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Linux for a beginner.

E

ern

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 7, 2006
Messages
160
What does everyone reccomend for a beginner that wants to get involved with Linux. I have a desktop and an MSI netbook though I may just put it on the desktop for now. I also thought maybe a live cd at first to just poke around and then dive into installing a Linux OS and all that good stuff.

I am looking into learning this OS too. I dont want it just to have it. I really want to know about it and learn the commands and study it.


What do you think?
 
Start out with Ubuntu so you won't get completely overwhelmed with learning *Nix :). When you feel ready to get your hands really dirty try out Debian or Slackware.
 
Ubuntu, it will do everything for you. While at the same time you can learn Linux commands and read up on how to do things so that you can customize a real Linux os, later on down the road.
 
If you like being thrown in the deep end, Gentoo. I liked the deep end of the pool :)
 
It all depends upon what you want to get out of Linux. If you just want to use it as a desktop station I'd say Ubuntu.

If you are looking to get deeper into Linux and may consider systems administration I would suggest a install of CentOS with command line access only.

Either way, I always recommend to beginners to try and get comfortable behind the command line first. Try a LAMP install, configure everything solely with VI, modify service start ups, create user accounts, setup and configure sendmail, learn about LVM's, xen with storage from iSCSI, and on and on.

Once you know the command line the rest is gravy. :D
 
Linux Mint

It's the only distro that includes what I consider to be essential closed source or patented stuff. Yeah, it breaks the GPL, but it's also the only distro that includes, by default, full implementations of absolutely essential functionality like Java, DVD playback, MP3s (well, so does SUSE), Windows Media, and Flash. You can do all that in Ubuntu too, but it's more work, and certainly not "Linux for a beginner." Plus, it's theme and pre-integrated Gnome-DO are very nice! :)
 
Ubuntu for the walk and in get up to your knees wet

Arch linux for jumping in up the the shoulders

Gentoo is deff. the deep end.
 
For live CD's I like Knoppix, for an installation I think Ubuntu or Kubuntu are great for beginners.
 
Freebsd is linux-like, it has IMHO several advantages. Many using Linux run it also, many have
migrated to freebsd from linux, a few migrate back (principally because it is part of their job).
disc1 of the freebsd iso (freebsd.org) has a live cd (I think). Though I've a box which runs
live-cd freesbie(.org) > installed to disk. Other bsd's also are installabe (pcbsd.org) etc
I read a "running linux 4th edition" before installing the first Bsd cd set I purchased at Fry's. So
I already knew a large part of the commands.
Everyone says use Vi, but I always use "edit", "nano", and maybe the other in
/usr/ports/editors/ that are installable...
aee, ne, hte, lpe, yui, coral, xjed, texmacs...
I've not installed anything /usr/ports/java/ yet, and have not yet installed "linux compatability"
which installs something like fedora-core so linux binaries can be run (not to be quoted verbatim)
I had flash not working for a while til gnash-devel and seamonkey together, and it "just worked"
Sendmail I configured using a thick BSD book, "as smart-host". Planning maybe to migrate to Exim
if I ever get around to it, (and purchase its latest book)
.............
Yesterday I read or saw something else I should post here, but I've forgotten it already. Sorry!
............
 
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My standard recommendations:

If you want to use Linux, get your feet wet, get the basics down, and have a usable machine you don't build from the ground up, go for Ubuntu. Jaunty (9.04) will be out soon as it's almost done (will be out this month at some point, any day now) and brings some new stuff to the table, as the saying goes.

If you want to learn about Linux, I still recommend Arch above everything else. Precompiled for speed, with wikis and help files that nothing else can touch, and a decent support community online, it's lean, mean, and fast as hell. Build it from the ground up without needing to wait hours or even days to compile it for performance. Can't recommend it enough, outstanding distro and project overall.
 
Pretty much what ^they said. Ubuntu is for people who want to get away from Windows, and is usually the stepping stone before figuring out you want a Mac. ;)

If you actually want to learn old-school UNIX, then go for Arch, Gentoo, BSD, etc.
 
Start with LinuxMINT or Ubuntu until you're comfortable with using a Linux operating system, then you can switch to something like Gentoo or FreeBSD. Diving straight into the deep end (to follow previous analogies) your first time getting wet is a good way to drown.
 
