New To Linux: Part 1 - What is It and is It For Me?

[theZUDreport]

Many people, when they hear the word Linux, immediately dismiss it as a hard to understand, command line environment designed for hackers and computer geeks. Images of scenes from the 1983 movie War Games start to pop into their heads, with the green on black text based computer systems. In reality though, it is not that scary... in fact, you've probably used Linux hundreds of times and not even known it. As the title suggests, this series of articles will be directed towards people new to Linux, or toying with the idea of making the switch.

First, let's clear up the name Linux, it is most commonly thrown into conversations about computer operating systems like: “Do you use Windows, Mac or Linux?”. The problem is that Linux is not an operating system (OS), it is what is known as a kernel. So, what is a kernel? It is the very base, the foundation of an OS. In the simplest terms, it contains all the instructions and commands needed to turn a collection of components like the mouse, keyboard, memory, hard drive... etc into a useful, working computer. Of, course the reality of it is much more complicated than that, but luckily the average user does not need to know all the ins and outs of it. Think of it like your car, you do not need to know how every part of the engine works just to go to the store. So, what does this mean exactly? Why the confusion? Well, the Linux kernel is distributed under what is called the GNU General Public License or the GNU GPL, what this means is that it is, again in the simplest terms, it is free to distribute and modify as long as derived works use the same license. Free in this case means, not only no cost but also freedom to change, modify, rewrite or add to the code even if it is to make your own kernel, as long as due credit is given and you allow the same freedoms to others with your work.

sit3-shine.7.jpgTux, the Linux mascot by Larry Ewing

OK, so enough with the boring stuff. The confusion comes from the fact that many, many operating systems use the Linux kernel... like Ubuntu, Red Hat, open Suse, Fedora, Android, an many more. These are what are known as Linux Distributions, or Distros for short and use the Linux kernel with varying degrees of modifications. Android for example uses an extremely trimmed down version since the hardware of the devices it's used on is unlikely to change much. I said earlier that you have most likely used Linux hundreds of times and not even known it, because it's used in things like ATMs, cable boxes, self checkouts at the store, GPS units and phones, not to mention countless numbers of web sites run on Linux based computers... it is everywhere.

step5.jpgUbuntu Installation Wizard

So, is Linux for you? Absolutely! Many distros are working to make their OS more user friendly, for example Ubuntu makes it simple to try it on your PC without ever installing it. The download section of their website gives you step by step instructions on how to create a Live CD or Live USB and their installation also makes it easy to install Ubuntu along side your current OS so you can have both on one computer. And Ubuntu is not the only one, many distros are working towards making their OS suitable for newcomers and Linux veterans alike. Most average computer users can install, set up and use their computer with a Linux based OS and never need to see a single command line prompt, and still do everything they do now. Most programs used in Windows have either a Linux version or a comparable Linux only program that does the same thing. For example, if you use an office suite in Windows there are several free, open source variants such as LibreOffice which is compatible with MS office and offers a similar suite of programs. The programs that do not have a Linux version or counterpart can often be run in an emulator-type application called WINE. Since, you can try distros like Ubuntu before you install them, you can find out in advance if you can do everything you need to, and with the ability to install side by side with Windows, you can always keep it around just in case.

In the next part of this series, I'll go over how to get, try and install Ubuntu ​(one of the most new-user friendly distros). I'll also get you familiar with its desktop environment and go over the basic settings to help get you started.

[sbircris.jr]

Great thread ... I am Linux/UNIX newbie ... I am still trying to untangle all the definitions, terms and commands and this post cleared my mind regarding the kernel
Thank you for nice explanation

[pane-free]

"Most average computer users can install, set up and use their computer with a Linux based OS and never need to see a single command line prompt, and still do everything they do now."

This quotation points to a disturbing trend noted of late for forum moderators, GNU/linux bloggers and their like to downplay the importance of the command line in linux usage. It is disturbing because the quality and personality of linux experiences depend in large part on delving into the seemingly dreaded command line or console.

Prior poster, sbircris.jr, points to the common linux newbie confusion. Working through this confusion and frustration individually and with help from forums forms a common thread from which a comraderie is built amongst linux users heretofore that does not exist in most who use the dominant OS. Is this quality of experience to be lessened for the sake of quantity of users?

Let commercial enterprise distros like RedHat and Suse worry about quantity and garnering a piece of the Cloud via compromising principles for the sake of money. These and Canonical do not define what GNU/Linux is. More and more Android unwittingly takes over that role for the public a large as they turn to their smart phones and tablets and leave even laptops (let alone desktops) behind in their daily struggles to survive.

I encourage new linux users to learn how to use the command line within their chosen distros. Without having learned APT (apt-get and aptitude, et al) I would have neither delved into PERL to fill in the gaps nor advanced on to using Slackware. It is because I see a lot of what seems like laziness creeping in that I write. Call me old-school (I'm not really, having vowed to eliminate that OS from Redmond from my life but a short 2 yr 9 mo ago) but Linux is becoming emasculated by such mindsets as I note of late, and I must protest. I no longer use ms at all.

[goodselfme]

I appreciate the "boring" stuff you discuss since it clears up things for me. thank you.

[Victor Leigh]

"Is Linux for me?"

Why not? I look at it this way. I use a computer to get my work done. Not to get anyone richer at my expense. Of course, I do not grudge anyone trying to make a buck. Just that I don't see any reason to buy the cow when I can get the milk free, so to say.

[LArchimonde]

Actually I like Linux Distro (Ubuntu 12.10) more than any other Windows OS. I have been using it only for a month and a half, but so far is great. I know I got a lot of things to learn but that's the fun part about it. It gives you more freedom and you can use everything that you use in any Windows OS. Plus it's much more stable. And that's just some of the advantages.