How to Get Started with Linux: A Beginners Guide

Linux, a powerful and highly customizable Operating system. Everyone has heard about this OS. Some also want to try it out. However, you might find out Linux a hard to use OS. This is why I am here to show you a beginners guide on how to get started with Linux. If you are also one of them and are afraid to use it.

Then you are in the right place. I will guide you through the Obstacle you might face while installing and using it. So let’s get started.

Beginners guide to get started with Linux

Linux is the most secure OS. Its customizability makes it fan favorite. There are a ton of desktop environments for Linux distributions. If you are bored with the same old UI, you can change it. Moreover, It is very difficult to heck. Besides, hacking is something we do on Linux.

You can find Linux everywhere if you look closely. From servers to offices, IoT, and small handheld computers like Raspberry Pie. Now it’s making its way in domestic uses. It is a good OS for day-to-day uses. There are different Linux distributions available in the market. Therefore, our first step will choose the right Linux distribution.

Choosing the right Linux distribution

This step is very important. Here you will have to choose the right Linux distribution for yourself. This is the first beginner’s guide to get started with Linux.  If you are windows or Mac user then you will find Linux confusing. Unlike Windows or Mac, there are so many versions of Linux.

However, do not worry I will help you out. Once you are familiar with Linux then you be able to choose Linux distribution on your own. Choose according to your hardware and knowledge about Linux. I will recommend Ubuntu for beginners. It not hard and not too easy.

It is a perfect Linux distribution if you want to learn about Linux. However, there are other easier to use Linux distributions but you will not learn much from them. Therefore, I will recommend Ubuntu. Besides, If you want to go hardcore then there are Linux distribution like Arch Linux just for you.

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Installing Linux on your PC

Installing Linux is tricky if you ask me. It requires a few more steps than installing Windows. Just follow this guide and you are good to go. You are a beginner and just want to try it out.

Therefore, it is not necessary to remove windows and install Linux. You can just dual boot Linux with Windows. Here, follow this guide to install Linux in dual boot with windows. It will not affect your other file or remove windows. Linux will be on a different partition so no need to worry.

IF you are not comfortable with installing Linux then you can use a virtual machine. You might want to check it out before installing it permanently. If you are one of those then you should use a virtual machine. You can use a virtual Box for this task. Virtual box is very easy to use.

You will save time by using Linux on a VM then installing it on PC. GO to the official website to download and then install it. Here is a guide from the official website on how to use it. If you are a windows user then you probably know how to use a virtual box. Besides, this guide has got you covered.

What to do after installing Linux

After installing Linux there are many things you will need to do. The first is installing your favourite app. If you installed Ubuntu as I said then there is an App Store. Ubuntu has its own app store. Not all the software and apps from windows are available for Linux. For example, instead of Microsoft office, there is a Libre office. But Unlike Microsoft office, it is free and open-source.

First, Update your system and install necessary apps

As I said earlier, Ubuntu has its own App store called the software centre. You can go there and install your favourite apps. But before you go and install them you should upgrade your system first.

If you do not do that then you might face compatibility problems. So go ahead and update your system first. To update your system, go to the “software and updates” app and update your system. It will take some time.

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Second, you should explore Ubuntu Linux.

Not everything I can tell you. Leaning Linux is something you do on your own. I am here only to guide you through the initial stage. After that, everything is on your hands. Trust me you will get used to it in no time. This is the best to get started with Linux.

Three, Getting started with the terminal in Ubuntu Linux

The terminal is the backbone of every Linux distribution. You can do everything using the terminal in Linux. Yes, there is GUI too but where’s the fun in that.  We all use GUI in windows or mac. We are here for some advanced stuff in Linux. Here are 10 basic Linux terminal commands for beginners.

These commands will guide you through the initial stage of Linux. You can also do some digging on Google to learn and use new terminal commands.

Four, Getting started with media codecs in Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu Linux does not come with media codecs pre-installed. You will have to install them manually. This might sound bad but this is where the fun begins.

You can install these codecs by using the command line. Without media codecs, you will not be able to play media files. Just put the following command in terminal to install media codecs in Ubuntu Linux.

sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

Wrapping Up!!

Linux is a very good and secure OS. It might not be easy to use for those who keep it simple. You will get used to it in no time. Besides, this beginners guide has got you covered to get started with Linux.