As above, using it and making notes as you go is a good start.

Here's a couple of old bash tutorials from TLDP. As also stated above, the cli hasn't changed that much, so most of it is correct ( -ish)

https://tldp.org/LDP/Bash-Beginners-...tml/index.html
https://tldp.org/LDP/abs/html/

1 members found this post helpful.

The best way is to force yourself to use the terminal. Have to write down a URL for later? Use VIM. Need to copy a few files to a new folder? Use cp. Fans are blowing and you want to see what process is hogging all the RAM? top or htop etc.

It's easier to use specialized software for operations, but forcing yourself to use the terminal is the real way to make yourself useful.

2 members found this post helpful.

I agree with this 100%
My opinion of gui tools is that they allow a user to do exactly what the programmer intended and only that.
Learning from the command line allows one to think and to develop their own problem solving or work flow skills in a way that fits them.

Like breaking in a new pair of shoes. They may be a little uncomfortable when brand new, but as they are worn for a time become really comfortable. Learning to use the command line takes getting used to in the same way.

The way I would put it is this:

When you use a graphical interface, the computer is in charge. It offers you a selection of what it can do, using icons and menus, and you can choose among those options, but you can't do anything else. And you can't really learn anything about the system that way.

When you use the command line interface, you are in charge. You tell the computer what you want it to do and the computer does it, as long as it accords with Linux's permissions system.

Yipppeee,

Install Linux Mint (or other) and use it.

Many operations in Linux Mint can be carried out using the graphical user interface.

When you have a specific need to use the command line, then use something appropriate from these links:

http://www.cheat-sheets.org/saved-copy/ubunturef.pdf

https://www.tuxarena.com/intro/cheatsheet.html

https://linuxopsys.com/topics/linux-...ds-cheat-sheet

If you plan to be a command line guru, then it may be a good idea to purchase The Linux Pocket Guide by Daniel J Barrett:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linux-Pocke.../dp/B01GGQKXRG

There are plenty of used ones on ebay at a cheaper price.

#1 there are about half as many "best" answers as there are users who care to answer.

#2 Multiply that by the number of definitions of "best" that you use to define or refine the question.

#3 and multiply again by the number of distributions used by this community.

Hint: it is a BIG number.

Perhaps you should refine the question a bit, or give an idea about what kinds of answers are actually useful to you.

RE: previous suggestions: you might grab any version of the "Linux Bible" as a bit of a study guide. In the case of all documentation and books, realize that the information may not pertain well to the newest releases or cutting edge distributions. The software release cycle is FAR faster than the publishing cycle! That said, if you pick up old copies at half priced books or your local used bookstore, they will cover many basics well enough and give you a place to start in learning both old and new tools and utilities. NONE of that learning is wasted!

You only need to know: the conceptual functioning of the *commonly used* tools. (You don't need to delve into all the option switches, until you're trying to do something less common with a particular tool.)

Quickly skim through the top 20 results of a web search like this:
100 most used Linux commands

Think of it as: a *fun treasure hunt*, for the most valuable CLI commands!

P. S. Install the 'tldr' pkg
How Linux Works is by far the best advanced book, for the concepts behind the functionality.

The best way to learn Linux is to use it and look up information when you actually need it. It may help to keep a file where you record useful tricks and tips in case you forget them.

You don't say which distro you have, but most have a wiki or manual. When all else fails, consult the documentation of Arch Linux. It's not one I recommend, but their documentation explains everything and is kept up to date. Your GUI will have a website with information. Most programs have manuals available — that for LibreOffice, for example.

Don't be talked into using the CLI when the GUI will do. I've used computers since before there was a GUI and I often use the CLI, but if a GUI tool exists I use it. For commands, an online version may be easier to read — compare the results entering https://linux.die.net/man/1/chmod in a browser with "man chmod" in a terminal. A useful reference is https://archive.org/details/unixtoolbox

This is an old thread from 2023 - the author has not been seen since posting it.

Prior to the now-deleted spam post, it would have warned:

Much/Most of it hasn't been updated. A lot of links are now "404" pages at iBiblio (or, worse, defaced and full of porn). Pity as it was useful back in the day.

Have you looked at your friendly local library for a text on Linux> Even an older publication like Linux Unleashed would be helpful for a newbie. Granted it won't have anything about SystemD or today's desktop environments but the basics would be covered: shell scripting , for example. All you need is a library card to get started.

If you want to dive in head first, try a "live" CD/DVD that boots Linux but doesn't touch your hard disk's contents.

HTH...