AbJ32 said:
Start with LinuxMINT or Ubuntu until you're comfortable with using a Linux operating system, then you can switch to something like Gentoo or FreeBSD. Diving straight into the deep end (to follow previous analogies) your first time getting wet is a good way to drown.
Click to expand...

This^

Starting with something like gentoo is like trying to learn calculus without first learning algebra. It is much easier if you learn how to swim before you jump into that deep end.
 
tacosareveryyummy said:
This^

Starting with something like gentoo is like trying to learn calculus without first learning algebra. It is much easier if you learn how to swim before you jump into that deep end.
Click to expand...

That's nonsense. The Gentoo handbook is step by step and the wiki and forums provide better documentation than any other distro I've used. The only roadblock is the time investment.
 
Wow! I never thought Id get this many responses. I love the help and suggestions. I did create a Ubuntu 8.10 Live CD to mess around with and it seems pretty cool but yet the same I guess? I am not sure I know what im talking about but the reason I want to learn it, is for experience. Employers seem to like that you know it or know how to use it. The commands and doing everything yourself is what I think Im looking at diving into.

Are there books on this stuff anywhere? Can the whole os be ran soley by commands? Like, opening programs, installing apps, make os changes, user accounts etc?
 
Volkum said:
That's nonsense. The Gentoo handbook is step by step and the wiki and forums provide better documentation than any other distro I've used. The only roadblock is the time investment.
Click to expand...

....Answer-hunting through the Handbook isn't going to teach him anything unless he already has at least a basic working knowledge of Linux.

I've already gone through this in previous threads, so rather than re-type everything, I think I'll just link to my old post.
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1033848976&postcount=16
 
AbJ32 said:
....Answer-hunting through the Handbook isn't going to teach him anything unless he already has at least a basic working knowledge of Linux.

I've already gone through this in previous threads, so rather than re-type everything, I think I'll just link to my old post.
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1033848976&postcount=16
Click to expand...

I dissagree.
Yes Gentoo is very unforgiving for those that don't follow the installation guide or use any of the literature available (some of the best for linux) BUT you don't have to have had any understanding of linux to actually have a sucessful install

You do however have to have an understanding of computers (to some extent) and how to use a terminal but that knowledge doesn't have to have come from linux

Im not saying Gentoo should be someones 1st port of call
 
eeyrjmr said:
I dissagree.
Yes Gentoo is very unforgiving for those that don't follow the installation guide or use any of the literature available (some of the best for linux) BUT you don't have to have had any understanding of linux to actually have a sucessful install
Click to expand...

....You clearly have completely missed the principal point of my post(s). (May or may not be your fault, so don't take offense) I'm not saying it can't get a successful install from it. You simply won't learn anything, because you'll resort to doing nothing more than hunting for what to do next in the handbook. You won't understand why you do what you're doing or what it does without a base knowledge of Linux already established.
 
ern said:
Are there books on this stuff anywhere?
Click to expand...

There is often times a whole section on Unix/Linux at bookstores.

Can the whole os be ran soley by commands? Like, opening programs, installing apps, make os changes, user accounts etc?
Click to expand...

Absolutely. None of my servers have a desktop environment installed. Even on my Linux desktop (that I'm typing from), I prefer to most everything from the CLI.

AbJ32 said:
....You clearly have completely missed the principal point of my post(s). (May or may not be your fault, so don't take offense) I'm not saying it can't get a successful install from it. You simply won't learn anything, because you'll resort to doing nothing more than hunting for what to do next in the handbook. You won't understand why you do what you're doing or what it does without a base knowledge of Linux already established.
Click to expand...

My last response to you: And you learn a heck of a lot less from an OS that doesn't (hardly) require you to even open a terminal.
 
books? I just did "search" for "Book" at forums.freebsd.org; 2 pages
of results. The titles of those threads are many and diverse, you might
want to read the ones which pertain to your use of linux/bsd/unix to get
hints or recommendations.
.........
One thing about unix/bsd/linux books is that they can be bought secondhand
and the info is still current probably.
 
No love for SuSE? Man it is a wonderful desktop replacement that will not blow Linux noob's minds. Ubuntu and is a no thank you in my book.
 
Volkum said:
My last response to you: And you learn a heck of a lot less from an OS that doesn't (hardly) require you to even open a terminal.
Click to expand...

Which is why you don't use Ubuntu or similar exclusively.:rolleyes:

You're acting like the Linux distro choice is like a tattoo; Once it's there, you're stuck with it, since it's costly and painful to remove. However, that's not the case. The thread starter could easily start with something more user friendly and, once he's familiar with Linux, move to something like Gentoo, FreeBSD, Slackware or Arch.

