Hello there, I’m Nick, in the UK, another Linux newbie…
I’m trying to revive an ancient Dell Latitude that ran XP, mainly as a spare laptop in case I want to do malware-risky things online (and to download recipes in the kitchen), and managed, at the third attempt, to get Linux running on it. My first try was with Lubuntu, which hung about two minutes into installation, same place, several times. Second go was with Lucid Puppy, same result. Finally succeeded in installing VectorLinux, and I’m now inching up the steep learning curve. I’d be interested in hearing opinions on their relative merits?
I keep reading that Linux has become user-friendly, and believe me, it’s not true! I’m no computer professional, but I can format a hard drive, reinstall Windows etc. I can change the mainboard on my laptop. But I speak English, I don’t speak Geek, and when I try to do anything remotely challenging in Linux, the instructions, I’m afraid, come at me in Geek. So I’m often pretty lost!
The next challenge is getting the OS to talk to my wireless router. Anxious questions will no doubt arise…

Welcome to LQ, Nick in the UK!

Linux is not hard, at least not any more, but it is different. Expect it to be different and be prepared to learn and you will be okay.

Also, you will often find that Linux answers here at Linux Questions (and other places) direct you to the command line. That is because Linux has many different desktops with different GUI tools (unlike certain other operating systems), but the command line is pretty much the same wherever you go. It is the lowest common denominator for Linux Answers of all sorts.

About dot com has a pretty good section about Linux that's oriented towards new and intermediate users. It tends to be a little Ubuntu-centric, but it contains good solid information.

One final note: if a piece of hardware (say, a printer) is difficult to get working under Linux, it's not because Linux doesn't support the printer; it's because the hardware manufacturer doesn't support Linux. I mention that only because responsibility should be placed where it belongs.

Soo Geek is a different language.
So is Spanish.
It takes some time and patience. Your English (Windows) is of no use when it comes to learning Spanish (Linux).

Howdy and Welcome from a Knuckle dragging Linux using scooter tramp that is self taught to walk the streets of Linux.

A thread I helped out another new person in the same shoes as you.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...-go-4175522669

Hello and welcome to LQ. I was a Windows user as well, and I was able to install the system, create and manage partitions and so on, just like any non-professional with a little experience. Of course when I decided to switch to Linux most of that was not applicable anymore. I had to start learning the new system, so I did, and I'm still learning now and it's been a highly rewarding experience. If you don't want to feel uncomfortable all you have to do is read documentation, not expecting to rely too much on automation and graphical interfaces. Linux allows that. As a starter I recommend the following guide, which will give you a good knowledge base:

Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide, by Machtelt Garrels

Have fun!