Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Some basic questions about Linux (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 2 months ago by akilou@sh.itjust.works to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Can someone point me to a helpful beginners resource explaining some Linux basics? Like what is the difference between "distro", which is what, like Ubuntu, fedora, Debian (? Or is that a category of distro?) And desktop environment which is what, KDE, Lubuntu, gnome? Like I don't even know I have these categories right let alone understand why I'd pick one over another and what practical effects it will have- which apps will I/won't I be able to install, etc...

I'm not expecting anyone to answer these questions for me, but if you could point me to something already written, I'd appreciate it.

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[–] CubitOom@infosec.pub 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

As someone that tends to learn most by doing. Most of these comments are excellent my only suggestion is to try it. Most Linux distros come with live images which you dont need to install to test out.

Just download the ISO and put it on a USB and then boot from the usb. You can even make a multiboot USB with ventoy.

Or you can use distrosea to demo a distro in a browser.

I also highly suggest using the arch wiki for research. It will probably go into much more depth than you need at first but it will also not dumb things down or over simplify things for you so you might actually learn. Take this doc on what a DE is for instance, https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Desktop_environment