And he doesn't even have to start with Ubuntu. He could use Fedora, CentOS, OpenSuSE or Debian as his first operating system.
 
Alternatively, you could learn Linux like I did: command line server. My first real foray into Linux was setting up a home server using a distro based on CentOS. 100% command line, baby! I learned very quickly.

In the end, it'll benefit you more. After a year, you'll have switched back to Windows on your desktop because you've grown tired of being incompatible with the rest of planet earth, but a server is something you'll keep using for a loooooooong time.
 
Start with Debian (just as easy as Ubuntu, with way less confusing setup defaults), play with Gnome/command line a bit, and jump straight into Slackware.

Slackware's handbook is better than even Gentoo's in my humble opinion, and even though i dont consider myself a n00b anymore after 3 solid years of full-time linux usage, I *still* can't get a damn Gentoo install done as easy as Slackware or Arch.... I've given up on it... i'm just not 1337 enough....

edit: those recommending Ubuntu/Fedora/Mint/etc are really just gonna end up holding you back.... playing around with a specific GUI for a while teaches you nothing but how to play around with a specific GUI... not how to use Linux

edit2: do a FreeBSD install with working ACPI+wireless and watch the nerds cower before your awesome 1337ness

edit3: why do I think the Slackware handbook is better than Gentoo's? Well, it goes completely out of it's way to explain common linux conventions... it is *very* broad, and *very* lightly written, and will answer 99% of all Linux noobs' questions about the basics of the OS in a quick, and very pleasant to read manner....

Gentoo's handbook is just *that* much more spartan and cryptic to me.... maybe its just personal preference? I just get a very welcoming vibe from the Slackbook....
 
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for learning 'Linux', I would say slackware is your best option. If you want to use Linux as your primary desktop system, Ubuntu is a great option, due to its ability to be fairly user friendly, but also that you can get down and dirty with it. Most instructions on workarounds are done from the CLI, and if you want to, you an use the CLI to launch, edit, add, everything on the system, just like you can with every other distro. Plus the APT repos are amazing to find applications.
 
good advice here...

I would say Ubuntu cause there should be quite a bit of information floating about the interwebs for it. I am currently running Debian on my work PC, which I was running Ubuntu on before.

GushpinBob said:
Start out with Ubuntu so you won't get completely overwhelmed with learning *Nix :). When you feel ready to get your hands really dirty try out Debian or Slackware.
Click to expand...

I can never understand the disgreements with distro's, I've tried many over the years (I am by no means a guru @ Linux, but I love it. It would be hard to be a guru as with Linux there are almost no boundaries...as opposed to something like the Cisco IOS commands which are set for example). Just be thankful that we all come together here to share our experiences. :) (I enjoy using openSUSE as well.)

I also think that it depends on the OP's skill level (which they should be able to answer for themselves). When you used other OS's did you ever tweak it and muck around with it, or did you just use facebook and listen to mp3's?
 
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Scotch77 said:
I think FreeBSD is alot better to learn on than most Linux's
Click to expand...

I would say "better" in that FreeBSD will force you to learn *nix systems from the ground up. You'll learn the principles of the underlying Unix, not just how to use the GNOME or KDE desktop. The old adage here holds pretty well: "Those who hate Microsoft use Linux, those who love Unix use BSD." Based on the tone of the OP, it sounds like (s)he is in the "hate Microsoft" crowd. Such people don't care about the underlying system, they just want a non-Microsoft desktop; for such people, Mint or Ubuntu is perfect.
 
I started on OpenBSD in the mid 90's.

Most stuff after that is not that difficult.
 
I think that someone needs to learn linux through something that they are slightly familiar. When they have a GUI, and an OS ready for them, they can learn the file system and the terminal WHILE having the comfort of a GUI and applications they know...

But starting from scratch in gentoo, meh, they need to get familiar with Linux and the GUI first..

imo
 
Canadian in Berlin said:
Thats a pretty big roadblock for a lot of people. I'd love to take the time to sit down with Gentoo or FreeBSD and slog my way through for a few weeks, but I just don't have the time.
Click to expand...

Understandably so which is why I pointed it out. However, it sounds like the OP wishes to take the time to learn the OS rather than just learn whatever desktop manager he chooses.
 
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