--- In LINUX_Newbies@yahoogroups.com, Roy <linuxcanuck@...> wrote:
>
> Loyal makes a good point about hunting for software, although viruses are
> not the main Linux problem. Breakage is. Linux shares libraries and they
> must be of the same generation because Linux has no registry to track
> different versions. If you work outside of the repositories you are risking
> destabilising and even breaking your system. So follow his advice and learn
> the art of using a package manager. It is the best way to update and install
> packages. As you gain experience then you can think outside the box a bit. I
> would add to Loyal's point that it is best to forget about that other OS
> entirely as skills are not transferable and Windows practises can even get
> you into trouble.
>
> Added to what I wrote previously, Live CDs make it easy to try before you
> install. If you use rewritable CDs or DVDs or usb keys then the only thing
> it costs is time. Try lots and then you can find a good fit.
>
> Roy
>
> Using Kubuntu 10.10, 64-bit
> Location: Canada
I just wanted to emphasize one thing Roy mentioned: Live CD's are one of the top one hundred great things about Linux, giving you the opportunity to try before you fly. Mainly this is good to be sure that the particular distro recognizes all of your hardware, but you can check out the "eye candy" (all things held constant, why not have use a distro that looks good too?) and you can check out the package manager to see what goodies are available for the particular distro.
Everyone has one or more favorites but, as mentioned, Ubuntu, Mint and others that are based on Debian are particularly appealing to new users because Debian files (.deb) are numerous and very easy to install. To me, a five-year newbie, GDebi is one of the greatest tools as it does all the work for you once you have selected a .deb package. Mind you, you won't find everything you want in .deb packs but it's a great beginning.
Lastly (sorry, I tend to be verbose), you'll hear much about the terminal or Command-line interface (CLI) which could very easily sound intimidating. Fear not, because if you choose one of the more common distro's you will be able to get along pretty well without it...for a while. When you do need it, help is easy to find, especially right here, and there are books, ebooks and free PDF's to download. Based on my experience at least, BASH and other CLI's are a heck of a lot easier and more useful than DOS.
Keep us up to date with your journey,
Mark
No comments:
Post a Comment