Hi everyone,
please allow me a brief introduction:
I started using Linux a few years ago, but only "seriously" about 1/2 years ago. Before that, I used XP, but without knowing much about computing in general.

I'm noticing how much I'm learning with Linux, about computers, files, distros and all the rest. I've even gotten the "bug" for installing lots of distros just to see how they behave on my PCs.

Well, in these last months, (remember that I've had no "proper" computer education.. just self-taught and LOTS of reading) I have come to a few conclusions:

1) not all distros work well on all computers. Linux is "blessed" to have so many many distros, and I find that some install better than others; some perform better than others; some are more "user-friendly" than others.

2) Most of the "problems" in Linux are nothing other than changing, deleting or adding a file or command within a file.

3) There's always more than one way to solve a problem. I've read threads where people have solved the same problem in different ways. For me, the solution sometimes is just to browse different files in the repos and add ones that might be relevant. I've actually solved some problems that way without actually knowing what I did!

I just wanted to open this up for discussion to see what others here thought, and what other people's experiences have been like..

Your thoughts?

Brian

Absolutely! I firmly believe anyone interested in learning will get a lot further with Linux than other systems.

Hi,
Everyone starts somewhere! Either formal education or personal drive to gain understanding;

"Knowledge is of two kinds. We Know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it."- Samuel Johnson
The big plus for Gnu/Linux is that you can delve into the fundamentals to actually understand what is going on unlike closed systems. Sure some Gnu/Linux do insulate users but the hold your hand type do have their place. Not everyone wants to admin a system but leave the heavy work to the maintainers. If you really wish to learn deeply then I suggest looking at Slackware.

I would suggest to look at Linux Documentation Project
 & Rute Tutorial & Exposition for some additional information.
Universal OS for any computer is not really doable. Too many legacy computer system hardware that will not fit the service needs for modern Gnu/Linux. Not saying you cannot install a modern Gnu/Linux on a i486 but performance will be a big hit on older equipment. We do have some small footprint Gnu/Linux that can be tweaked to use with limitations. Generally the problem is legacy hardware drivers for modern Gnu/Linux. Sometimes it is best to match the version of Gnu/Linux to the hardware. Some users place security as an issue for using older Gnu/Linux. I am old school and believe a knowledgeable user can setup older Gnu/Linux that will provide secure services when configured properly on older hardware. Not something that is always doable by the uninformed.
Broad statement! Knowing the ins & outs of a particular Gnu/Linux will get you out of trouble. But one must realize the limitations on both the Gnu/Linux and the hardware to be used.
Sometimes if you troubleshoot by breaking the problem down to simplest terms will open other issues that will lead to or point to the real issue. Document your work so as not to leave ambiguities or unknowns. Do not rely on memory, a paper documentation trail will help back out or even provide the means to break down your issue(s).
May I suggest that you do a LQ Search on the varied topics within this thread. You are not the first to question this.

Just a few links to aid you to gaining some understanding;



1 Linux Documentation Project

2 Rute Tutorial & Exposition

3 Linux Command Guide 

4 Bash Beginners Guide

5 Bash Reference Manual

6 Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide

7 Linux Newbie Admin Guide

8 LinuxSelfHelp

9 Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
10 Linux Home Networking
11 Virtualization- Top 10

The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

I started using Linux about half a year ago. Finally got brave enough to click that "format" button for the Window partitions

I started out with Slackware and never changed. I guess it was strange of me (as a Linux newbie) to start out with that distro--because I truly did not know anything about Linux at that point--but I've programmed computers as a hobby and had worked with command-lines before, so the transition wasn't all that bad.

But I remember taking an entire week ripping my head out trying to get the laptop to connect to the internet... that was bad.

I also remember being puzzled at the "*.tar.gz" files since everything in Windows is compressed into "zip" files.

That's my experience.


Now, I run Fluxbox with my Slackware and do almost everything on the command line. I love command lines! I also like to install programs by compiling source.

Really, I've come a long way. [sighs]
Hope you enjoyed my story.


Happy holidays.

Hi everyone and thanks for your comments. Thanks also for the links, even though they were already in my bookmarks! Rute is a good reference. I also bought a Linux book, quite similar, and also a very good reference point.

There is that saying, "With freedom comes great responsability." I think that's what Linux is all about, too. You can build your computer the way you want with it. You can get as "deep" into the line commands etc as you want to. Many Linux distros work quite well "out-of-the-box," and with just a little bit of learning, a person can do a whole lot more.

It's also a lot like html and stylesheets. All the appearance is done in files behind the scenes. When you learn what makes the app tick, then you can adapt it to suit your own needs. Great!!

I'm sure I'll get to trying Slackware soon enough. I wanted to install TinyCore (not sure if it's actually Slackware), but I am not a master at repartitioning on my own yet. So right now I'm using AntiX and Bodhi. Both really lightweight and fast. (Making old computers run fast is becoming an addiction..!)


brian