Getting Started With Linux Help?

Question

Hey guys thanks for viewing this question. Pretty much, I am into the whole Information Technology field and i am actually a programmer ( Java). I've heard that knowing knowledge of Linux is an enormous benefit when looking for a job in IT. I was thinking if I should install Ubuntu Linux on my computer and start using that instead of windows, that way I can start getting used to Linux and knowing the commands. On top of that, Java will run on Linux, so my programming doesn't get halted one bit. Also, is there any other books you guys can recommend me to read to learn more Linux? Thank you.

Answer 1

The "Debian Administrator's Handbook" was recently released to the public for free, it's well worth a read if you want some basic-to-moderate information on how most Linux systems run. There will obviously be some differences between Debian-based distros and Red Hat-based ones, but aside from the packaging format Linux is basically Linux.



You can browse the "Handbook" online or download it as a PDF.



http://static.debian-handbook.info/browse/stable/

Answer 2

Hey, I was in a similar boat not long ago. Once I hit senior year of CS at University of Washington, not knowing Linux became not an option, particularly with Java. Honestly, it doesn't matter which way you go. I'm partial to Linux Mint for new users though. It's based on Debian (like Ubuntu) but is MUCH more user friendly. In many ways you'll feel right at home.



A couple things to note, to install programs, you don't download **** like you do in Windows, go into the menu (start menu basically) and go to "software manager" and search for the software you want and bingo, installed for you, free of charge! In fact, you can search just types of software, no trouble at all.



Also, reading a guide on emacs might be a good idea for small edits in Java code. You'll be running java stuff in the terminal (command line). It'll look something like this for a hello world program in the terminal



javac HelloWorld.java

// the above compiles the file

java HelloWorld

// runs the file and it uses the terminal as your "console" basically.



if you have a problem though you can type

emacs HelloWorld.java



and open a pretty awesome editor (though I'll personally not use anything but eclipse for building programs because it's familiar. VIM or emacs buffs will talk your ear off about why Eclipse is inferior, but Google employees using eclipse and cranking 200k will laugh all the way home).



Good luck! And check out the linux mint forums. Again, it's meant for noobs so people there are SUPER helpful and won't flame you for "dumb" questions usually. (there are ***** everywhere though so take that with a grain of salt)

Answer 3

a sturdy thank you to attempt Linux is to get a "stay cd". those variations of Linux run rapidly from the cd and don't make any adjustments to the problematic rigidity. Ubuntu could be a sturdy thank you to get began. From the area I indexed under, you will desire to get carry of the "laptop (Intel x86) pc CD" photograph (it is going to take a on the same time as to get carry of) and burn it to CD using a software like Nero or Roxio using the "Burn CD photograph" option or comparable. as quickly as you have the blistered CD, reboot your pc with the CD interior the rigidity and if the laptop is desperate besides from CD, it is going to load Ubuntu. once you reboot and take away the CD, all the domicile windows records will nevertheless be there. in case you don't like it before everything, this is needed to attempt yet another distribution, which includes Kubuntu, which additionally has a stay cd version.

Answer 4

Ubuntu has forums and a website. You can install it side by side with windows using the wubi program. It is about as user friendly as windows without the viruses.