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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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I just started using Linux... any great tips? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I just installed Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS (Cinnamon) on an empty laptop a couple days ago and have been experimenting a lot. I'm coming from being a Windows user since I was just a little kid playing old DOS games on my grandpa's Win-98 PC back in around 2000. My daily driver is currently running Windows 10 but I am pretty adamant on not going with Win-11. I've been wanting to experiment with Linux for a while and Cinnamon so far seems like a lot of fun to navigate. Terminal is amazing. The fact that you can custom-write keyboard commands that can be hand-tailored to individual programs on your computer via the OS... that's powerful.

I have not tried running WINE yet but I plan on doing so soon. I also have not done much of anything, honestly, except for learning how to search for programs with gnome-software --search=. I have also used sudo a couple times to download software here and there, but I know I am not tackling this in as systematic of a way as I ought to be to really figure this machine out.

What are some really important basic commands I can use to start branching out into Terminal command structures and learning more about how I can edit and customize my computer? And if Cinnamon has shortfalls or weaknesses that I may run into eventually, what are some good alternative distros that I could leapfrog to eventually? I do not have any coding experience (currently), but I do consider myself a semi-power-user on Windows, having messed with CMD many times and digging through all the damn menus to access drivers and alter ports.

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[–] [email protected] 64 points 1 year ago (2 children)

My main recommendation is this - The more techsavvy you are, the harder a switch to Linux will be, because you know how to do some complex things on Windows, and now you'll have to relearn it on Linux.

Take your time, Google lots, and just know the ceiling on Linux is much higher for power users, so getting over the initial hump will reward you greatly

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

I also switched to linux after using windows for more than 10 years. I still havent gotten used to linux yet. There are still a lot of things I struggle with.

I kind of had difficulty setting up my printer, I tried to install the HP drivers but it did not install. But none of this installation was required because linux supports driverless printing throught the cups service which I wish I knew earlier.

Another is the use of vi text editor, I couldn' t figure out how to even edit the file and save the file🤣.

Yeah many more examples. It is a bumpy ride. But it is all worth it.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

You don't have to learn vi if you don't want to. Just switch your default text editor to one that you like (it doesn't even have to be a GUI one)

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

Yes, I am using nano currently.

But i would like to learn Vi or vim

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Like other comments mention, neovim is way better and use preconfigured setups (like Astrovim) when getting started to discover features you like and then get to writing your own configurations.

Also micro is way better than nano foa simple edits and available on most package managers.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

You should try installing vim ("Vi IMproved") and run the vimtutor program it comes with, it walks you through the basics. Vim is addictive.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago

sudo install micro

It's like the nano text editor, but point and click.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Patience pays a lot.