I remember how foreign it all was when I first started using Linux. Granted, back in 1997 I was only just learning how to use a Windows 95 computer. Sure, I understood the most basic terms – RAM, ROM, etc. – but terms specific to an operating system were quite new.
When I finally decided to leave Windows 95, I installed OpenCaldera 1.0 and found myself unsure of what to do. So, I turned to whatever resources I could find to learn this wacky new world. That led to even more confusion, as I was bombarded by new terminology that I felt I had to learn.
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Truthfully, during those first steps, there were only a handful of terms I really needed to understand (and they were doozies).
To that end, I want to cut to the chase and offer you what I believe are the five first Linux terms you need to understand.
1. Distribution
Distribution should be the first term you learn. Why? Because the selection of a Linux distribution – frequently shortened to “distro” – can make or break your experience.
So, what is a distribution? Let’s use cars as an analogy. You have a specific model car from a specific make. For example, Audi has its A7. Audi is the make, and A7 is the model. In software, an operating system is analogous to the car; a distribution is like the make, and a release number is like the model. I have Pop!_OS, which is the make, and version 22.04 is the model. So car = operating system, make = distribution, and model = release number.
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There are hundreds (if not thousands) of distributions to choose from. Still, new users should stick with one of the more popular options, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, elementary OS, or ZorinOS. One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: Which distribution should I use?
2. Desktop environment
The next most important Linux term is desktop environment, which refers to the collection of software and services that come together to create a user interface, enabling users to interact with the computer.
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Typically, desktop environments include components such as a compositor, a window manager, and a login manager. A wide variety of desktop environments are available, including GNOME, Plasma Desktop, Pantheon, Budgie, Enlightenment, Cinnamon, MATE, and more. It’s important for you to choose a desktop environment that suits your needs and style.
3. Package manager
The package manager is a bit more challenging to explain, especially to those coming from Windows or MacOS.
Essentially, it’s a way to install, remove, and manage software on your system. Linux offers several methods of installing software: from source, from the command line, and from a GUI app store. The package manager works in conjunction with remote repositories to install software.
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4. Command line
The command line is where you run commands. It can make tasks easier, but it’s not a requirement. Learning the command line can be beneficial for certain tasks. Get familiar with man pages, an excellent resource for learning about commands.
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5. Home
Home refers to your home directory on the Linux filesystem. It contains all user directories where you store your data. Home is often listed as ~/ or $HOME.
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These five terms will get you started on your Linux journey. Once you understand these basics, you’ll be ready to explore more of the Linux world.