Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Some basic questions about Linux (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 3 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

33 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Can someone point me to a helpful beginners resource explaining some Linux basics? Like what is the difference between "distro", which is what, like Ubuntu, fedora, Debian (? Or is that a category of distro?) And desktop environment which is what, KDE, Lubuntu, gnome? Like I don't even know I have these categories right let alone understand why I'd pick one over another and what practical effects it will have- which apps will I/won't I be able to install, etc...

I'm not expecting anyone to answer these questions for me, but if you could point me to something already written, I'd appreciate it.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (4 children)

Great explanation. Quick follow up question.

One thing I necessarily will want to install is Proton VPN*. Per their website,

Our app officially supports the latest stable Ubuntu LTS version running the GNOME desktop environment. It should work on most distributions based on Ubuntu, but we haven’t tested them and therefore do not officially support them.

This makes it sound like it will only work on gnome DE and implies it won't work on Ubuntu with KDE (for example)

*ok, so I'm also aware that you can use Proton VPN through open vpn somehow but for the purposes of my understanding of distribution vs DE, let's just ignore that for now.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 weeks ago

Basically, what the protonvpn page is saying, is that they only test the app on Ubuntu gnome, itll work on basically anything else, they just wont help you if it doesnt

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

Maybe if you use Proton VPN on KDE it could need to pull in some Gnome packages. Which isn’t a problem. I use Proton VPN on KDE but I just install it from flathub to keep it simple, so I couldn’t say for sure.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I have Proton VPN running on two different machines running Ubuntu-based distros with KDE and Cinnamon, respectively. Works fine :)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

The official Proton client or Open VPN with Proton credentials?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

Former.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

Im not sure if your looking for a simple install and go type of setup but I often recommend zorinos as the free community type edition mimics the feel of windows and it comes with wine and play on linux from the get go. its a ubuntu using gnome spin so it sounds like it would work for you.