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Learning Linux can be a frustrating experience where everything little thing feels like a battle.
Avoiding these common mistakes will make your introduction and adoption of Linux much easier and less stressful.
Modern installation routines such asCalamaresandUbiquitymake installing the common Linux distributions as simple as it can be.
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Linux is also much better at identifying hardware during the installation.
It’s very rare occurrence nowadays that a fresh install doesn’t boot at all.
In fact, the pain points I hear about are very rarely related toinstalling Linux.
The challenge comes when the user tries to use their computer and become productive.
How badly that affects them is related to the throw in of user they are.
They can transition to Linux with no problem.
At the top end there are power users.
They’ll fit right into the Linux world.
Related:What Apps Can You Actually Run on Linux?
Everybody else falls into the middle tier.
They want to accomplish something, and the computer should facilitate that, and not get in their face.
They don’t want to fight the computer to achieve their end results.
They’re considered easy to use, they’re well-supported, and they’re extremely popular.
Personally, I direct first-timers towardFedora.
When you recommend a distribution you’re also volunteering to be tech support.
I get bugged a lot less by new Fedora users than by new Ubuntu users.
I’m not a fan of desktop environments that have been tweaked to resemble Microsoft Windows.
The visual similarity hints toward a Windows-like environment and experience that doesn’t materialize.
Find a desktop environment that you like.
But understand that you’re not locked into it forever.
So pick one that you feel comfortable with, and run with that to get you going.
Every distribution lets you install software through command-line tools and graphical desktop applications.
The differentiator is having ready access to a wide range of software.
Select a distribution that has well-stocked repositories that are actively managed and curated.
Forgetting This Isn’t Windows
Linux requires a different mindset.
How do you do that in Linux?
Related:LibreOffice vs. Microsoft Office: How Does It Measure Up?
But with the ever-improving compatibility betweenLibreOfficeand the Microsoft file formats, you might find you don’t need them.
There are also distribution-specific and distribution-agnostic Reddits you’ve got the option to join, such asr/linux.
Readthe man pages, do some web searches, venture to figure things out for yourself.
If you find an answer, kudos to you.
If not, go online and ask for help.
Before you post your question verify you read the rules and guidelines for the community you’re posting into.
Adhere to their site etiquette.
Include the exact commands you’ve tried, and the exact error messages.
People won’t be able to help unless you give them enough information to work with.
Remember that they’re just regular people like you.
Fearing the Terminal
The average Windows user rarely has to do anything at a command prompt.
On Linux, you’ll find yourself using the terminal window sooner or later.
And, probably sooner.
Related:10 Basic Linux Commands for Beginners
You’ll soon pick up the basics though.
Some of the very first viruses,worms, androotkitswere developed forUnix, and Linux is anopen-sourceclone of Unix.
Remember too, that some cyber threats don’t target operating systems.
They run inside browsers, making them operating system agnostic.
Historically, safe browsing habits have been enough to keep you safe.
There are anti-virus and anti-malware packages available for Linux, such asClam AntiVirus.
But there is more to securing a Linux computer than using an anti-virus package.
Use the firewall, too.
Adopt a healthy degree of caution.
Don’t click links in unsolicited emails, nor open unexpected email attachments.
verify you have good, recentbackups.
If more than one person uses your system give each of themtheir own user account.
Don’t share accounts or passwords.
Anddon’t enter as
.
Apply updates when they’re released.
Updates patch security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
So keep your operating system and applications patched up to date.
Giving Up Too Soon
You could devote huge portions of your life to learning about Linux.
The good news is you don’t need to know it all.
No one knows it all.
All you oughta know is enough to make using your gear fun and productive.
If you’re struggling, search for answers, and ask for help.
Being Afraid of Making Mistakes
You’re going to make mistakes.
Welcome to Linux, dragon-slayer.
Related:How to Create a Bootable Linux USB Flash Drive, the Easy Way
