I was thinking about taking a class on the Linux Operating System, it is one of the electives I can choose for the program I am in. How hard is it to learn? I've only used windows, dabbled a tiny bit with an apple.
2007-01-19 06:46:57 · 9 answers · asked by strawberryrhubarbpie 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
thanks for all the answers. I am familiar with command line based clients - mysql and oracle. the linux class is several levels below the classes I am taking now so I don't think I'll have a problem.
2007-01-19 10:01:27 · update #1
First I'd want to know how determined you are not to use Windows. Going from your interests and abilities, Windows might provide the basic requirements for you. But to answer your question, yes, Linux/Unix is hard to learn. (Please, no flames or shouting...I'm trying to be fair, honest and respectful of her situation - not supportive or dismissive of any system ) Linux requires some basic understanding of the "command line" nature of an operating system, more detailed and tweakable controls. Maybe you'd want to check out "Lindows". It's an alternative OS based on open source code, yet with a MS-type user interface. It's not too expensive, and fairly well software supported. Hardware support will also have to be a factor in any decision you make. Each OS has different issues with almost every kind of hardware. Lindows may still be available on low priced systems from either Kmart or Walmart (can't recall which). P.S. I don't work for any of these guys, take money from them (but I'm willing to talk ), or even use Lindows (WinXP for me).
Linux is not 100% ready for easy use but it is getting closer.
you can always use Quanta Plus instead of Dreamweaver but I see in the future both Macromedia and Adobe porting their software to Linux.
2007-01-19 06:55:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the depth you want to learn the system. Any system can be extremely difficult or easy to learn. If you want to learn how to program windows services on windows that could be rather challenging. So for general usage (Internet, Email, Office type applications) it is pretty trivial on Linux. You can pull up the start menu and start typing the application. Now saving an application can be a little tricky without auto-mount on (you will have to go in and mount the drives manually). There are tons of Linux help out there online that you will not have to pay for(just search your problem and you could probably get a decent answer).
BOTTOM LINE: It depends on how determined you are to learn Linux. That will dictate will you learn it. Now ease depends on your ability to learn but I do not think that would be a problem. I know some people that would take a bullet before they would learn it. And I know someone would take a bullet before she would quit trying to learn it.
Hope that helps
RJ
2007-01-22 03:23:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that's a great idea! In a class environment, you'll probably learn what makes Linux different from Windows and Mac -- as well as similarities. You'll also learn some of the really essential basics, like getting around, installing applications, working on an Office-like productivity suite (one is called OpenOffice, for example).
Linux isn't too hard to learn, as long as you recognize that it *is* different from Windows and Macs (although MacOS has the underpinnings of an OS that's somewhat like Linux). I used to work at Red Hat, and there are a lot of Linux user groups that can help you along the way.
Have fun!
2007-01-19 07:01:06 · answer #3 · answered by oaxaca_so_long 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the distribution of Linux you'll be using. Every distribution uses one of the two GUIs available - KDE (K Desktop Environment) or GNOME. I would get familiar with the basic concepts of both, and go from there. If you were so inclined, you could locate a LiveCD version of some of the popular distribution, such as Kubuntu, which uses KDE, or Ubuntu, which uses GNOME. In general, it's best to know how both GUIs work.
2007-01-19 07:06:24 · answer #4 · answered by pritesh_patel52 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Really it is not difficult at all. First of all, it depends on what distribution you are learning. But you'll probably be using Redhat or another "mainstream" version. These are set up like Windows now, and they are all graphical instead of command line based. So you can still double click on things, watch movies, etc. The class will probably dive underneath that and teach you how to mount drives and such, but it's really not complicated at all.
2007-01-19 06:50:39 · answer #5 · answered by John K 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
depending on whta you are trying to do i am a computer tech and i use it for alot that windows wont allow i have used it now for 1.5 years and i am still learning more and more along with the person who got me to use it but for the basics yes it is easy to learn but like any thing it does take time
2007-01-20 19:07:32 · answer #6 · answered by damcmichael 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi. If you know Unix then Linux will be a breeze.
2007-01-19 07:04:35 · answer #7 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is difficult to learn. There are plenty of books and websites though.
2007-01-19 06:49:15 · answer #8 · answered by Michael O 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
easy as apple pie
2007-01-19 06:53:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
not really, it depends on what you are doing. I'm sure you'll pick it up quickly :-)
2007-01-19 06:49:22 · answer #10 · answered by fish_chips11 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