Are there any shortcuts in learning Linux ?

Question

What would be a recommended way to learn ? Is it easier and faster way to learn ?What's the Pros and Cons ?

Answer 1

You can get what is called a "Live" version that runs from a CD you will have burned.
It's a good way to play around with it without installing it on your computer.
You boot up from the CD, so you would have your CD as first boot device.

http://www.knoppix.org/

If this site is in German there is translation button top right to go to English.

Use the download site in http not ftp: Kernel.Org (California, USA)*) It's the second from the top on the download sites list.

Once you download the file you need to burn it to CD as bootable.

Good luck and have fun. There are many flavors of Linux with Mandriva, Umbunto, etc among the choices. I like the KDE desktop version.

You still might want to read up on the version you choose to try. Try the library or online help.

Answer 2

Linux is great. But it takes abit of time to get used to it.

The easiest way to learn it is to use it. However, I don't reccomend going out there to buy a new machine or reinstall your existing computer with linux. Find / Buy an old PC, say at P2 or P3 and install Linux on it. Installing it these days is a breeze. Experiment with it by trying to do what you typically do on Windows. (install softewares, use your office software (open office), surf the web etc.
If you need references, there are millions of good sites to be listed here. Best option is to go to your linux distribution's website. There should be a basic guide to do basic operations. In time, you'll soon be familiar with Linux.
Pros : Linux is mostly free. Though Distribution are charging. but still cheap compared to windows.
Its a great environment. stable, cool, and really very customisable.
It can be your gateway to the open source community where you will find lots of cool and open source software.

Cons : Learning curve is certainly a little bit more than windows. But it can be quite fun too.
Some software which you are used to, might not be available in linux. Though, there are usually a Linux equivalent software. For example, Photoshop -> Gimp ( an equivalent software which runs on linux)

That said, good luck in your Linux adventures. I suggest www.suse.com distribution. Its quite easy to start up. Most importantly, have fun! Don't take it too seriously.

Answer 3

I'd say one of the best ways is to just find a good book. **Word of caution though** Check the date on the book. If it's more than a year and a half old, look for something newer. Linux is under constant development. Although the bulk of the book may have relevant and useful information, you'll miss out on the exciting new stuff.

A good Linux book will give you a solid foundation of knowledge, which is essential, although I can't recommend one of the top of my head. It's been some time since I've picked up an introductory level book on the subject.

Answer 4

The pros:

1) free software
2) strong support community
3) many applications to choose from

The cons:

1) can be tricky to get certain devices working (like wireless card)
2) can be slower than Win XP
3) not all the applications are up to snuff


But, with all that said I still LOVE LINUX! I use Ubuntu Linux. Look it up on the net and download it. It's worth a shot because it's all FREE!

Answer 5

Dude telling you....Linux is an extensive/professional software that really shouldn't be used by someone that is a Novis. I know you want to learn, but you have to know software programing pretty well before you can venture into this.

I would suggest taking a class or at least going to Barns & Nobles and getting a book on it. Good Luck because you're gonna have a lot of sleepless nights learning this program!! :)

Answer 6

LINUX FREAKIN ROCKS, what I would do to learn is look up sites and forums maybe get a book depending on what distro you are using. partition your hard drive so u run a dual boot one linux one windows....I recommend starting with something like suse10....if u do not know how to get it email me or something I will point you in the right direction

Answer 7

i'm a linux person and characteristic been for over 5 years, i merely study by a link one among the different posters gave, it really is between the strains -- The instructions are an identical and also you'll use them if and once you position in any distro -- entire garbage, i have probable used 3 unix/linux instructions - and easily because i wanted to verify what they did i ought to love someone to position in k3b (its a cd burning application) on mine making use of the command sudo apt-get set up k3b a million) there is not any sudo 2) there is not any apt (stepped forward packaging device), so no apt-get 3) and there is not any synaptic to do it graphically on mine i do a million) su to root (even if i ought to set up sudo and configure it) 2) urpmi k3b 3) or, the way, rpmdrake and search for for k3b so that you spot, the instructions you'll choose are distro particular - and easily needed in case you somewhat choose to study them ---------------------- the consequences are compiz-fusion, it comes with maximum distros, yet you choose a gpu which could cope - onboard portraits frequently can't, you'll choose a portraits card, I have an nvidia gforce 7500le and it copes with finished 3-d portraits actual, to commence up the dice merely ctrl, alt and carry and drag the left button on your mouse to flaten the dice ctrl, alt and down arrow ctrl, alt and s rolls the operating window up and down ctrl, alt and l locks your consultation, person password to liberate ctrl, alt and d clears the present computer you've a staggering key in linux, its the left homestead windows key, the only between ctrl and alt, shift, tremendous and left mouse button can grant hearth writing shift, tremendous and c clears the reveal shift, tremendous and s can grant your homestead windows shifter, left and correctly arrows to verify on your window, enter to apply it there are lots better, too many to record properly alt can grant those ¹²³½¾ and bigger appropriate is person decision, i imagine mandriva linux is appropriate,

Answer 8

Download and install it.

Books and classes are fine, but the only way to really retain what you learn is to do it yourself. I find that I remember more when I find out things for myself. Additionally, it allows you to focus on the aspects that you are most interested in, without having to suffer through a fixed curriculm/lesson plan

Answer 9

Download it, install it and buy a book about it. Its pretty nice.
Pros: More stable, open source (you can modify it), its absolutly free.
Cons: Compadibility issues, command line interface makes it tougher to learn.
The pros outweigh the cons

Answer 10

What's Linux?