Newbie Intro
 

David here, Long time W user and I want to try Linux. I'm always hearing good stuff about it but have not tried it yet. Confused about these software packages that come with the distros and about using the CMD line. I will have many questions to ask and hope folks are friendly to Newbies!! DN

Best distro 4 beginners :

https://www.linuxmint.com/

Welcome, ask away!

Best regards,
HMW

Hello and welcome to the forum :)

What exactly confuses you about the packages that come loaded with a distro, is it the names or is it because of the way they are packaged?

Fred.

The best way to learn commandline is to study it and use it everyday.

http://linuxcommand.org/learning_the_shell.php

+1.

Manjaro
 

Arch, which I use, isn't really right for beginners but Manjaro - based on Arch most definitely is.

I have a number of friends using Manjaro and they think it is easier and better than Windows.

My girlfriend recently bought a new (refurbished) laptop having been using Manjaro for about two years. She is Definitely non-technical, constantly switching the Tivo box into standby when trying to turn the TV off.

I suggested that she should install Manjaro herself (blowing away the useless Windows that came pre-installed). She found this easy from a Manjaro DVD. Then I suggested that she could try updating the system from the command line using French yoghurt (yaourt command).

She found this so quick, easy and intuitive that she always does her updates that way now. She has also searched for and installed new software herself in the same way.

I doubt any distribution could be easier to use. Our latest convert is a teacher who expressed the view that it would be much easier to teach mature, non-computer, people this rather than Windows.

Try it

I can't believe all the responses I got here!! Tks so much. DN

Confused!!
 

Are the software titles mentioned in the package actually on your computer or are they links that you click to download them. I notice some software packaged have 2 browser mentioned.. Does that mean 2 browser will be taking up space on my hard drive. If yes, can I remove 1 of them? If I wanted to install a software program that is not in the package, do I go to the site of that program and just download it. (Example is Cherry Tree Notes). I do appreciate your response you gave me along with alot of other responses from other!! Tks, DN

Nope! That's what you do if you're running a Windows computer!
(OK, so you might have to dig for something if it's out of the ordinary but I'd learn how easy the package system is first before trying something complex which might only discourage you.)

In Linux you have all the packages (programs including libraries) held in repositories particular to that Linux distribution. The programs are added and removed using a package manager either from the command line or via a Gui based manager like Synaptic in Debian Based distributions. Most distributions now have a Software Centre as well both of which are really Gui front ends to the hidden Cli.
All programs accessed via the repositories have been tested against that distribution so are guaranteed to work.
Any program loaded onto your system also has the advantage of being updated along with any OS updates as and when bugs need fixes or something new is added.

You might like to read this article "Linux is NOT Windows" which, though about 10 years old, is as valid now as it was then. :)

Play Bonny!

:hattip:

You're welcome :)

You're Welcome.

-::-Kindly mark your thread SOLVED unless you have more questions.-::-

Linux Command Lines
 

I clicked on the link you gave me and this is a great site, Tks for the info!! DN

In response to this question, depending on the linux distro you are using the answer is usually
yes, they are downloaded, and yes some packages come with more than one browser.
Most computers these days come with ample storage space so it shouldn't be an issue, unless you are using a very old laptop with minimal space. I generally don't remove extra packages as there is the danger of removing dependencies that some other apps may need.
Slackware in particular comes with a lot of software packages you may or may not need, but I opt for the full install as space is not an issue.
Have fun:cool: