10 Facts That Beginners Must Know About Linux

Understanding and gaining more knowledge about Linux is always an asset. As you tread your way with any new Operating System or software you need a ready referral guide that is handy as well as necessary for all times.

According to www.techrepublic.com, here are 10 important tips to new Linux users for a successful transition.

• It's just an operating system: These days, most of the work is done through a Web browser. Thus, the operating system becomes almost irrelevant. So long as the operating system can run a browser, it will live in the background, working away without being noticed. The operating system is nothing more than a layer between user applications and hardware.

• It's not Windows: Many new users are not aware that there is a difference between Windows, Linux, and Mac. But you must know that you cannot always expect Windows-like behavior. When you expect an operating system to behave like another one, trouble will crop up. So you have to be prepared always to encounter different behaviors from what you expect.

• There is no "C": Windows users are accustomed to a file system structure that Linux lovers feel hardly makes sense. Linux, on the other hand, has a perfectly logical directory hierarchy. However, there is only one main directory that you need to know about: /home/USERNAME (Where USERNAME is your name). Most modern distributions create the following directories within your home directory: Documents, Pictures, Music, Video. Those subdirectories speak for themselves, and you only need know where they are located to function properly. You must also know that the home directory is the only place on the file system where you can save files.

• Installing software is a different process: This can trouble you more than anything. As a PC user, you search for software on the 'net, downloading the .exe file, double-clicking it, and waiting for the software installation to complete. But the Linux distributions come complete with their own special tool that will do all for them. All you have to do is open the Add/Remove Software tool (such as the Ubuntu Software Center, PackageKit, or Synaptic), search for a piece of software, and install it. As a new user, you will love the sheer amount of software that's available for installation.

• The command line is not necessary: When you have a Linux box, you as a new user first worry about the bunch commands. But surprisingly, modern Linux distributions are created in such a way that you don’t have to use commands at all. The command line is there (and always will be), but for those who want to use it. But you can be rest assured that grep, ls, mkdir, chmod, or chown will not be required. Nearly every action in Linux can be handled through a GUI.

• There's no need to worry about infection: You are not dealing with Windows, so viruses and malware are things of the past. If you don’t see AVG or SEP in the notification tray don’t worry. Your machine is not at risk without them. But since your colleagues are still using Windows, so be careful. Forwarding cavalier email attachments will not harm the Linux box but can damage the Windows box.

• It's free: You have always had trouble understanding the concept of open source. But open source software has no cost attached. That makes you think that it is of no good, rather most open source software is not only better for society but good for your computer.

• If you don't like it, you can change it: This is another strange concept for new users. Unlike Windows and Mac, if you don't like a Linux desktop, you can change it. You have so much flexibility in the Linux environment that you can customize your desktop as per your choice.

• Not all hardware is created equal: Not every piece of shiny new hardware will function properly with the Linux operating system. Though largely resolved, with some pieces of hardware, the problems still persist. For these it is better to download proprietary drivers or switch to a different distribution all together. The good news is that Linux has come a long, long way in this area and continues to expand and improve.

• Google is your friend: Google as always comes in handy even for the new users. When there is a problem or an aspect of Linux you don't understand, you should know that someone else has probably documented this issue and helpful info is just a search away. Make the most out of a Google search so they are not inundated with worthless results