How to start with linux ?

Question

I have just started "using " linux , and I feel like I never had computer in my life. I have been on computers for like 10 years ( altought I only played video games, but still ) nad now I don't even know how to install software ( on linux ). I feel like I am retarded.

I installed linux mint 14 ( my first linux ever ).

So how did you start with linux ? Where can I learn some basics ? Any other tips ? Thanks.

Answer 1

If you have ever used a computer before- then now with Mint it should be easier than ever.

You can start by reading the user guide- there should be a link to it on the welcome page.



To add software- click on software center>select category & click on it>look through software. If you see something you want-> click on it (or maybe double click)> then click install......its automatic.



I use Mint 13 at present. I tried Ubuntu Linux about 5 years ago- I never looked back. I have never been a compugeek or programmer, just a noob type user. With Mint its all point and click. If you want to go into terminal and type commands- you can.



If you can't find a link on welcome page to user guide, just go on the net any search for Mint guide.



Edit: I ordered a book by Rickford Grant a few years back. It was a project type book for Ubuntu. It taught me all I needed to know. It is similar to the one in this link-

Mint is based off Ubuntu-





Edit 2: Mint Debian (LMDE) is a different animal....it is for experienced users.

http://www.amazon.com/Ubuntu-Made-Easy-Project-Based-Introduction/dp/1593274254/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364345543&sr=1-2&keywords=learn+ubuntu+linux

Answer 2

start up with an consumer friendly Linux working equipment, i decide to propose Linux Mint for starters. next, i decide to propose which you pursue getting qualified in LPIC a million & 2/Linux+ first. reason, this cert. Is geared in direction of the fundamentals of Linux. From there, pursue the purple Hat Cert., using the two CentOS or scientific Linux as those are purple Hat Clones. good success!

Answer 3

1. I started back in 2007 with a turd called Freespire. It's long dead now, thank goodness.



2. There are lots of tutorials on the internet, but to my knowledge, most aren't grouped in one place. Searching for whatever you are having a problem with is the best course of action (at it is with any operating system, really).



3. Installing software on most distributions is simultaneously very easy and the most alien thing Windows users have ever seen. The best analog would be the app store for iOS or Android. I haven't used Linux Mint, but there should be a program in one of it's menus called "Software Manager." This will allow you to check off a list of applications you want to install.

Answer 4

I would recommend Linuxquestions.org. Great info over there. I've been running Linux for over 10yrs and honestly. Just using it is the best practice. Mint is a great distro. I would recommend the Cinnamin desktop

Answer 5

You need to learn google.



If you want to learn linux, the books by Mark Sobell are really good.



Part of using an open source operating system is realizing that you need to educate yourself on how stuff works, and to be willing to admit you don't know ****.



Google how to use apt-get.