Linux first steps
From LUG-Jaipur
First steps in the linux world
After the talk I gave on becoming part of the FOSS ecosystem, one of the students came up to me asking me more questions on how exactly to get started with linux. I realized that dissertation help although I had waxed on for almost more than an hour on the concepts of FOSS and how to become involved, I didn't offer as much practical advice as I should have. So, I promised that I'd send over some advice and resources that would help over email.
As I started writing that mail, it dawned on me, I hadn't really thought my talk through. I kept focusing on the bigger picture without offering any details.
This article tries to remedy that.
I am glad you've decided to take the plunge :). I assure you that you won't regret it. So, well, here is what i suggest:
Contents |
Become a linux user:
For this all that you need is a empty CD or USB thumb drive and access to a computer. That's all ! You don't even need to change anything on the computer. Just boot the system using a 'Live CD' or a 'Live USB'. A live CD/USB is a general term used to describe complete linux installations that fit onto a CD or USB disk and can be run independent of the hard disk on the system. Most popular linux distributions have their own Live CD/USB release. Here are a few suggestions for some of the most popular options:
Fedora: http://fedoraproject.org/en/get-fedora Docs: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/FedoraLiveCD
Ubuntu: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download Docs: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD
Knoppix (a distro specifically meant to be used as a LiveCD): http://www.knoppix.org/
Now, if you do not have access to a good broadband net connection where you can download any of these (since they are CD distros. each of them would be approx 650 to 700 MB), you may either contact a local Linux User Group (LUG) or a local linux enthusiast.
You can also just keep an eye out for what comes on the DVDs accompanying computer magazines such as PC Quest or Linux For You. Since both Fedora and Ubuntu are planning to bring out a new release by mid Nov 2009. I am certain the Dec 2009 or Jan 2010 issue of either or both of these magazines with have the new release. However, don't let that stop you from experimenting now !.
List of linux user groups in India (extremely dated tho'): http://www.linux.org/groups/india/
List of people who might be able to help you with Fedora: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Ambassadors/India/Regions (check who is closest to you and mail him/her)
Once you get a feel of using linux from the LiveCD try and install it on a system. Most live CDs have a way for you to install themselves onto the hard disk of the system you booted in.
There are various options for you to install linux:
- Try it on a virtual machine. You can download something like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation[1] and install linux in such a virtual environment.
Note that since virtualization 'emulates' hardware in software, the performance will obviously be not as good as if you installed linux on actual hardware.
- Try installation on real hardware in a dual boot[2] manner, which simply means that you install linux without having to remove/format windows from your system.
- Install Linux on the system. If you feel confident enough to do this, you don't need any instructions for this :).
Become a community member
Although, linux is fairly user friendly these days, once you start playing around with linux, sooner or later you will need feel like asking someone to help you out, if only, to understand and appreciate the differences between what you were used to (for instance windows) and linux.
You should then consider participating in a linux user group (LUG). In most LUGs the most active participation happens within the LUGs mailing list. Some LUGs even have a dedicated IRC channel. You should join these mailing lists/IRC channels to ask questions or request for help. I cannot stress this too much:
Don't be afraid to ask even the most simplest of questions.
However, remember that people are more likely to help you out if you are polite, ask smart questions (a question can be both simple and smart) and show some appreciation when people take the time and effort to reply.
Geographical proximity is not essential be part of a LUG, although it does help to join a local LUG so that you can exchange CDs/DVDs/Books, attend meetings etc. For instance, anyone is welcomed to join the Jaipur LUG. In time you, yourself will find that you are in a position to help out other beginners and would find satisfaction in doing so. That's when you can call yourself a community member.
Become a contributor
To do
