I’ve always approached learning Linux by just diving into it and bashing my head against problems as they come until I either solve them or give up, the latter being the more common outcome.

I wouldn’t take this approach with other pieces of software though - I’d read guides, best practices, have someone recommend me good utility tools or extensions to install, which shortcuts to use or what kind of file hierarchy to use, etc.
For example, for python I’d always recommend the “Automate the boring stuff with Python”, I remember learning most Java with that “Head first Java” book back in the days, c# has really good official guides for all concepts, libraries, patterns, etc.

So… lemme try that with Linux then! Are there any good resources, youtube videos, bloggers or any content creators, books that go explain everything important about linux to get it running in an optimal and efficient way that are fun and interesting to read? From things like how the file hierarchy works, what is /etc, how to install new programs with proper permissions, when to use sudo, what is a flatpak and why use it over something else, how to backup your system so you can easily reconstruct your setup in case you need to do an OS refresh, etc? All those things that people take for granted but are actually a huge obstacle course + minefield for beginners?

And more importantly, that it’s up to date with actually good advice?

  • CynoOP
    2·
    3 months ago

    Thank you very much for such a detailed answer! This is exactly the type of stuff I wanted to learn in advance from some generalist tutorial because honestly, I feel bad constantly asking such basic questions and there’s no guarantee there will always be someone like you to answer them. In retrospect it’s probably the smarter and simpler option to just google the command docs online, I just wanted to do it “right” since I heard all the praise about man command and you never know if you’re working offline.

    I’ll check out nala, could be a good learning tool, thanks!

    • ericjmorey
      2·
      3 months ago

      I find that books and resources on basics are hard to find motivation to get through. I don’t have a problem researching for an hour or two when I’m stuck on something that I want to accomplish, but that same information would be impossible for me to focus on if there’s no immediate motive to read it. Knowing that some information might generally come in handy later is often not enough for me to stick with it. So I don’t think people really mind helping people with “basic” questions, but their availability can unreliable.

      That said, there are a lot of good suggestions in both threads you started and if you can stick with any of them it will probably be a big boost for your comfort level in using Linux.

      I heard all the praise about man command and you never know if you’re working offline.

      Now you can open man pages in your favorite text editor with all the associated navigational conveniences!

      I’ll check out nala, could be a good learning tool, thanks!

      A lot of people who try nala never switch back to apt, I hope you find it more pleasant to use.