How to learn Linux?

I've been a longtime Windows user, but more and more Microsoft introduces things I don't like. But Windows is all I know. I've spent time on Macs but there's lots I don't like on Macs too, plus little software works on them

Does Linux have the same dearth of software that Macs have? Or does Linux tend to be supported by software that traditionally runs on Windows.

I've also heard good things about Linux, I'd like to look into switching OSes. But I don't even know how to get Linux. Can I buy it in the store? Is buying it the best way to procure it?

Is there a book I can get that will teach me how to configure Linux and use it etc. I know my way around XP Pro real well. I'd like to gain the same expertise in Linux. Can anyone direct me to a book or some other info medium that I can start learning from?

thx

 

download the ubuntu 7.10 .iso, burn to DVD and boot with it. it will run off the CD so you can play with it. there are workarounds for some windows software to work in linux, but realistically, the answer is no. you will have to use open-source versions of the apps you want/need/use.

 

You'll find a lot of information in http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=187152

 

The question I like to ask is, do you want to learn Linux, or do you want to learn to use Linux? Learning to use Linux mostly consists of learning the graphical interfaces and their configuration mechanisms (and those provided by the distributor), and finding a set of applications you enjoy using. These days, there's very little hacking to get your hardware working, and when there is, you can typically get someone to walk you through or tell you straight off that it's not happening.

If this is what you're looking for, then just dive in. Backup your data in case you make a mistake (even better, use a spare machine), partition your hard drive, and download a few ISO's. I think the best approach to take is to clear off a weekend with a goal of installing maybe three distributions serially, with the goal of reinstalling your initial favorite at the end. I went with Mandrake (now Mandriva), Debian, and Slackware, but that was years ago. Now I'd suggest Ubuntu, Fedora, and Open Suse if you strictly want a GUI.

Then, just play, get acquainted with the interfaces and explore the software repositories. Don't be afraid to screw something up, you don't have any data stored here. If you setup an email client, you can configure most to leave the messages on the server, and as long as you don't leave your Windows partition mounted and don't play with filesystems and partitions you have a pretty safe sandbox.

On the other hand, if you really want to get into Linux, I'd suggest a distribution like Gentoo, Arch, Slackware, or Debian which puts a lot of the configuration and environment building in your hands. You'll get acquainted with init levels, X, desktop environments and window managers, and possibly the kernel just by getting a working graphical interface configured. Then anything else you might need like Avahi, Beagle, and Compiz will be their to teach you as you get them up and running.

But, it sounds like if anything, that would be a second step for you, and you'd quite likely be happy just using a more user friendly distributions.

 

Yes, I want to learn to USE linux.

My complaint though is that all software seems to mostly only run on Windows. this really blows. I've been looking over the software I run and lots of it only runs on Windows.

 

That's why there are excellent programs used to *possibly* run Windows software on Linux. For example, www.winehq.com (wine) is free, http://www.transgaming.com/ (cedega) is a monthly fee, and http://www.codeweavers.com/products/ (crossover) has a free trial and after a one time fee.
And about the software, if you look through add/remove programs (or evenmoreso the synaptic package manager) you'll find that there's a ton of programs, most of which have a Windows counterpart.

 

I don't know what books are good, but you can go to a bookstore (or order one from Amazon); there are plenty of books that will walk you through all the basic stuff.

It's true that there's a lot of Windows-only software... but most of it (except for the games) has some Linux counterpart that does more or less the same thing.

What programs are you interested in running? Maybe people here can suggest alternatives that work on Linux.

 

Everything you need can be found at : http://www.linux.org/
: http://linuxbasics.org/

A Free Linux Book at : http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz

 

Do you have Ubuntu installed? Check through the Synaptic/Adept repositories. There is a TON of software out there for Linux, that does anything you'd want. 3D graphics, vector art, mathematical equations, games, etc. The thing is, you won't find it in a box at the store, or on cnet's reviews very often.

What kind of program do you want that you don't think Linux has?

 

The best way to learn Linux is to download one of the distro's and start using it. Keep an open mind and be willing to look at some new software. There is a lot in the open source community and most of it is as if not better than the windows counter part. I would recommend Ubuntu or Fedora to start with. I think Ubuntu is easier to use and adjust to. But Fedora is a strong OS as well it has a nice blend of the old command line and a nice interface to work with. If you are up to a challenge and want raw performance go with a Slackware release or Arch you can completely customize the whole environment that way.

I would suggest doing some research as well. You can usually find a Fedora book at your local chain bookstore as well as a couple of others. It will usually include a good walk through of installation and some good basic-moderate information on how to get around.

Or just pick a distro and google some reviews. Just beware that most of the reviews will be biased to one side or the other. There are some good sites already posted here. But I will throw out another just because I can. This site is not strictly Linux but it has a lot of good information from an experienced user and will give out good comparisons between OS's.

http://lunapark6.com/category/news/tech-news