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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Linux for the Airheaded Layman? (lemm.ee)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I have tried to learn Linux for ages, and have experimented with installing Arch and Ubuntu. Usually something goes wrong when I try to set up a desktop environment after installing Arch in VirtualBox. KDE gave me a problem where I couldn't log in after getting to the point where my username was displayed in a similar format to how it is for Windows. My end use case is to help keep my workflow more organized than haphazardly throwing files somewhere on my desktop or in a folder nested somewhere that I'll just inevitably lose :(

Somehow after all this time, I feel like I actually understand less about my computer and what I need to understand regarding its facets. Is it an unrealistic goal to want to eventually run a computer with coreboot and a more cybersecurity heavy emphasis? I'm still a noob at this and any advice would be appreciated!

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Don't use regular Arch if you're struggling. There are some arch-based distros that are more user friendly, though. Like EndeavourOS or ArchMan. Manjaro can be good too but there are legitimate problems with how the project is run.

I was having graphics driver problems in Ubuntu-based distros until I tried Linux Mint.

If you get crashes right before or after login, it's often a (Nvidia) graphics issue. To get around this, you could use nomodeset in the Grub menu to get a successful first boot where you can then install the proprietary drivers.

Look at sections 4 and especially 5 on this page
Also, here is that info in a tutorial format

Also, you may want to set the Desktop Environment to Xorg or X11 (same thing) if Wayland is causing you problems. It's older, but in some cases more efficient and less experimental. Check out the section: Switching desktop environments using a graphical user interface. It should look similar to the pictures. And notice that the "gear" icon may not appear until you select a user.

If your problem is different than this, open a support ticket in the discord or forums of the distro you're using. Linux Mint has a great system for this on Discord.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Don’t use regular Arch if you’re struggling. There are some arch-based distros that are more user friendly, though. Like EndeavourOS or ArchMan.

Yeah, this 100%. Honestly, plain Arch isn't all that hard to use. I'd argue it's probably easier in a lot of ways compared to more mainstream distros...once you have it setup that is. Arch isn't hard, Arch SETUP is hard, so having downstream distros do the hardest part of the work for you is absolutely key to a good experience if you're just starting out.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Oh and lastly, here is a link to a thread of Linux beginner advice that I think is good. I have a nice response there that is pretty detailed. It's in the Marxist lemmy though. https://lemmygrad.ml/post/735631