I've just committed to linux this last week. I've installed Ubuntu 32bit 9.10 on my laptop and I'm installing Slackware 13.0 in Virtualbox as I type this.

Ubuntu operates very well on this laptop but I'm not learning how anything really works. Is there any recommended reading or websites for starting out with the fundamentals of using the linux CLI and building from there?

Has anyone ever taken any courses from linuxcertified.com and were they helpful?

Thanks for the advice.

bfamily,

first I would heartily recommend the ubuntu forums. I've been using them since I started with ubuntu (for nearly 4 years ago now), and find all the users helpful, polite, and (to use a french term) 'tres sympa, tres genial' (which kinda translates to helpful and polite, but more so ).

The community members over the have written a nice guide to the terminal (CLI). I would recomend checking it out.

A great book that I picked up is the Linux Desk Reference, by Scott Hawkins.

I think my copy came with some CD when I acquired a copy of Caldera Linux (back in mid / late 90's.

I still delve into it on occasions even now.

Certification wise, these are not something I have done. I did study and take the exam for certification of XP. But the examination method (multiple choice) seems wrong to me. Especially as there are often more that one method to accomplish the same thing.

I guess with Linux being more CLI oriented it will boil down more to 'do you remember that command and all the switches' as opposed to 'do you remember the 15 different methods to get to the microsoft management console, and it's various bits'.

Add to the fact that some of the tools (ie, user files and settings transfer wizzard) just never seemed to work when I tested them - a dedicated <home> directory on a separate partition, works much better (just tar up the drive, zip it, and move it to your new system, Job done).

If you are really keen to learn how stuff works I would recomend getting a very old version of ubuntu, or a version of debian - as you will probably find that half the stuff doesn't work the way it should and you'll need to spend some time to get it all functioning (admitedly this may seem a little unfair on Debian, as their "freedom" ethic is more stringent than ubuntu's).

This link http://releases.ubuntu.com will take you to where you can get older versions. In these things like Wifi support are 'fun to get working' in some instances. You will then need to use things like google and your own guile to get them to work.

Good luck 'doing the funky penguin' and welcome to the community.

David

Hi,

Welcome to LQ & Slackware!

Just a few links to aid you;

Slackware® Essentials
Slackware® Basics
Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking
Virtualiation- Top 10


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

O'Reilly has a large selection of Linux books---they will be in any large bookstore. Also, some are available free at the O'Reilly site.

Hi,

I should have added 'Linux Books & Online Magazines' section of 'Slackware-Links'.

Those links, the wiki, and that CLI guide are great!!!

Thanks for the help. I've got more to start with than I thought I would.

I also have found a local linux conference I'm going to in April a couple of hours from where I live.

Linuxfest Northwest

Again thank you for your time.

Great!

To learn the basics, your Ubuntu computer comes with loads and loads of documents. The following links has more than what you asked for:

* Installing Server Applications
* Using the Command Line
* Writing Your Own Programs
* Terminal Commands References (man pages)
* GNU Info Pages

Cheers...

You can also check out the website of "The Linux Documentation Project" of tldp.org

It has a huge collection of guides and HOWTOs.

And of course we have all forgotten to mention google, if you need extra help, and even this (or most other linux) forums.

Enjoy the community.

David