Linux 101: A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Users

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Designed to run on a wide range of devices, Linux is an open-source operating system. It’s flexible and customisable, and is a popular choice for developers, tech enthusiasts, and system administrators. However, if you’re a first-time user, you’ll likely want to learn more about Linux before you dive right in.

This article is a Linux 101 introductory guide, covering its history, core features, different distributions, and why developers, IT professionals, and others favour it.

• What is Linux and what is its history?
• What is a Linux distribution?
• How to choose the right Linux distribution
• Factors to consider when choosing a distribution
• Why use Linux?
• Linux architecture
• Linux installation

What is Linux and what is its history?

In 1991, Linus Torvalds designed and developed a free open-source operating system known as Linux. Deriving ideas from both the UNIX and MINIX operating systems, Linux became a reality. Encouraging developers to contribute to the platform led to various open-source software packages integrating with Linux, creating fully operational operating systems that are known as Linux distributions.

Linux is now known as a key feature of modern computing. It powers everything from personal computers, to servers, supercomputers and smartphones. The operating system finds favour and garners strong community support because it’s durable, flexible and transparent. These are reasons why businesses, educational institutions and developers often prefer Linux over other operating systems.

Anyone can view and make changes to the Linux system’s source code, which means the OS is always improving and evolving.

What is a Linux distribution?

A Linux distribution is an operating system that’s a conglomeration of software programs based on the Linux kernel. There are more than 600 Linux distributions to choose from and they are free to download. They’re available for a variety of devices, such as PCs, embedded devices and so on.

How to choose the right Linux distribution

The first step for newbie Linux users is choosing the best Linux distribution for their needs. With so many distributions available, you’ll need to consider various factors before choosing. This section will walk you through some of the most popular distributions, so you can make an informed decision. You’ll want to opt for a user-friendly distribution that’s well-supported. Let’s cover some Linux distributions that are ideal for beginners.

1. Linux Mint

This popular distribution offers a familiar desktop type of environment. It comes with pre-installed software and is one of the top options for Linux beginners.

2. Ubuntu

Ubuntu has a user-friendly interface and loads of community support behind it. It’s one of the best choices for new Linux users.

3. Zorin OS

Developers created this distribution to resemble the look and feel of Windows. For anyone familiar with the Windows OS, Zorin OS is a good choice.

4. Elementary OS

This distribution focuses on elegance and simplicity. Due to this, Elementary OS is ideal for anyone transitioning from another operating system.

Factors to consider when choosing a distribution

To ensure a distribution aligns with your requirements, there are several factors to consider so you make the best choice.

1. Hardware compatibility: Check that the distribution supports your device’s hardware. This includes graphics cards, peripherals and Wi-Fi adaptors.
2. Desktop environment: Think about whether a traditional layout or a more modern desktop environment will work best for you.
3. Software repository: You’ll want to find a distribution that offers a comprehensive software repository. This allows you to access and install applications easily.
4. Community support: To help you with learning and troubleshooting, pick a distribution that has active community support.
5. Stability and updates: What is the overall stability of the distribution, and what is the frequency of updates? You want to ensure a smooth user experience (UX).

Why use Linux?

Due to its stability, strong security and performance, Linux is ideal for developers and servers. With a broad software library, interoperable hardware, an active community and regular updates, Linux has numerous benefits. The platform is also adaptable. User can customise the OS to align with their own requirements. This applies to both personal users and large enterprises.

Linux architecture

There are several components that make up the Linux architecture. To gain a better understanding of this operating system, let’s briefly cover them.

1. Kernel

The kernel is the core of Linux. Virtualising common hardware resources of the computer, the kernel provides each process with its virtual resources. It also mitigates conflicts between different processes.

2. System library

This platform uses shared libraries known as system libraries to implement various functions and specific tasks. Developers save time and effort by using these libraries, as there’s no need to repeatedly write the same code. System libraries are the link between applications and the kernel.

3. Shell

This refers to the user interface of the Linux OS. When entering commands to interact with the system, the shell interprets and executes these commands. It’s the bridge between the user and the kernel. When a user makes a request, the shell forwards it to the kernel for processing. The shell enables users to run programs, manage files, and configure their system.

4. Hardware layer

All the physical components of the computer, like RAM, HDD, CPU and input/output devices all come under the hardware layer. To provide the necessary resources for the system and applications to function normally, the hardware layer interacts with the Linux OS.

5. System utility

These are essential tools and applications from Linux that manage and configure various parts of the system. System utilities perform tasks like configuring network settings, installing software, monitoring system performance and more. In short, system utilities simplify system administration tasks.

Linux installation

Linux installation is fairly straightforward. The first step is to choose your preferred distribution, and then go to the distribution’s official website and download the ISO file. Now you’ll need to utilise a special application to create a bootable USB drive. For Mac OS, use Fletcher. For Windows, use Rufus.

With a bootable USB drive in hand, insert it into a USB slot and restart your computer. After booting from the USB drive, the Linux setup will appear. It will ask you to partition the drive, choose a time zone, create a user account, and change system settings. Now that Linux is ready, remove the USB drive and restart your computer.