Learning Linux

Spek

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May 12, 2010
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517
I am new to linux and i downloaded the linux Suse and Backtrack 5. I just want to know where i can get freen manuals for linux to study them and use the linux. I have them working on a Virtula Box on my windows 7.
 

Willie Trombone

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Jul 18, 2008
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I am new to linux and i downloaded the linux Suse and Backtrack 5. I just want to know where i can get freen manuals for linux to study them and use the linux. I have them working on a Virtula Box on my windows 7.

Things to remember with Linux... many system commands have to happen as the root user and so always precede them with
sudo

Some distros dont use sudo so that point may be irrelevant.
Next thing to remember is Linux is very much cAsEsEnSiTiVe... always!
If you want to run a command in the current folder, preceed it with ./ - you can't just run the command from the current folder if it's not in the path.
Linux paths use the forwardslash /, not backslash \
If you want to know how to do stuff, usually follow the command with --h
also entering
man commandname brings up the manual docs for that command. Read up on how to use the man interface, it's confusing.
Get an editor that you like and works well and get to know it properly. Linux fundis swear by Vi but the interface is a schlep. There are others like joe or gedit that are easier to use - see what your distro comes with and use that.
Learn to mount and dismount volumes on your distro manually - write down the commands to make it easier if removable volumes dont mount automatically - CD/DVD and flash in particular... also NTFS volumes if you want to read your own windows partitions, etc.
If you create a shell command file (dos batch file equivallent) in linux, you can't run it without making it executable first - usually something like
chmod +x filename
Note that extensions are irellevant on Linux- files have their type stored in a header and in the file properties (like the executable flag).
learn the linux equivallent of some dos commands...
ls instead of dir
mkdir
rm
etc.
I'm sure there are many other bits of advice, but this is where I started.

Oh, lastly...
shutdown -r now = reboot
shutdown -h now = shut down
 
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Spek

Senior Member
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May 12, 2010
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517
thanks a lot. i was reading on some form and they said you can even play normal windows games on linux. Example: quake 3, bfbc2 , etc.
 

hawker

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Sep 22, 2006
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thanks a lot. i was reading on some form and they said you can even play normal windows games on linux. Example: quake 3, bfbc2 , etc.

If you want to play games, stick with windows -> it's just easier that way.

I keep a Windows 7 partition for my games, and do most other stuff (movies,internet,email, series) in my Linux.
 

karnuffel

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Jul 5, 2010
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thanks a lot. i was reading on some form and they said you can even play normal windows games on linux. Example: quake 3, bfbc2 , etc.

Lol yes you can, you will hate yourself for trying but you can... I got WOW to wok in openGL mode under wine. Games such as quake and Doom are easier to install, just get an installer from ID and use your windows dvd/cds. Interestingly I found Doom3 to perform a lot better under Linux than Windows, but it wasn't really a very objective test since I am a Linux fan. ATI display drivers under Linux are also not a lot of fun but is getting better.
 

PixelPusha

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Joined
Dec 4, 2008
Messages
270
I am also new to linux (ubuntu) found that youtube is a awesome resource of help :) better than any manuals imho :)
 

Skywalker42

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2010
Messages
901
Learn to use command line.

Run a terminal and type >man command

It will then display thr the manual on command

For example try:

>man woman

You are about to learn a lot...
 

Rocket-Boy

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Jul 31, 2007
Messages
10,199
http://www.howtoforge.com/
^^this
Just get a distro that you like - I would recommend ubuntu cos its soft and fluffy compatible and got tons of support.
Then work through some howto's on howtoforge, things will start making sense quite quickly.
 

DrJohnZoidberg

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Jul 24, 2006
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I have just learned something new recently, and that is that linux runs world of warcraft very well. Installed on my fedora machine and its running like a charm.
 

DrJohnZoidberg

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Jul 24, 2006
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Things to remember with Linux... many system commands have to happen as the root user and so always precede them with
sudo

Just don't get too trigger happy with root privileges - at this stage you should only be following tutorials, so only use sudo if it is specified that you must use it. Once you start to understand the inner workings of linux you will know when to use it and when not to use it.


Oh, lastly...
shutdown -r now = reboot
shutdown -h now = shut down

Rebooting also has a simpler command:

Code:
reboot

:D
ENJOY!
 

SomeoneEls

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2009
Messages
863
I have just learned something new recently, and that is that linux runs world of warcraft very well. Installed on my fedora machine and its running like a charm.

Indeed it does, similar to windows performance imo

Wine HQ will give you an idea of how a game runs under wine
 

chrisc

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Aug 14, 2008
Messages
11,270
Am trying Ubuntu 11.10 and Lubuntu 11.10. Lubuntu works better on an old machine (Celeron 1.4 with 256mb) but is rather boring.
 
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