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--- aboutlinux [2025-12-06 18:19] – [Distribution 101] mathog
+++ aboutlinux [2026-01-11 14:43] (current) – mathog
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+====== Linux for dummies ======
+Or... "So, you're a Windows user?"
+==== Where should I start? ====
+Pick a distro, any distro. I recommend Bazzite, but these are all fine.
+Here are some, in order of simplicity:
+  * [[https://zorin.com/os/|Zorin OS]] (use the free **Core** version) - Windows like and beginner friendly.
+  * [[https://linuxmint.com/download.php|Linux Mint]] (use **Cinnamon** edition) - Popular for beginners, but not as good for gaming.
+  * [[Bazzite|Bazzite]] Best gaming option imo! Just works, rock solid, up to date and user friendly.
+  * [[https://wiki.pika-os.com/en/home|Pika OS]] (use **KDE** in my humble opinion) - Well rounded for beginners AND gamers.
+  * [[https://nobaraproject.org/download-nobara/|Nobara]] (standard) - More up to date since it's Fedora
+Make sure to download specifically for NVidia, if that's your graphics card.
+**What's a distro?** Someone has made a distribution of Linux in a specific flavor. I.e. a distro.
+==== How do I install it? ====
+  * Buy a USB stick
+  * Download the installation thing
+  * Use [[https://rufus.ie/en/|Rufus]] to copy installation to the USB stick
+  * Restart computer into BIOS
+    * How this is done differs. Usually  you hold a key after hitting power up. It can be F2, DEL, F10...
+    * Turn off **Secure Boot**
+    * Change the boot order of the discs, so that the USB (or UEFI) is at the top
+    * Save and exit, good luck
+  * What Partition option should I choose?
+    * btrfs if you can, ext4 if you can't
+    * If you want to Dual Boot, best to have two separate hard drives.
+    * Don't encrypt your drive!
+    * I really recommend All in, erase the disc and take the plunge!
+  * You need to choose a password at some point. Keep it simple on a home computer.
+  * If you encounter "KWallet", set it up with empty password. Trust me.
+==== What's different? ====
+Many things are different, some are the same. Key highlights:
+  * NVidia drivers and Codecs usually needs a separate installation. It's a license thing.
+  * **Everything** is installed through a tool, not from a webpage.
+  * All good distros include a type of Software center, though.
+  * A handful competitive games can't be run. The vast majority can.
+  * No Microsoft or Adobe suites. Really good free alternatives exists.
+  * No C: or D: drive. Everything is a "file" and starts and ''/''.
+  * Your stuff lives in a Home-folder, referenced as ''~''.
+  * Stuff named with a leading period becomes hidden. Like a ''.config'' file.
+  * File extensions like ''.jpg'' are very much optional. Still used though.
+  * Every action on stuff outside the Home-folder needs your password.
+  * Yes, a lot can be done in a terminal. However, with good distros you won't need it!
+  * The Linux scene is diverse. So, SO many options!
+==== No CTRL+ALT+DEL ====
+Seriously, this will be one of your first cultural shocks!
+This is how I would do it if I were you. And yes, this is the one bit that the terminal is best at.
+== Do this now ==
+  * Open a terminal.
+  * ''sudo apt install btop''
+== Do this instead of CTRL+ALT+DEL ==
+  * Cinnamon and KDE: ''CTRL+ALT+F4'', log in. Run ''btop'' to see and kill the rogue process. ''CTRL+ALT+F2'' to get back.
+  * Pika OS: Same, but start with ''CTRL+ALT+F2'' and end with ''CTRL+ALT+F1''. I think.
+==== Desktop environments ====
+Basically the look and feel. How the windows behave and what tools you'll have. This is not specific to a distro, you can mix and match to some degree. I will high light four:
+  * KDE or K Desktop Environment. Pretty polished and up to date. Very Windows like, but also very configurable.
+  * Gnome. More of a tablet or iOS feel. Very polished but not so configurable.
+  * Cinnamon. Feels old, but still good. Windows like. Usually paired with Linux Mint. Can behave weird, the technology is old like WinXP.
+  * COSMIC. Up and comer. It needs to bake another year, but will probably become the no 1 in popularity.
+**Important note on KDE:** It has this kwallet to store you passwords and stuff. Leave the kwallet password blank, trust me!
+==== Distribution 101 ====
+=== Daddy distributions ===
+There are three great daddies of distributions. Four if you count Ubuntu. In order of stable to bleeding edge:
+  - Debian (and it's stepchild Ubuntu)
+  - Fedora
+  - Arch
+All other distributions are based on these three (four?) and that affects the available applications a bit. But not much. Their maintainers have different philosophies: Debian is all about slow updates and stability. Arch is more new new new! Fedora is a good middle ground.
+=== Application managers ===
+Since all applications are installed through **package managers**, it's good to know that they are split along with the daddy distros.
+== Native ==
+Faster, less safe. Good for demanding stuff like Steam. Generally don't use unless you know what you're doing.
+  * Debian/Ubuntu: **APT** (advanced package tool)
+  * Fedora: **DNF** (Dandified YUM!? Right...)
+  * Arch: You're new. Don't use Arch btw.
+== Agnostic ==
+Then there are some distribution agnostic package managers. Everything you need will be included. They are safer, larger and a bit slower. Recommended for you most of the time.
+  * **Flatpak**: Use these most of the time. You'll find these in the "software center" of choice.
+  * **AppImage**: Made to be downloaded from Internet. Avoid, but sometimes it's the only option.
+  * **Snap**: Like Flatpak, but worse. Specific to the company Canonical and their Ubuntu. Avoid!
+==== What about that scary terminal? ====
+Dont worry about it. Seriously.
+You can do cool things with it. But with good distros you'll never have to use it.
+Unless you need to do CTRL+ALT+DEL, unfortunatly. Since you can't do that, like in Windows.