or Oracle VirtualBox for new Linux users, or if you do not have a spare HDD or computer).
1) Use a live image and boot directly into the GNU/Linux distribution without installing anything (keep in mind that the performance of live distros might be very different than from the distro that was booted from your HDD, as most distros are loaded in RAM and don’t include the proprietary drivers for NVIDIA GPUs or up-to-date Mesa libraries in their isos).
2) Dual boot the GNU/Linux distribution of your choice along with Windows (make sure to install Windows first, as it can “replace” GRUB or other UNIX bootloaders, and troubleshooting Windows replacing your bootloader of choice might be painful for people that just started learning about the Linux kernel)
3) Go balls deep and replace everything with GNU/Linux (you really shouldn’t do this, if you don’t know what you’re putting yourself into, see: https://itvision.altervista.org/why.linux.is.not.ready.for.the.desktop.current.html).
Type these commands into your terminal emulator to learn more about various commands:
$ man command $ info command $ command -h/--help $ help builtin/keyword |
Don’t know what to look for?
$ apropos something |
Check the wikis (most troubleshoots work for all distros):
4chan /g/’s wiki on GNU/Linux:
https://wiki.installgentoo.com/index.php/Category:GNU/Linux.
Which Linux distribution should I choose?
1. Ubuntu, or its flavours like Xubuntu, Kubuntu or even forks like Linux Mint (only LTS or LMDE) and KDE Neon (only LTS)
– Groovy Gorilla 20.10 is the semi-rolling release of Ubuntu (still containing mostly stable and out-of-date packages)
– Focal Fossa 20.04 is the current LTS (long-term support) release of Ubuntu and thus is the most supported by corporations like Canonical (the corporation behind Ubuntu) and its partners, Valve, GOG.com and hardware manufacturers in general. It just works™
2. Debian GNU/Linux
– Stable (“buster”)
It’s the stable/LTS and the “true” release of Debian. Contains a lot of outdated, but stable packages and is the easiest to install a release of Debian.
– Testing (“bullseye”)
Is the testing release of Debian, which still contains a few outdated packages to be more stable? Its packages later go to the stable channel.
– Unstable (“sid”)
The rolling release of Debian and with the help of Debian Experimental can be nearly as rolling as Arch or even Gentoo. It packages after enough testing (usually a week) and later the package is moved to the testing channel.
>How do I install Debian’s experimental packages?
https://wiki.debian.org/DebianExperimental
If you want something that has insane support and one of the largest communities out there, or just simply something that gives users more choices than Ubuntu, then this is the distro for you.
3. Arch Linux
Is a rolling distro with a semi-minimalistic approach to GNU/Linux, meaning you install it only from the console itself with pre-compiled binary packages (packages that are ready to install). Can be easily broken, if the end-user doesn’t know how to avoid troubleshooting it. Its primary audience is users that want bigger control of their system. and people who want to stay on the most up-to-date versions of their favourite programs. Good for learning how GNU/Linux works.
4. Manjaro Linux/EndeavourOS
Are forks of Arch Linux with the Calameres installer? Manjaro has its own repositories, with a package release channel similar to Debian’s, while EndeavourOS tries to stay as close to Arch as it is possible. Decent, if you’re one of those people which never read manuals.
5. Gentoo GNU/Linux
Is a distro that is very similar to Arch, but is much more stable and up-to-date thanks to you getting in control of configuring and compiling everything from the source code. Is also much harder/longer to set up than Arch’s installation process, but compiling everything from its source can result in overall better performance of programs that you use daily. Nothing can beat it when it comes to avoiding systemd. Perfect for learning how your UNIX systems actually work.
6. Linux From Scratch (LFS), Guix or NixOS
if somehow Gentoo didn’t make you comfy with it, then with these distros you possibly can’t get comfier except if you make the switch to BSD-based systems.
Where can I learn more about Free Software?
https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/philosophy.html.
Linux manuals and handbooks
Debian GNU/Linux handbook.
https://www.securitronlinux.com/lc/debian-handbook.pdf.
Linux Pocketbook.
https://www.securitronlinux.com/lc/pocketbook2003.pdf.
Advanced Linux Pocketbook.
https://www.securitronlinux.com/lc/AdvancedLinuxPocketbook.pdf.
Ubuntu Pocket Guide.
https://www.securitronlinux.com/lc/ubuntupocketguide-v1-1.pdf.
Guide to the NetBSD operating system.