Linux

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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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Is linux good for someone tech illererate. (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Now i've been considering moving to linux. I don't have much of a history using a computer and find it tougher to use than my phone. But I also really appreciate the foss movement. I've currently got an old laptop running windows 11 I think and it would prolly speed up with linux too. But I'm afraid I'd fuck smth up trying to download linux, understand it or while using it. Is it worth switching and how different is it to a windows experience.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Probably the most important thing to ask before you do anything is, do you have someone who can fix the computer if you screw it up? Installing Linux means removing Windows, so if you get half way through and get stuck, you're going to be left with a computer that doesn't work. Will you be able to recover it, or have someone who can?

Once you're on the desktop, most of what you do is going to be very similar to Windows, except most of the programs will have different names. I would imagine that the vast majority of people can use Linux once it's installed, especially if they're in your situation, where they're not used to computers and don't have any habits from Windows.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (3 children)

Oh my thats an issue. I don't know anyone who uses linux. In my country everyone just has pirated windows as I do. Thanks for the warning.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Create a linux mint install USB. When you boot from it, you'll be in a fully functional linux OS, without installing anything. This way you can try it out before making a commitment.

Although a recurring recommendation is to install linux on a second PC to try it for a while.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

This sounds good. Thanks

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

It doesn't have to be someone who knows Linux, you just need to be able to get back to a working computer. If it means going back to Windows until you know more, that's fine, just keep learning :)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Are you sure about that? Most countries around the world have a Linux user group of some sort. Find out what your local group is called, get in touch and I'm sure you'll be able to find someone who'll be more than happy to help.

https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/LinuxUserGroups

If your country isn't on the above page then Google for (your country name) "Linux User Group"