Things a GNU/Linux user should know

munky · Last edited by munky on Mon Feb 09, 2024 5:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

I am writing this in order from more importance to less importance. If you feel one number should be higher than another let me know. I will be constantly adding to the list as time progresses.

1. Know where to look for help.
2. Be comfortable with the common commands (cd, ls, mv, cp, rm, mkdir, su, chmod, ps, etc...).
3. Know your hardware, your drivers, your distros and versions.
4. Know what kernel you are running.
5. Know the specifics of your distro (package system, startup files, config files, etc...).
6. Always read the docs and READMEs.
7. When in doubt try maning it.
8. Know what window manager you use.
9. Know your partitions, and your partition types.
10. Know what shell you are using.
11. Never login as root, always su.
12. Never give out your passwd.
13. Always check for updates.
14. If you get a make error try again, if you get it again don't forget it...send in a bug report.
15. Be your own developer, investigate problems, always snoop around looking for answers.
16. Watch your bootup and shutdown sequence, it could save you a lot of time and money!
17. When in doubt go with generic modules and drivers.
18. Know the options in your kernel config.

That's all for now...

-=mUnky=-

**EDIT
I have decided I should simply write what I feel is a introduction for users to GNU/Linux. I will do it in section and post it as I go along.
**END EDIT

mr_ed · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2024 4:41 pm Post subject:

What are KDE and GNOME's default window managers?

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Germ · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2024 8:10 pm Post subject:

I would move numbers 12 and 16 into the top ten. Wink

kwin is the default window manager in KDE. Don't know about Gnome. Maybe swordfish?

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mmmna · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2024 8:12 pm Post subject:

Go for it, munky!

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munky · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2024 4:07 pm Post subject:

mmmna, for what thing? I would like to do the n00bs guide to GNU/Linux. I think I would compile all of our ideas and when its done we will make it a PDF. So, I think that first thing to do is make the chapter headings. Here is what I have so far:

1. What is GNU/Linux? - A very brief introduction to GNU/Linux.
2. From Minix to today - GNU/Linux's history.
3. What is the GPL and Open Source? - No description needed
4. The distros - What are distros, strengths / weaknesses
5. Welcome to the shell - All the commands needed for daily usage with explanations
6. Get to know your system - Learn the GNU/Linux data structures
7. Configuring your system - Helping to configure files with explanations
8. How to stay up to date - Generally how to update and install applications for various distros
9. From init to shutdown - The path the computer takes
10. The Kernel - How to configure and compile your own kernel

There will probably be more, but that seems good for now. If you guys like the idea, we can break each chapter into sections and users can do certain sections. I will be the main writer for this as it was my idea but I will gladly share it.

-=mUnky=-

geeshock · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2024 12:15 am Post subject:

I think read the docs should be a notch or two higher. Also dosn't man pages fall under Docs?

Xeroid · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2024 12:57 am Post subject:

Looks like a worthwhile project munky. Smile

mr_ed · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2024 1:44 am Post subject:

I can lend a hand with my 1337 editing skillz. Very Happy

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Tiger · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2024 7:06 pm Post subject:

If I could type I'd be a dangerous man.
Should have taken typing instead of auto mechanics in HS. Rolling Eyes

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nukes · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2024 9:30 pm Post subject:

Germ · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2024 11:25 pm Post subject:

yup, sawfish. Laughing

I do vapor-lock on occasion.

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nukes · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2024 11:04 am Post subject:

With modern desktop environments like KDE and GNOME the actual WM itself only plays a small part anyway. Almost immaterial.
Its all the funky IPC stuff and the libraries that come into play then.
It would be more helpful to say you use GNOME than say sawfish if asked what WM you're using (i.e if you wanted to add something to a menu) as sawfish is a usable WM in its own right.
http://sawmill.sourceforge.net/

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schleyfox · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2024 3:24 pm Post subject:

Ill help, but i think it will help me more, I only do ok in the shell and i need a good basics tutorial (i can do most of the minor admin but nothing else)

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