New to Linux and not sure how to get started? It’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re coming over from the macOS or Windows side, or just Linux-curious, you’re sure to gain useful knowledge from this beginner’s guide to using Linux.
Step 1: Choosing a Linux Distro
How do you use Linux? First, you’ll need to pick a Linux distribution, often abbreviated to “distro.” A distro is a unique operating system built on the Linux kernel. The number of distros out there is large and growing, so which should you choose?
That depends on your hardware and your computing habits. Is your PC older or have a low-end processor? Go with a distro that advertises itself as lightweight or resource-friendly. Are you a multimedia content creator? Look for a heavier, studio-focused distro.
If you’re a beginner Linux user, however, and you want something friendly and familiar, some solid choices would be Linux Mint, Manjaro Linux, or Elementary OS.
Whichever distro you choose, just make sure your hardware meets the requirements.
To get a feel for any of them with committing, you can actually try a distro inside your browser, or launch one in a virtual machine.
Is Linux Free?
At this point you might be asking the all-important question: Is Linux really free?
The answer: Yes.
A few non-free distros exist, but most of those are enterprise editions not meant for the everyday user. Some Linux developers may request a donation or offer to sell you a pre-written image disk, but downloading and using the distro itself won’t cost you a dime.
What is a Desktop Environment?
Many distros will be offered with varying desktop environments (DEs) or “flavors.” Simply put, a DE is a certain mode of desktop appearance and organization. You can search online for images of a specific DE for a preview.
Unsure about which DE to choose? Linux nerds will have strong opinions on the “best” DE, but a new user shouldn’t think too hard about it; just choose the one that sounds best to you, and if you have problems with it, trying another is easy.
Step 2: Creating a Bootable Drive
After choosing a distro, you’ll need to download the ISO file from the distro’s website. The ISO contains the distro’s basic files and architecture, and you’ll need to write it to a USB drive or SD card so you can boot the Linux “image” on your device.
Don’t be intimidated if this sounds complicated. Many image writing apps exist that will do the work for you with a few clicks. This guide explains the process of writing the Ubuntu ISO to a disk, and the process is the same for most popular Linux distros.If you have to, you can also burn an ISO file’s contents to a DVD that will boot and install your distro. It’s an older and less reliable method, however, and not recommended.
Step 3: Testing a Linux Distro
With a boot disk in hand, you’re ready to launch the “live” version of your distro. A live boot will demonstrate the distro’s functionality on your device without making any changes.
Connect the boot disk to your computer while it’s turned off, then power on. Your PC should automatically find and boot the live disk. It’s not as difficult as it sounds.
Once you’ve reached a successful live session, feel free to try apps, connect to the internet, and play music and video.
If you have issues in the live boot, like the sound doesn’t work or the screen looks fuzzy, that may be a sign that the distro isn’t for you. Many problems in Linux are fixable, but some require quite a bit of work, and that’s not a good way to start your Linux experience.
Step 4: Installing Linux
The installation process will vary a little bit from distro to distro.
It will usually involve reformatting your hard disk, choosing a region, selecting a keyboard layout, and applying installation and updates.
Important: If you have any files you care about saved on your device, be sure to back them up before attempting a Linux install. A full overwrite will obviously delete any existing data, and while a dual boot situation is possible, the risk of accidental data deletion still exists.
In a live boot session, there will typically be a link in the welcome screen or desktop to begin installation. Click the install link, and an on-screen guide will walk you through the process.
Installation will always take time, so be patient, even if your screen looks frozen. However, another PC or a smartphone is handy to have here, in case you do run into trouble.
Step 5: Connecting to the Internet on Linux
Connecting to the internet in Linux is similar to other operating systems. A network manager tool will typically appear somewhere in your task bar, and launching it will usually bring up a list of available Wi-Fi networks.
If Wi-Fi doesn’t seem to work, you may need to download some extra drivers for your wireless network card. Use an Ethernet cable to connect instead, or use a different device, and try searching the internet for a solution for your specific device.
Don’t forget that all popular distros have active communities reachable through forums, social media, and messaging apps. Knowledgeable people eager to solve your Linux problems will always be there, so check your distro’s website and look for community links.
Step 6: Launching Apps on Linux
How do you run an app in Linux? Your distro will often find an app-launching widget similar to a classic Windows start menu or Launchpad on macOS.
Rather than using one of those graphical user interface (GUI) tools, however, you can also easily launch apps with the command line interface (CLI) method, also known as using the terminal.
Find your distro’s terminal emulator (hitting Ctrl+Alt+T will often launch it), and then type a launch command and press Enter.
For example, to start the Firefox browser, enter this command into your terminal:
firefox
Step 7: Downloading Software on Linux
A basic install of most distros will include at least your basic PC utilities and accessories, such as the firewall, network manager, notepad, and an internet browser. But what if you want extra apps, or a specific app you’re used to using on other platforms?
Many distros include a software-browsing app that will give you a similar experience to the Apple App Store, or the Microsoft Store. Look for something with a name like Software Manager, or AppCenter, where you can find and install many familiar apps, like Firefox, Spotify, and Steam.
If you don’t find a specific app there, the app’s website will often give you a link or instructions to get the Linux version. Some don’t have an official Linux version, however, like Microsoft Office. There are ways of getting around this, though.
Step 8: Customizing Your Linux Experience
This is where Linux really shines: Windows and macOS tend to limit your customizing powers, but almost everything in a Linux desktop can be changed with the right tools and know-how. It’s even possible to make your Linux desktop look like Windows or like macOS.
You should find some options in your distro’s appearance settings menu, but you can customize further by looking up guides for your DE specifically.
Learn Linux and Learn Freedom
While getting started is easy, there’s much more you can learn that will help you become a better and more versatile Linux user. Start by learning to use the terminal to issue some basic but useful commands.