I`m a newbie and want to learn how to use linux effectively. any tips?

Install it, use it. If you don't know which one to install, go for ubuntu.

Start by using it.
Every main distro has a live cd.

Kind regards

Try a number of Live CDs until you find one you like. Then spend some time with it. Keep in mind that Linux is NOT windows. Most of what you have learned while using windows will actually cause you more issue than it will help you. It is usually much easier to introduce Linux to a person who has never used a computer than it is to transition a windows user over. Basically switching to Linux is like learning to speak a new language. You have to think in that new language not think in the old language, translate, and speak.

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I am a newbie too and from what i have learnt i think to use Linux "effectively" concentrate more on the command-line rather than GUI.
Take up a good book and see what is in store in command-line.

Linux is effective solution itself. Best start, as others said, is to use it, and then learn it's internals. You'll see it's power when you learn how does it work, and what power and options system gives to you. I can't help you with literature though, I am not nationally English speaking person, and I don't know exact book names.

But, you can always browse through tldp, which is impressive source of informations. Also, use man program (man-manual). Usage is simple, if program comes with it's manual pages, than you can just enter "man name_of_command" to shell. Be aware, that not only programs have manual pages accessible this way.

Hope I helped.

Dive in head first man. I did that a bit over 1 year ago and I can't see myself going back to windows at all.

Word of advice, use the CLI (Command Line Interface) a lot. You'll really get a hang of the system then.

Best of luck!

First you need to figure out how you want to start:
Are you dual booting or are you installing linux as the only os on computer?
If you're dual-booting, are you installing to another hdd(slave) or are you installing to separate hdd?
Before installing you need to checkout the installer,to see if you are required to do the partitioning or will the installer do it for you.

Tools you'll probably need, especially if it's your only computer:
Gparted-live-cd or partioning program of choice.
A live version of Os and an internet connnection, just in case you get in trouble.
Read the documentation on the Os that you intend to install, the more you know, the more information you can provide, if you have trouble.
The live version cd's have to be burned to cd.

Using linux effectively, meaning what, exactly?

If you want to use linux for,say, writing papers, browsing the internet, spreadsheets, etc. then it's as simple as clicking about on a live CD for one of the most popular distros for a while until you learn what program does what.

If you want to be able to dig around and edit the system, customize it, run command-line programs, etc. then you might want to look up some bash scripting guides, read man pages, and challenge yourself to use the terminal as much as possible.

you can use a live CD to muck about in the system without having to worry about breaking anything - just don't mount your hdd and everything you mess up on the live session goes away once you remove the disk, so this is the safest way to dive right in, since there are minimal consequences.


Edit:

And, most live CD's have GUI installers, and there are tools like Gparted available for partitioning (if not already on the liveCD it should be in most distro's repos) if you decide to install linux to your hdd.

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Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

You will find 'The LiveCD List' in the Get Your ISO, LiveCD & Pocket OS section of Slackware®-Links.

Plus be sure to look at the other resourceful links in Get Your ISO, LiveCD & Pocket OS & Slackware®-Links.

You can use the LiveCD to test drive a Gnu/Linux to see how things works out for you.

Just a few links to aid you to gaining some understanding. Sure some may seem beyond a newbie but you must start somewhere;



Linux Documentation Project

Rute Tutorial & Exposition

Linux Command Guide

Utimate Linux Newbie Guide

LinuxSelfHelp

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!

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Regardless of which distro you pick, visit the Ubuntu website. They have some good documentation, and the Community Documentation includes some tips for Windows refugees.

Press F1 and get the help pages for desktop. The OpenOffice help includes a table of equivalent Word and Writer actions, and so on.

Above all, just try doing things. So long as you back-up before hand, a few mistakes will do no harm.