learning linux


Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: learning linux

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    portage
    Posts
    3

    learning linux

    i know nothing about linux right now, but i want to learn how to use it instead of windows. anyone know a good starting point, like where i can find the most current verson and how to make it work.

    thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2000
    Location
    Houston, TX, USA
    Posts
    9,994
    The best way to really learn Linux (to me) is to go get a good book that will step you through things like installation and setting up accounts and installing software. Or if you know someone who's good at it, then that would be a great help as well. Perhaps there's a LUG (Linux User Group) in your area that could help set you up with software, maybe even install it for you and show you a thing or two.
    We love Sensei!!
    A 1:1 ratio of Arby's sauce to Horsey sauce must be maintained.
    Like Linux? Want to like it more? Try Debian
    Best. (Python.) IRC bot. ever.
    Geekology

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    Gibsons, BC Canada
    Posts
    45
    Kinslayer: I hired a technician to install Mandrake 7.1. He launched me in X as I had no Windows experience (came directly from DOS). We have become good friends and correspond frequently by e-mail as we live in different cities. He's been very helpful in answering my many questions and now I am reading books and tutorials from other Linux sites to learn the command-line. It does help to have a friend to help you - keeps the frustration level lower! If there is a LUG nearby, lucky you. I've been trying to start one here but no success yet. Knowing what Linux projects others are doing is also inspiring as there is no end to what can be done using Linux. Good luck on your Linux journey!
    open mind, open source, open cars

    Registered Linux User 299372 http://counter.li.org

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 1999
    Location
    Stavanger, Norway
    Posts
    93
    The best way is as stated bfore her to get a book about it.

    It' also a good idea to buy a box-set of the first distro. Then you will get the book that follows that too.

    The book I'd choose is O'Reily's "Running Linux". You can find it at Amazon, URL:
    href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156592469X/qid=995527275/sr=2-1/ref=aps_sr_b_1_1/102-1488645-3845739

    Good luck and welcome!


    </nalle>

    [ 19 July 2001: Message edited by: Nalle ]
    _ _ _ _ _ _____________ _ _ _ _ _
    ...and peace and prosperity for you all.
    _ _ _ _ _ _____________ _ _ _ _ _

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    portage
    Posts
    3
    Thanks for your help guys! One question though, how can i find out if there is a LUG in my area?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 1999
    Posts
    2,468
    I should look into that one day in my area. I may learn something.

    Any free computer publications in your area? Do you know of any other LUG's elsewhere you could contact (via email) to ask?

    Websearch? i.e. LUG yourcity

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    Costa Mesa, CA USA
    Posts
    18
    the first thing is to find a Linux User Group (LUG) in your area. If you ever get stuck the best things is to have someone there that can help you. The next thing is if you ahve an internet connection go to www.linux.org and visit linux 101. It is a free online class that will teach you the basics of linux. After that try and crash the machine and make a cool recovery. That always makes you feel better about yourself and give you the courage to continue with the hard road ahead. But most of all find that LUG and go as frequently as they meet.
    On the Third Day, GOD gave Adam and Eve Linux.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    228
    Mandrake Campus

    This has some great learning tools, and even runs you through using vi. You have to register, but it's free.
    Just Another Linux User
    Registered Linux User #204980 http://counter.li.org

    Keep it up man, and I will tear you a bigger "forbidding hole"!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Location
    Austin, Texas
    Posts
    607
    As for a starting point: buy a newer book that teaches you the basics and comes bundled with a specific distribution of linux. That will help you get a nice boost. Also search online for anything that you might be having specific problems with.

    As for LUGs, I guarantee almost any local University/College will have one. Search their website (if they have one).

    Good luck!

    (I was in your shoes only a few months ago =P ... kinda still am, hehe)
    McManus
    usrg@mail.utexas.edu

    Registered Linux user # 267375 @ counter.li.org

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2000
    Location
    /dev/3.14Pie/HowRandom
    Posts
    6,697
    Kinslayer,

    To find LUGs in your area, try this site. It's a worldwide list of lugs, with links to other similar sites. As Nalle said earlier, get a copy of O'Reilly's "Running Linux" (by Matt Welsh). I've also found "Unix Power Tools", also by O'Reilly, to be a great reference.

    Welcome to Linux

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Location
    Greenville, OH
    Posts
    4
    Kinslayer-

    I am also a newbie, and really don't know all that much about linux. I did however download Mandrake 8.0, and had no problems installing it. Get the ISO files, burn them to disc, and install. The Mandrake distro makes it very easy to do the install, it does it all for you - partition and all. If you can use windows, it will be a breeze. I had no problems making my machine a dual-boot system. Mandrake 8.0 is fairly easy to use, everything is graphical. I installed and setup quite a few programs without having to use the terminal. The control center lets you change your hardware settings and boot-up... whatever you want to do.
    If you can work in windows, you can use 8.0. I still haven't ran the first command, and have a ton of software installed, and a cool desktop. Might want to give it a try. It's been a great way for me to get started.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •