EvilZone
Community => General discussion => : shadowwolf August 09, 2015, 11:43:50 PM
-
I was wondering what the best Linux os is for someone with no previous experience with Linux os's. I want something that I can learn from, but isn't too absurdly difficult to set up or use. I've read through our sticky on Linux distributions and I'm thinking about using something like Debian or Slackware but I'm not entirely sure and I was wondering if I could get some feedback.
-
First it's not a linux OS, but a linux distribution.
To learn linux, I'd suggest you start out with a widely used distro (Mint/Ubuntu), since these distro have a huge community/tutorials online.
I'd also suggest looking for a book even though it is not necessary.
The best way to learn is to actually use it for your daily tasks.
When Familiar enough you could switch to other distros like arch/slack etc..
-
My advice would be not to touch Ubuntu or its variants and go for the Debian instead. There's just too much useless bloat/crap in Ubuntu. I started to use Arch quit quickly after starting to use Linux and tinkering with Arch installation/setup taught me very much in very short time. So don't be too "afraid" to try something that usually is thought as hard for the new Linux user. If you want very good community and wiki then I would recommend Arch.
If you don't feel like trying something like Arch or Slack yet, maybe go with some variants of those which are considered bit more noob friendly like Manjaro(Arch variant) or Salix(Slackware). Tho atleast Manjaro also has bit too much stuff pre-installed for my taste. But with Manjaro you can aply Arch's great wiki quit directly.
Why not just make bunch of virtual machines and start testing different distros and start tinkering instead of thinking of the right choice(which does not exist) too much. That's the best way to learn which distro is good choice for you.
-
Tbh, forget about what I said and listen to gray-fox.
Since I do use arch too, and I actually did not use Ubuntu or Mint before, and only had them installed on a VM, so basically just listen to gray-fox, it's not that hard, and as said installing arch, will teach you a whole lot about linux. I actuallly learned to use linux by using arch
-
Thanks for responding. I think I'll do what gray-fox suggested and make a bunch of VMs and tinker with some different distros to find one that is good for me.
-
*Cough* http://lifehacker.com/5680453/build-a-killer-customized-arch-linux-installation-and-learn-all-about-linux-in-the-process *cough*
-
I've used Arch, Debian, Gentoo, CrunchBang and some other random crap...
Finally settled on Mint, because it's just easy and not overly bloaty.
I definitely learnt the most getting Arch running smoothly though, they have a really nice wiki to help you.
-
My first Linux Distribution was Ubuntu, then I moved to Mint, next was Arch, and now I'm currently using Kali Linux. The best out of all of them had to be Arch.
-
Honestly, it doesn't matter. This question is on the same level as what programming language to start with. It doesn't matter, just pick one and start using it and learn.
I would suggest you use VM to start with. Install one in VMWare or VirtualBox and try to use it like it was your main OS. Find one you like and are comfortable enough with and install it on your actual machine.
I started with Ubuntu, moved to Mint, and then to Arch. Been with Arch ever since because I like it. My wife started with Mint and only uses Mint because she likes it. I have friends that run CentOS because they like it, others FreeBSD. It doesn't matter, pick one if you don't like it try another.
The point is that your learning. Since your on this forum, that is the main and only point. Others, like my sister-in-law, don't care. They want something simple, fast, and easy to use, so she uses Ubuntu and is happy. I like to code and muck about, so I use Arch and am happy.
-
If you are *nix newbie just start with ubuntu cause they have realy large community and good forum so you would in 90% find solutions for problems there. Allso google out for the linux command line book just to know whats in this command that they share or post on theirs forum blog etc... After you can make if you have enough space on hdd 3ple boot and have win/ubuntu/arch and use whatever you want.
-
Coming from a Windows base to Linux can be kind of frustrating at first so just to keep your sanity level in check it's advisable to not jump onto advanced distros like Arch or Gentoo.
Arch and Gentoo are definitely better than most other distros out there, their documentation is superb, communities are somewhat big and you will only find knowledgeable, experienced Linux users using these distros. With that said, advanced distros expect you to know the basics or go through their documentation on your own to debug your own issue before asking questions. Therefore it's not suitable for beginners and asking basic stuff in forums / IRC you'll always get RTFM type of answers.
If I were to give some suggestions, I'd say start off with something like Ubuntu / Mint or some other easy to use distros out there. These would prepare you with the basics of Linux. Ubuntu channel in IRC is pretty big with lots of people actively helping out and you can almost always go there and ask questions / get any sort of help without getting into trouble.
You need to learn how to walk before you can think about running. So go with what I've recommended.
-
Mine was Linux Mint. It was pretty easy to use when I got the hang of it, I then dual booted to Kali, then I got Ubuntu and Kali, now I deleted the Mint and Ubuntu and am left with Windows and Kali! ;)
-
If you have never used linux then I am not seeing the difference. In fact use all of them, distro hop for months till you find what you want to use. You will then be able to say "I've tried this one, this one, this one and this one but I like this one the best - Because......."
Don't depend on others for things you can figure out on your own - you are only hurting yourself.
-
I agree with Optimus, but since you've never used any Linux based OS, I would recommend Ubuntu or Linux Mint if you want like Windows, you know too much GUI and stuff, mostly double click and you are good to go. If you want some less clustered but want a good GUI, I would recommend Elementary OS (myself using that), some sort of minimal with speed (Use Luna, Freya isn't that stable though they say it is). Then move onto some more minimal OS with some less GUI and when you are comfortable, I'd say try arch, building almost from scratch, you can also try Slackware, BSD but I'd say just get used to some Linux flavor, it'll help :)
-
Surprised nobody mentioned vezzy's guide to linux distributions: https://evilzone.org/operating-system/an-informal-guide-to-linux-distributions-for-the-unwashed-hacker/
It's a nice writeup of the most popular linux distros
-
I suggest Linux Mint (but to be honest the only other Linux distribution I have used is Ubuntu which was better than Windows technical-wise but I still use Windows 8.1.) But honestly, it's like asking where to go for a free medical checkup hosted at multiple clinics by the hospital staff. Some may be better than the other, but you are sure you won't get any serious casualties and it doesn't cost anything other than the time to reach the clinic.
-
If you have never used linux then I am not seeing the difference. In fact use all of them, distro hop for months till you find what you want to use. You will then be able to say "I've tried this one, this one, this one and this one but I like this one the best - Because......."
Don't depend on others for things you can figure out on your own - you are only hurting yourself.
Just wanted to add to this that new users to linux should try to avoid hopping between distros for the wrong reasons or too easily if/when they feel like they hit the wall with current one. What I mean is that if your current distro doesn't by default do/have something you want and some other distro does/has it by default then a linux newbie easily thinks he should change distro. But instead of immediately changing to new distro try to change your current one to do/have that thing you want even if it's something big. Other wise you just slow down your learning process and don't learn to appreciate customizability of linux.
Part 2 in the vezzy's guide that flowjob menntioned above is kind of what i'm talking about.
But in general your advice is good Opt1musPr1me, after all it's same kind of advice I gave earlier in this topic.[emoji14]
-
I agree with Optimus, but since you've never used any Linux based OS, I would recommend Ubuntu or Linux Mint if you want like Windows, you know too much GUI and stuff, mostly double click and you are good to go. If you want some less clustered but want a good GUI, I would recommend Elementary OS (myself using that), some sort of minimal with speed (Use Luna, Freya isn't that stable though they say it is). Then move onto some more minimal OS with some less GUI and when you are comfortable, I'd say try arch, building almost from scratch, you can also try Slackware, BSD but I'd say just get used to some Linux flavor, it'll help :)
+1 for recommending ElementaryOS. It looks so sleek and sexy, if I were a beginner using Linux that would atleast be on one of my top 5 list of distros to try.
Btw, if you don't mind I'm curious to know about your experience with Elementary OS. I've a lot of friends and relatives that want to try an easy to use distro and so far I don't see any other good alternative other than recommending Ubuntu or Mint.
-
+1 for recommending ElementaryOS. It looks so sleek and sexy, if I were a beginner using Linux that would atleast be on one of my top 5 list of distros to try.
Btw, if you don't mind I'm curious to know about your experience with Elementary OS. I've a lot of friends and relatives that want to try an easy to use distro and so far I don't see any other good alternative other than recommending Ubuntu or Mint.
Well everyone alway's seems to forget to good old distro's that stand for a long time like opensuse,debian,Fedora etc.
Those massive dvd's contain an entire OS + shitton of applications. basically anything you need, which is still tiny compared to windows.
And at least those don't do the funky silly frontends like ubuntu, like it or not KDE just works.
Also solid package managers with frontends on Fedora and opensuse, ofc Debian/apt.
My personal taste for a package manager is deft. pacman, apt is just way too complex in my opinion, thats one of the reasons I do not like debian/ubuntu much yet I use it on many machine's but rather the server and not the desktop stuff.
-
One word: slackware
-
I think Linux Mint Debian Edition would be a great distribution to start with. You can also try CentOS and openSUSE to get a taste of different distributions. Best way would be to try them on a virtual machine before doing a disk-install and then go with the one you feel most comfortable with. :)
-
Well everyone alway's seems to forget to good old distro's that stand for a long time like opensuse,debian,Fedora etc.
Those massive dvd's contain an entire OS + shitton of applications. basically anything you need, which is still tiny compared to windows.
And at least those don't do the funky silly frontends like ubuntu, like it or not KDE just works.
Also solid package managers with frontends on Fedora and opensuse, ofc Debian/apt.
My personal taste for a package manager is deft. pacman, apt is just way too complex in my opinion, thats one of the reasons I do not like debian/ubuntu much yet I use it on many machine's but rather the server and not the desktop stuff.
I agree with what you mentioned regarding those massive dvd's. There was a time when I had really shitty internet connection & since I'm from a third world country slow internet was the norm back in the days and those dvd's were a life saver. It saved a lot of time and bandwidth when you consider the fact that you wouldn't have to download all those packages manually for each and every install. Fedora, Opensuse, Sabayon, there was another that went by the name Mandriva I think that got dissolved later...were / still are really great distros.
Pacman in my opinion isn't really that complicated but I find apt-get to be really annoying to use. In my opinion the features of pacman are what makes arch so special....similar to gentoos portage. Portage is one hell of beast back in the days when I used to run Gentoo, could compile anything and everything from source but you'd have to mess around with the eflags, etc. and due to my lack of patience I gave up on the idea of compiling everything from source and moved to Arch.
-
To be honest, I do not think it matters, with what distro you start out when using linux. Everything that matters is your own will to commitment, and if you want to start with arch / gentoo / crux or the similar 'more advanced distros' it is fine. But then, you need to accept the fact, that this will lead to a much steeper learning curve that you would have gotten with ubuntu or mint. I got the impression that a lot of people are much more unwilling to help you, if you ask basic questions in channels or forums of advanced linux distros, but that might be an unobjective opinion.
-
To be honest, I do not think it matters, with what distro you start out when using linux. Everything that matters is your own will to commitment, and if you want to start with arch / gentoo / crux or the similar 'more advanced distros' it is fine. But then, you need to accept the fact, that this will lead to a much steeper learning curve that you would have gotten with ubuntu or mint. I got the impression that a lot of people are much more unwilling to help you, if you ask basic questions in channels or forums of advanced linux distros, but that might be an unobjective opinion.
Because those questions are well documented , learn to read or die.
-
Because those questions are well documented , learn to read or die.
That's true, but I also wanted to say that in forums for ubuntu / mint and the likes, people are much more forgiving towards beginner question or stupid questions than they are in others. Also, using an advanced distro needs much more self-administrated.
-
That's true, but I also wanted to say that in forums for ubuntu / mint and the likes, people are much more forgiving towards beginner question or stupid questions than they are in others.
...which makes you learn nothing (or not enough).
Also, using an advanced distro needs much more self-administrated.
...which is a good thing (if you mean that one has to man up and actually get your own shit done).
I don't really see your point. A shallow learning curve is nothing to be especially proud of if it comes at the cost of being like Mint, Ubuntu etc.
-
I started with Ubuntu and really like it. It has a nice community to support it and most questions I've had can be found with a simple Google search. I've also ran Mint from a USB a few times and it seems pretty user friendly, not sure how the community is though. Overall, I would suggest Ubuntu.
-
As a start Ubuntu is definetly the best. It's super user friendly and most of the problems you'll encounter will most probably have already been solved on the forums. You don't have to worry about drivers and so on. You can also try Debian though it's not as popular as Ubuntu. If you really want to learn about linux and do things the linux way, then I would recommend Arch. The arch wiki has a detailed article on how to install the base system and GUI. You'll learn a lot and will be able to solve prolems yourself after some time. Yet, as a start use Ubuntu just to get the feel of it.
