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Linux
The Beginner's Guide
By John B
I will update the guide from times to times; it is a work in progress. Feel free to give any kind of suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Linux?
Linux is a free, UNIX-like operating system, originally developed by Linus Torvalds. The Linux kernel is developed and released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
What is the GNU General Public License?
It is a free software license which makes possible for everybody to freely access, copy, modify and distribute the code (but the person who does so must make the source code available and cannot impose any restrictions on further distribution).
Is Linux better than Windows? / Is Linux for me?
Many people expect Linux to be almost identical to Windows, but free. It's not the goal of Linux. Both operating systems are different and you will need to learn new ways of doing things if you want to use Linux. Both are good operating systems; they are just different.
I suggest you to read this interesting text.
Here's an extract of the text:
It is logically impossible for any thing to be better than any other thing whilst remaining completely identical to it. A perfect copy may be equal, but it can never surpass. So when you gave Linux a try in hopes that it would be better, you were inescapably hoping that it would be different. Too many people ignore this fact, and hold up every difference between the two OSes as a Linux failure.
What is a Linux distribution?
A distribution (also called "distro") is a complete Linux operating system composed of the Linux kernel and some software/utilities. That's what you want to download or buy to start using Linux.
Where can I find a distribution?
A website like Distrowatch ( http://www.distrowatch.com) is a really good place to start. You will be able to find a list with most distributions available and detailed information about each one (description, packages versions, reviews,etc.). If you are unsure, you can click on the "Major distributions" link to get an overview of the biggest names.
There are so many distributions. Which one should I choose? Which one is the best?
It is hard to answer that question because it all depends on your needs. Perfect distributions don't exist. It is all a matter of compromise between ease of use/installation, speed, hardware support, stability, security and aesthetics. For example, if you want the most stable distribution possible, you will not have the latest software, and consequently, the best support for the latest hardware. Furthermore, some distributions have been developed for a very specific goal (e.g. ArcheOS for archaeological purposes). Unless you have specific needs, as a beginner, you will probably want a general purposes distribution (e.g. Ubuntu).
I would like to try Linux without installing it to my hard disk drive. Is it possible?
Yes, and it's what we call a Live CD distribution. A few years ago, it was necessary to find a distribution specialized in this task (e.g. Knoppix) but this is no longer a rare feature. Here are some examples of Live CD distributions: Linux Mint, Ubuntu, MEPIS, Fedora, PCLinuxOS,etc.
To use a Live CD distribution, all you have to do is to download the image file (.ISO) of the distribution and burn it to a CD or a DVD. That way, you will be able to run Linux from the CD/DVD and try it without installing it to your hard disk drive. One of the advantages is that it will not modify your Windows files/system but the disadvantages are that it will feel slower than a regular installation and that it will not be able to save your work/settings (unless you use some special methods). Later, if you are ready to install Linux permanently, you will be able to do this with the same disk.
The installer is asking me to partition my hard disk drive. What does it mean?
To install Linux, you will probably have to partition your hard disk drive (split it into partitions) to make possible the creation of independent filesystems from your Windows partitions (which probably already take the entire space of your hard disk drive). For more information you can visit https://help.ubuntu.com/community/DiskSpace and https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowtoPartition
I installed Linux. Can I use the same software that I use with Windows?
Although some programs that you already use in Windows may also have a Linux version, it is likely that you will have to discover some equivalents. You can find plenty of websites to help you with that, for example: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SoftwareEquivalents and http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=157939
If you absolutely need to use a specific Windows program, you will have to read more about WINE ( http://www.winehq.org/), a compatibility layer that may be able to run some of your Windows applications.
Can I play games on Linux?
Yes but don't expect to be able to play the same way you do on Windows. If you want to use Linux, gaming shouldn't be your priority.
This link is a good place to start. You will find a list with 25 free 3D games for Linux. You might also want to take a look at this link under 'Native Linux games --> Other' because some Windows games have a Linux version (Quake, Unreal Tournament, Doom,etc.)
Another way that you might consider in order to be able to run some Windows games would be to use WINE, a compatibility layer ( http://www.winehq.org/), or its non-free variant Cedega ( http://www.transgaming.com/). Games known to work with Cedega are listed here.
Is it the end of this guide?
No...to be continued
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Agreed!
It really opened my eyes when i was in doubt on changing or not. It could be on some section line "Is Linux worth changing for me?" or "Is it hard to learn it?" or whatever.
Also something talking about Games would come in handy, i think. Something that tell people that Linux does also have its (few?) good games.
Just some suggestions Very useful guide.
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Good work John; looking forward to more.
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You could make a advanced user guides
I would recommend general commands, it would be very helpful ex: $sudo
Linux Beginner's Guide
Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by John B, Dec 20, 2007.
