Linux Newbie: Graphical or text mode? and where to find complete and free guide?
 

Hello to everybody!!!!!
I'm a new user and I'd like to have some info before migrate from the OS Windows to Linux.
I've read some things on Internet about Linux.....and I've understand (correct me if I'm wrong) that there is the possibility to use the Graphical (Like Windows or Mac OS X) mode or the text mode....
I'd like to knwo which can be easy to start and for learn Linux commands.
Another question is where I can find an easy guide for NewBies for learn what is Linux and all commands (and how it run).
Tnx so much for the answers and for the welcome!!!!!!!
Best Regards.

starters
 

A few bits of advice

1) Linux works. 2) http://www.tuxfiles.org/ Simple and entertaining reading.

Welcome to the world of Tux! Penguins are cute for a reason.
 

Most Linux distributions (Distros) resemble windows in that you boot up to a (GUI) Graphical User Interface and open up a Command Line Terminal just like any other application such as a word processor. It is similar to (CommandExe.) in windows.The common terminal application is called (Bash). Linux has two styles of desktops and they are (Gnome) and (KDE). KDE "resembles" windows but is harder to use in my opinion. KDE has a lot of dedicated follows but I would start out with the Gnome desktop. Some Distros when you install them give you the choice of which to install or you can install both and switch to the other when you log in using (Sessions). To learn the commands you want to study "Bash". Just Google Intro or learn Bash. There are lots of good Bash guides. A Distro that is logical and should be practical for a beginner is Mandriva. I would recommend going with a older version like Mandriva 09. Mandriva 10 is buggy. I have had problems having Mandriva installing right the first time so keep it in mind that you might encounter a problem that is caused by the installation itself as in the files did not copy correctly. I just installed Fedora 13 which was EASY to install and worked on the first try no problem. Ubuntu is good too but Mandriva is basically a Secure and easier to use version of XP pro.These three are renowned as the most and easiest to use. I may try Ubuntu again some day as well.

Well like you said your a newbie. Graphical User interface allows newbies to advanced user have a more visual understanding and navigation. So if you are new and want to learn Linux, then install with graphical mode. The only time when you may be forced to use text mode is when you have unsupported hardware and you have to configure things manually and get drivers etc. Once your install go to a terminal window and you can play with some of your basic commands like ls, mv, mkdir, rmdir, rm, etc. But to learn commands best to use google. It has lots and lots of stuff for you.

Good luck to u

Initially you should start with GUI with CLI which will help you learn and understand .

Start from here if you wish:

http://www.linuxtopia.org/online_boo...ers_index.html

Some links
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

You can look at GNU/Linux-Newbie section of 'Slackware-Links' for some useful links to helpful information.

Look at 'So you want to be a GNU/Linux Newbie! What do I do next?''

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

Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Bash Beginners Guide
Bash Reference Manual
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking

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