-
I put a windows spin on Ubuntu for users more familiar with Windows or for those who want to use Linux without being labeled a hacker at their employment.
http://oe8007.wix.com/cotton
I also did the same thing with Kali (not Kali 2). Pentest in public.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/solakkd/
-
I started off with mint just because a lot of people recommended it, since I was coming from windows. The just messed around with other distros on virtualbox + vagrant. Just created the base box and keep the template since I tend to mess up a lot while I was learning ::)
-
I am fairly novice at linux myself. However, I know a biy about computers and, more importantly, can solve problems fairly efficiently even if I don't know what's wrong immediately. Thus, my approach may not be for everyone. Still, I decided to jump in with both feet on my first linux install. I was (and still am) interested in computer security and decided I wanted to check out Kali Linux. I took the trial by fire method and wiped my HDD on my only laptop over the summer (while I have a desktop, I am a college student) and Installed kali on it. I will tell you there wil be a lot of moments of confusion and frustration, but through it I learned a lot about Kali, programming, and linux in general. So if you are a problem solver, I'd say find a distro with the features you like and jump in. However, I'd use a parachute if I were doing it again. I am just impatient and overconfident. Good Luck
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
-
I started with Linux Mint, then stayed with Crunchbang! back when it ws still called Crunchbang.
-
Depends on a few things, how much you want to learn, and how much patience you have. If you want to learn a lot, start with Arch. This is not a beginner friendly distro at all, but it will teach you a lot of things that you will use all the time with gnu/linux. If you want to just plug in and play, go with either any flavor of non-unity ubuntu, or debian.
-
This is the best picture I came across helping newbie choosing linux..!
I was finding a good reason to upload this!!
http://s1.postimg.org/vyjlia4jj/main_qimg_871d246490b0fdf5df52d381caa5d8b1.jpg (http://s1.postimg.org/vyjlia4jj/main_qimg_871d246490b0fdf5df52d381caa5d8b1.jpg)
Hope this helps! :)
-
What helped me when choosing was using http://distrowatch.com/ to read about each different distro and what they have to offer. They also rate them along with posting updates daily.
-
What helped me when choosing was using http://distrowatch.com/ to read about each different distro and what they have to offer. They also rate them along with posting updates daily.
Yeah! How can we forget Distrowatch? It is an awesome portal/review website for choosing linux. Nice reviews, brief descriptions with screenshots along with Rank and H.P.D. :) Nice share @Katheudo
-
My two cents is to go through this free Linux Foundation course which covers intro to Debian/Red Hat/OpenSUSE and play with each to figure out what you find the most comfortable.
https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-linux-linuxfoundationx-lfs101x-2
I learned a lot from a 5 dollar a month CentOS (you can pick other distros) VPS from somewhere like Digital Ocean setting up and hardening my own LAMP web server. Digital Ocean has a ton of tutorials for this and things like restricting root login for SSH and other sec best practices/feature set up stuff.
https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials
-
Hi, I'm assuming that you are currently using a windoz box (Windows PC) ... or at least that's the OS you're most familiar with, suggestions above are all good, especially those recommending installing into VirtualBox before installing directly to your hard drive. VirtualBox is easy to learn and Well Worth the effort. (And it's free).
Debian (stable) or Debian based distro is what I'd recommend off the bat, there are a lot of them out there, just check Distrowatch (http://distrowatch.com/search.php?ostype=All&category=All&origin=All&basedon=Debian+%28Stable%29¬basedon=None&desktop=All&architecture=All&package=All&rolling=All&status=Active).
Of the distros listed at the above link, you'll learn the most going with Debian itself but depending on your hardware it can be a little tricky for a newbie to set up codecs needed to get all hardware running.
You might actually learm more yet trying to pick up Arch or some of the other above mentioned distros but my guess you may end up without any hair before you learn how to do what you want to do using it.
If it were me learning from scratch (all over again) I'd choose SolydK (http://forums.solydxk.com/). I'd suggest checking out their forum.
What the SolydXK forum lacks in quantity (it's a very small but helpful group) it makes up for in quality. It's one of the most "newbie friendly" forums I've ever been to. You'll get answers to questions fairly quickly and anyone there will do whatever it takes to help you get a problem figured out.
I suggest SolydK because the KDE desktop is going to seem more familiar if you are coming from windoz.
I like KDE desktop because it's so customizable later on when you get familiar with it.
The above is just my opinion, there are likely many pros and cons to following this advise but for what it's worth, it's based on many years of distro hopping, trying to escape the MS trap they call windoz.
I'm proud to be completely MS free for the last half a decade ... learning about the Linux kernel and what it can do is an awesome journey, one you will never regret!
Just dig in, do a ton of googling, read, read and read more on the forums of your choice, ask questions, watch videos, do as many tutorials as you can and before you know it you'll know your distro infinitely better than you ever knew windoz. (Can ya tell I'm not much of a windoz fanboy ... lol).
CW