Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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I don't know anything about Linux and the idea of installing it frightens me. Where do I start? (lemmy.world)

submitted 6 months ago by ComicalMayhem@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I bought a laptop yesterday, it came pre-installed with Windows 11. I hate win 11 so I switched it down to Windows 10, but then started considering using Linux for total control over the laptop, but here's the thing: I keep seeing memes about how complicated or fucky wucky Linux is to install and run. I love the idea of open source software and an operating system without any of the bullshit that comes with Windows, but most of the open source stuff I have is on my android and fairly easy to install. Installing and using Linux just feels like it'll be a whole different beast that'll eat up most of my time and I'm kind of intimidated by it.

TL;DR Linux scawy, how does a barely computer literate scrub like me who's used nothing but windows since the dawn of their life get started with Linux?

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[–] SendMePhotos@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago (2 children)

If you can install windows, you can install Linux. Easy distro are Ubuntu or maybe Mint. Medium may be fedora or something.

I might get hate but Fuck gnome and debian. Debian is solid af don't get me wrong but Holy hell it feels like the Apple of Linux.

[–] Adanisi@lemmy.zip 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

The Apple of Linux? Is that not Ubuntu?

[–] SendMePhotos@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Ubuntu allows users to do things. Debian GNOME made me feel locked up and restricted.

[–] Adanisi@lemmy.zip 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I think that's GNOME's fault. Debian allows you to do more than Ubuntu, for example by not ramming proprietary snaps down your throat when you try to use apt.

[–] SendMePhotos@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago

You are probably right. I'm nowhere near experienced enough to know. I started using a new flavor that I enjoy and it turns out it's a branch of debian (according to a friend).

[–] ArcaneSlime@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 6 months ago

Tbh Fedora can be harder, or you can click "automatic" and let it fly lol.

Actually I was trying to set it up the way I was used to with the custom-blivet option like 2 days ago to upgrade to 40 and it wouldn't let me install because of some firmware or kernel bug (the error was unhelpful), so I tried auto and it worked! Not sure if it's because this laptop is dying though, and I have a framework coming in the next few weeks so who cares, but auto worked when custom wouldn't!