Learning linux/unix

[Ohemgee]

Any tips on where to start? I want a few tips on getting started for the Linux+ exam further down the road.

[Tajin]

Depending on what you want to do. Linux is pretty much MS-DOS (read: command line) and a bunch of text files to configure it.

Best tip would be to install it on a virtual machine or a USB/CD-RW one (preferably a USB one since you can fuck up the system and just copy it again).

Can find some books about it here http://www.freebookspot.in/

[virusiidx]

Linux/Unix in general is basically a core kernel, filesystem and command line, but there's many distributions and variants of Linux/Unix. It would be best to start off on a popular distribution such as Ubuntu to get used to how it works as a desktop and just mess around with it using it daily for the tasks that you're used to.

Be ready to use the command line a lot, so I would say to Google around and bookmark some links on basic command functions, subscribe to some linux blogs/forums, even read a few guides/tutorials/books on getting started and familiar with the OS. It definitely works different than Windows.

Also, as recommended above, it would be best to try a LiveCD or LiveUSB version of a Linux Distro first before installing, just so you can test out the hardware before installing it.

[Pikarya]

It would be best to start off on a popular distribution such as Gentoo to get used to how it works as a desktop and just mess around with it using it daily for the tasks that you're used to.

ftfy

[Bardicrune]

I would actually start with a more Enterprise oriented OS like Redhat ES5. But since that is a pay product, use CentOS 5. It is nearly identical to the Redhat build, but is free.

[nitsuj]

Best thing I can recommend is probably what a lot of us did. Download gentoo barebones install disk and print out the 100,000 page installation manually.

When you pop that disk in you have a command prompt off the CD and that's it. You have to, command by command, format your harddrive, install the OS and services, setup the boatloader etc etc. It'll take you about 2 days (while using the manual) but when you're done you will have learned a TON about linux and have a fully customized linux install on your machine.

Good luck

[Killgannon]

I don't suggest just jumping into Gentoo like the others here

I suggest downloading something on to USB, and booting for that, learning Gnome/KDE/whatever first, then as you get more comfortable either install it to your hdd and start working with it daily, or start up gentoo...

[virusiidx]

ftfy

Are you a Gentoo user? I can't imagine recommending this to a new linux/unix user. Unless you're referring to a similar approach to Nitsuj's suggestion, then that would be more of a hardcore approach as long as the user is not someone to give up so easily, then yes, hands down this will teach the user a whole lot of how linux works.

I suggested Ubuntu because it's the most popular distribution and easiest to start off with for most users trying to get familiar with Linux. I've seen too many people give up on linux just because it's so different and didn't want to have to deal with the CLI.

Just my thoughts.

[Tymon]

Seems his joke went over a lot of heads

If you have the time, start with a simple OS like Ubuntu and teach yourself. Seriously, it's not hard to do.

Once you get the hang of it you can move on to a more intermediate OS like Red Hat, and finally an advanced one like Gentoo or Arch

[virusiidx]

Well, wasn't sure if he was joking or not since that wasn't the only suggestion to try Gentoo first. Just thought I'd clarify.

[Killgannon]

fuck if we're being "just jump into the deep end no worries" then fuck gentoo you need to start here: http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/