Linux Guide
Last updated: 2024, Sun Jun 16th at 14:11 CDT
This guide is meant to help those who are curious about, new to, or interested in Linux. To begin with, it’s important to remember that Linux is a completely different system from either Windows or MacOS, regardless of how closely it resembles them. In addition, there is a learning curve, and it may be more challenging depending on your use case. Here is a collection of information that includes some of my preferred software. This is not a complete list. This is not a full guide, it is more of a quick reference and does contain a lot of links to the original programs. This is done for both convenience and security, so the user can get the most up-to-date information and avoid phishing attacks. My experiences and opinions are the basis for a lot of the information provided, which is intended for new users and people who want to learn a bit. Some of the statements/opinions mentioned are excessively simplified and are intended to provide a basic understanding to novice users.
Additional Resources #
What is a Linux OS #
You will see posts that say “Linux is the kernel, not an operating system” or the ever-popular meme “Actually it’s GNU/Linux”. Although these are true, I prefer to simplify the Linux operating system for new users to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. In my opinion, a Linux OS is comprised of three components: the kernel, the distribution, and the interface. Additionally, new users should be aware that all of these can be changed but don’t always have too. Users have the freedom to choose or make any changes they want.
graph LR 1(Linux Kernel)-->2{Distro} 2-->3[User Interface]
Kernel #
The Linux kernel is the very base software that communicates with the hardware. This contains the bulk of the drivers, schedulers, and other features. Some of the major kernels available out there:
- Stable Linux Kernel - default for most distros, occasional instability to get newer features
- LTS Kernel - very stable but may have issues with newer hardware and may lack certain features
- Hardened Kernel - designed for security, can be overzealous with programs and lacking some options for security reasons
- Zen Kernel - higher performance good for gaming and intensive workloads but will increase power usage with rare instability
Distributions #
A distro basically determines what software/tools it comes with, how updated it is, and how you need to install programs. Most distros are installed with their preferred Linux kernel and the preferred user interface, most times it is a desktop environment. You can add a different UI or completely change it but how this is done changes depending on the distro.
Interface #
There are three basic types of user interface: desktop environment, window manager, and teletype. Teletype is the most straightforward, as it’s just a terminal window for command-line interactions. This is very useful for servers and remote access devices, using things like SSH. The typical desktop environment consists of a set of programs designed with the same design or philosophy. They are usually developed with standards for their appearance and/or feel. Finally window managers, they are the most basic with the highest amount of customization. They come with very few or no additional programs and allow you to build your own style and program suite.
Getting an OS #
- Pick the best distro for you and your needs.
- Select an interface, you have the option to have more than one.
- Choose apps and programs that you require and want.