The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Newbie

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by paddyk, Jun 26, 2007.

  1. paddyk

    paddyk Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I'm a upcoming freshman computer science major. The course is a linux based course and I would like to get a little knowlege before i go to school. Is there any books to learn Linux from? Also any certain laptop/hard drive set up i should get to install linux as well as vista?
     
    paddyk, Jun 26, 2007
    #1
  2. Lysander

    Lysander AFK, raid time.

    Reputations:
    1,553
    Messages:
    2,722
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/toc.html should help.

    When I started my CS course, our tutors took us through using Linux in the labs. It wasn't too difficult. Also, my university ran a Linux Install Fest during the second week of session, where you could take your computer in and the knowledgeable guys would help you install and configure Linux. You should enquire if your uni offers this sort of event.

    Also, check out your local LUG (Linux user group). They usually meet every couple of weeks, and I've found in my experience have no issues with sitting down and helping people get into Linux.

    Then of course there is IRC. The freenode network has a stack of Linux channels, and you'll always find helpful people on there to take care of you.

    I couldn't really recommend any books, unless you can get them from a library. Linux is moving so fast that a lot of books become outdated within twelve months of their release. It's not worth wasting money on, when there are so many other resources available.
     
    Lysander, Jun 26, 2007
    #2
  3. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    1,856
    Messages:
    3,564
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    Basically play around with a few distros, and mess around with commands. Use man pages A LOT, too. :)
     
    Gautam, Jun 26, 2007
    #3
  4. AlexOnFyre

    AlexOnFyre Needs to get back to work NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    307
    Messages:
    1,580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    What school do you go to Lysander?

    Also, I would recommend trying out Ubuntu first, it is the easiest to convert to, then once you are more comfortable with the ins and outs of the system, then try out more distros and find the one you like the best. I also recommend the link that Lysander sent.
     
    AlexOnFyre, Jun 27, 2007
    #4
  5. bmwrob

    bmwrob Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    4,591
    Messages:
    2,128
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I've been trying to learn Linux, too, and have installed Ubuntu. This is where I usually go when a question or problem comes up. Singling out Ubuntu (or any particular distro) may help narrow your focus while deciding which will suit you best. Another distro you might want to check into to get started before class, is PCLinuxOS 2007.
     
    bmwrob, Jun 27, 2007
    #5
  6. Lysander

    Lysander AFK, raid time.

    Reputations:
    1,553
    Messages:
    2,722
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    University of Wollongong. Our country's top university.
     
    Lysander, Jun 27, 2007
    #6
  7. AlexOnFyre

    AlexOnFyre Needs to get back to work NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    307
    Messages:
    1,580
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Oh congrats...I think...Well if they have linux install parties they must be good!
     
    AlexOnFyre, Jun 27, 2007
    #7