[jaredwj]

I want to learn about Linux and am wondering what resources are recommended. I have used Windows exclusively and would like to learn about something else.
Thanks

[Core]

To learn the very basics of what is Linux, visit the Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux

To get the list of distributions, news as well as documentation, visit the Linux web site:
http://www.linux.org/

Yet another site on Linux, containing news and distributions information:
http://www.linux.com/

If you started using Linux and encounter some troubles performing specific activities, visit the Dream.In.Code Linux tutorials:
http://www.dreaminco...showforum53.htm

Speaking about personal recommendations on Linux distributions, I would recommend Ubuntu Linux (http://www.ubuntu.com) and openSuse (http://www.opensuse.org/en/). Ubuntu is pretty easy to use if you are just starting in the Linux world, as most of the functionality can be accessed from the GUI (less command line operations). openSUSE is a great operating system because it integrates major security features, but at the same time it is very easy to use.

[no2pencil]

When I was 1st introduced to Linux, the world was a much different place. This was in 1996.

It was suggested to me to get a free shell account that I could ssh or telnet to. Once I was familiar with standard shell operations, I got my hands on a copy of Slackware via CheapBytes.com, & from there, I trashed my Windows Install & went to town.

The world is much more Linux friendly now a days, so the same approach might be a bit much. As previously suggested, Ubuntu is a great place for beginners. However it is my feeling that you don't really learn much, except that grabbing an Ubuntu cd will Yield an Ubuntu boot, much like a Windows XP disk will. If you really want to learn what Linux is, what it does, & how to use it (more troubleshooting than usage really), go with a much more interactive distrobution like Slackware, Fedora, or Gentoo.

[Tom9729]

jaredwj, on 25 Dec, 2008 - 07:55 PM, said:

I want to learn about Linux and am wondering what resources are recommended. I have used Windows exclusively and would like to learn about something else.
Thanks

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that is very popular among new users, mainly because of the large amount of documentation and the huge community that has grown up around it.

Of course there are other distributions, and you're going to get a different answer depending on who you ask, but you need to start somewhere.

You can try Ubuntu without installing it by using what is called a LiveCD (Ubuntu's install CD is a LiveCD).

[MorphiusFaydal]

no2pencil, on 25 Dec, 2008 - 11:46 PM, said:

If you really want to learn what Linux is, what it does, & how to use it (more troubleshooting than usage really), go with a much more interactive distrobution like Slackware, Fedora, or Gentoo.

Fedora? Really? It's Ubuntu that uses RPMs. Slackware, Debian, and Gentoo, IMHO.

[no2pencil]

MorphiusFaydal, on 26 Dec, 2008 - 03:25 PM, said:

no2pencil, on 25 Dec, 2008 - 11:46 PM, said:

If you really want to learn what Linux is, what it does, & how to use it (more troubleshooting than usage really), go with a much more interactive distrobution like Slackware, Fedora, or Gentoo.

Fedora? Really? It's Ubuntu that uses RPMs. Slackware, Debian, and Gentoo, IMHO.

Fedora... I meant to say Debian.

When I give advice at 2:am (especially without references) you tend to get advice you might expect to receive, at 2:am.

Now, never you mind that it says I posted that around 11:pm.

[MorphiusFaydal]

no2pencil, on 26 Dec, 2008 - 02:37 PM, said:

MorphiusFaydal, on 26 Dec, 2008 - 03:25 PM, said:

no2pencil, on 25 Dec, 2008 - 11:46 PM, said:

If you really want to learn what Linux is, what it does, & how to use it (more troubleshooting than usage really), go with a much more interactive distrobution like Slackware, Fedora, or Gentoo.

Fedora? Really? It's Ubuntu that uses RPMs. Slackware, Debian, and Gentoo, IMHO.

Fedora... I meant to say Debian.

When I give advice at 2:am (especially without references) you tend to get advice you might expect to receive, at 2:am.

Now, never you mind that it says I posted that around 11:pm.

Okay. I'll forgive you. I know the whole "I just woke up" thing and bad advice.