1. What is Linux?
Imagine your computer is a house:
- Windows/macOS → Prefabricated houses (everything is already decorated, but you can't change the walls).
- Linux → An empty lot where YOU build the house (choose the design, furniture, and even the color of the light bulbs).Linux is an operating system (like Windows or macOS), but open-source (free, modifiable, and ad-free).
2. Basic Parts of Linux
Graphical Environment (GUI) vs Terminal (CLI)
| Graphical Interface (GUI) | Terminal (CLI) |
|---|---|
| What you see and touch: Icons, windows, menus. | What you type: Text commands (like chatting with your computer). |
| E.g.: Clicking on Chrome to open it. | E.g.: Typing google-chrome to open it. |
| Beginner-friendly. | Faster for experts. |
💡 Tip: In Linux you can use both. Using the terminal is not mandatory (but learning it will make you powerful ✨).
3. Key Concepts You MUST Know
File System
- In Windows: You have
C:\Users\YourName\Documents. - In Linux: Everything is in
/home/yourname/Documents. - 📂 The most important folders:
/home→ Your personal files (like "My Documents")./etc→ System settings./bin→ Basic programs.
Desktop Environments
Linux has 🎨 **visual "flavors". The most common are:
- GNOME (modern, like macOS).
- KDE (customizable, like Windows).
- XFCE (lightweight, for older computers).
🔄 You can change desktops without reinstalling everything, even without rebooting!
Packages and Repositories
- 📦 Package (.deb/.rpm) → Installable program (like an .exe on Windows).
- 🧰 Repository → Linux "app store" (everything is centralized and secure).
4. Getting Started in the Terminal
⌨️ (Don't worry, it's like learning to use the keyboard)
Basic Commands
| Command | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
pwd | Shows where you are | pwd → /home/yourname |
ls | Lists files | ls → Show what's in the current folder |
cd | Change folder | cd Documents → Go to "Documents" |
mkdir | Create a folder | mkdir Music → Create the "Music" folder |
sudo | Run as administrator | sudo apt update → Update the system |
💡 Practical exercise:
- Open the terminal (
Ctrl + Alt + T).- Type
lsand press Enter.- Type
mkdir HelloLinuxand thencd HelloLinux.- Congratulations! You've just created and entered a folder. 🎉
5. Why Use Linux?
- ✔️ It's free (no piracy required).
- ✔️ It has no viruses (there are almost none for Linux!).
- ✔️ It runs on older computers (XFCE can revive a 2010 laptop).
- ✔️ You control EVERYTHING (no forced updates or ads).
6. What's Next?
Try Linux without installing: Use Ubuntu Live USB.
Install Ubuntu (the friendliest Linux) alongside Windows.
Explore the terminal little by little (start with
ls,cd,mkdir).📌 Golden rule: In Linux, googling is your superpower. If something doesn't work, search:"How to [problem] on [your distro]" → Ex: "How to install Chrome on Ubuntu".
✅ Beginner's Checklist
- I understand what Linux is and how it differs from Windows.
- I know what a "graphical environment" and a "terminal" are.
- I tried at least 3 basic commands (
ls,cd,mkdir).- I know I can try Linux without deleting Windows.
You're not a "noob" anymore! 🎉