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What I'm looking for is a good way to learn the in's and out's of linux, such as terminal syntax, how to install/recompile things, work with files and the like. Classes? Books? If anyone would suggest something I'd appreciate it. I'm running Red Hat 9 and a crippled Mandrake 8.1.
The best way is to just do it. That's how I learned. Grab a non-newbie friendly distro. Make sure this distro has an IRC channel. Install it. Now, when you have to do something you don't know how to do, sign onto the irc channel and ask, "I've read the man and the wording is confusing me. How do I ...?" You could also use your local LUG, but I know the one in my area is full of elitest pricks. I like to stick to developers who hang out in IRC for the sole purpose of helping. Just remember they will not often walk you through it, but they will point you in the right direction. Just do NOT ask, "Sorry for such a stupid question as I'm a newb, but...?" This pisses people off because it means "I didin't read the man or try to help myself at all."
Bingo, instant linux knowledge. Slackware is a great distro to do this with. When I was learning, I used a distro loosely based on slack and I learned quite easily. Oh, and google is your friend. Google itself is responsible for 30% of my linux knowledge.
yup IRC is the way. u learn a lot.
Also what i think is install a distro, screw it up and then try to unscrew it. u'll then know whats what. (be prepared to reinstall !!!
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