Getting Started with GNU/Linux

[Kiyuubi]

What is Linux?

Linux is a FOSS (free and open source software) kernel developed by Linus Torvalds.  It is the base of many operating systems, typically just called "Linux".  A more correct term for this would be "GNU/Linux".  The major 3 GNU/Linux distributions are Debian, Slackware, and Redhat.  There are many other distributions based off of these main 3; such as Ubuntu, openSUSE, and Fedora respectively.

 

Where should I begin?

If you are a new user, then your best bet is to start with either Ubuntu or Linux Mint.  Both are incredibly user friendly, stable, and feature rich.  Even more advanced users use these due to their ease of use and simplicity.

 

What if my computer isn't that powerful?

Linux distributions use something called a desktop environment (DE).  There are some incredibly lightweight DEs for older, or not so powerful, computers.  Ones such as LXDE or XFCE (LXDE being more lightweight) are very easy on the system, but still work well and have modern features. 

 

Are there any Linux distributions with these already installed?

Yes.  Lubuntu is Ubuntu with LXDE installed by default, and Xubuntu is Ubuntu with XFCE installed by default.  Both of these will work the same; they just have different DEs.

 

Can I game on Linux?

You most certainly can!  Steam has been out for Linux for some time, and there over 2,500 (and growing) Linux compatible games on just Steam!  You can also check out places like GOG for Linux games.  With Vulkan in the wild now we can expect more and more Linux games.  Nvidia and AMD both seem to have acceptable drivers (performance wise) for Linux.

 

How do I learn how to use Linux?

By using it.  Literally.  Do your day to day routine on it, if you hit a snag, use your favorite search engine to figure out a solution!  You will also want to get very familiar with the command line interface (CLI).  Be familiar with this will make things a lot easier to deal with.

 

Popular GNU/Linux Distributions

 

Ubuntu (Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Kubuntu, Ubuntu GNOME, Ubuntu MATE) - beginner friendly, recommended

Linux Mint - beginner friendly, recommended

Fedora - beginner friendly

openSUSE

 

Check out DistroWatch for more information on GNU/Linux distributions.

 

Information | Guides | Content

 

Gaming On Linux - Site dedicated to news and findings for gaming on GNU/Linux.  Also has a wiki for questions and guides.

Penguin Recordings - YouTube channel dedicated to benchmarking games on GNU/Linux.  (specifically Ubuntu)

University of Surrey Unix/Linux Tutorial - Tutorial for learning the CLI in GNU/Linux.  Very useful!

Command Line Cheatsheet (PDF) - Cheatsheet for commands in a terminal.

Introduction to Linux (edX course) - Really well layed out free course on how to learn GNU/Linux.
Linux is NOT Windows - Medium sized article on comparing GNU/Linux to Windows.

 

Popular Software

 

Web Browsers

Firefox

Google Chrome

Opera

 

Messaging

Mumble

Discord

Telegram

Hexchat

Skype

 

Video & Music Playback

VLC

MPlayer

MPV

Rythmbox

Amarok

Banshee

Clementime

 

Office Productivity

LibreOffice

Thunderbird

 

All of these programs are 100% native to Linux, and work perfectly fine.  If you are using Ubuntu or a derivative of Ubuntu (like Lubuntu, Xubuntu, etc), them most of these can be installed from its Software Center.  (or from your terminal)  If not, then their respective site will more than likely have a repository you can add so you can download it.  (or a .deb file which acts as a standalone installer)

 

Since we desperately need a stick/guide for GNU/Linux here I decided to start one.  If you have any suggestions or criticisms let me know.  I was not sure how I wanted to lay this out, but I ultimately came up with this.