Getting started with Linux
Table of contents
10 Best Linux distro to learn Linux
Learning Linux is fun and engaging. It lets you explore an uncharted territory where you are bound to learn new things.
Why learn Linux? Benefits of learning Linux
There are many reasons to learn Linux. Linux is a high-performance operating system based on UNIX.
As a learner, you are bound to benefit from Linux. Let’s list the reasons to learn Linux below.
1. Interesting to learn
Linux is interesting to learn. It will not stop surprising you when it comes to learning something “new.”
If you have an inquisitive nature and a curious personality, you are going to love what it has to offer!
2. Light on your pocket and saves money
Linux is a free-to-use open-source operating system. This means that you do not have to pay anything for it. Unlike Windows or other paid operating system, there is no license fee.
All you need to do is download Linux and get started.
The only prerequisite is to have a machine that is capable of running Linux. It can even run on old computers.
Apart from the operating system itself, you don’t have to pay for the applications. Linux ecosystem is big, and you can find the application(s) to do everything you want!
If you use Linux, you may not have to buy any software.
3. Developers heaven
Developers love Linux. With Linux, they get a playground to try out new things.
It supports all major programming language.
Also, companies use Linux as the primary OS when it comes to software development and deployment.
This also means that as a learner, you need to learn Linux for your professional career.
4. Improve success at career
As Linux is seen as an ideal OS for development, it also improves your chances of improving your career.
At software development companies, it is common to have Linux as a necessary skill. If you become proficient in Linux, you are bound to get exposure as a developer.
5. Teach Others
Even in 2019, we have a huge demand for projects that add value to the learner’s experience.
This is where you can get the chance to share your knowledge.
On the Education Ecosystem, you get to explore the possibility of reaching the intermediate Linux learners. Our creators program lets you share and learn at the same time.
You can get started by creating your very first Linux-based project.
Prerequisite for studying Linux
To get started with Linux, you need to have basic computer skills. That means if you know how to operate a computer and its components, you are good to go.
Anyone with the knowledge on how to browse the web can successfully go through the Linux learning resources.
The requirements are also low when it comes to hardware. Any basic machine with single-core CPU, 128 MB of memory and few GBs of harddisk can run Linux.
However, we recommend having at least dual-core machine, 15 GB hard disk and 2 GB of RAM for optimal learning performance.
In short, you need minimal things to get started with Linux. Also, you need one Linux distro copy.
We will soon be covering the Linux Guide. Until then, you can check our other popular guides.
Best Linux distro to learn Linux
Now that we have learned about the prerequisite of Linux and its benefits let’s get started with the best Linux distros out there.
Debian GNU/Linux
Debian is the best Linux distro that you can get your hands on. It is known as the “mother” OS. With over 37500 packages, it is one of the most comprehensive Linux distros out there.
If you are new to Linux, then we do not recommend using Debian as it is targeted at advanced users, especially system administrators.
The distro’s main feature is its stability. It also has a lot of online tutorials, which means that you will not get stuck with it.
With Debian, you also get access to the popular .deb package.
Download Link: https://www.debian.org/distrib/
openSUSE
openSUSE is an excellent Linux distro. It is mainly aimed at programmers who want to do their development work.
It is free to use, only if you aim to use it personally. The commercial version has a cost associated with it.
You can download any of the two available versions, openSUSE Leap and Tumbleweed. If you don’t mind risks, then you can check out Tumbleweed as it comes with all the cutting-edge features. This also makes it vulnerable to bugs and stability issues.
The openSUSE Leap is what you should be looking for. It is an LTS release which is stable, secure, and aimed towards a general audience. The community around openSUSE is also active, and you will not feel stuck if any problem takes place.
openSUSE also comes to Yast — a package management solution. It lets the user management server application, making it accessible among system administrators.