Switched from Windows to Linux Mint – now I want to get really good: What are your best learning resources?

Gruenschnabel

New Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2025
Messages
2
Reaction score
2
Credits
28
A few months ago, I switched from Windows 10 to Linux Mint 22 Cinnamon. I’ve gotten used to it in my daily workflow, and I’ve already gathered some experience – for example, I’ve set up a small Debian server via SSH using Nginx and such.

But still, I don’t feel very confident when it comes to actually understanding and managing Linux in depth. I want to improve my skills, understand more of the underlying concepts, and get better at the little tricks and tools that make working with Linux more efficient and fun.

So here’s my question:
What learning resources would you recommend to really level up in Linux administration, system usage, and day-to-day tips?

It can be Udemy courses, free tutorials, forums, YouTube channels, subreddits, blogs – anything, as long as it's current, well-structured, and ideally includes interactive elements or practical exercises. I’d love to not just watch or read, but actually try things out on my own system as I learn.

Looking forward to your suggestions – thanks a lot!
 


Welcome! The best way to learn Linux is to use Linux. It won't be a popular opinion here but if you really want to learn and take the time to get to know your system one of the best ways is to install Arch Linux the Arch-way(manual) way.
It will take you through the steps that are needed but you will need to read different pages to read up on the different things. Not sure how up to what extend you are wanting to learn, if you could share what type of things you want to learn?
 
Hello @Gruenschnabel
Welcome to the Linux.org forum, enjoy!
I find this page to be helpful it's given in small bites.
There are many other sources on line plus this forum is a good source of info also. Some paid for instruction I guess it depends on what exactly your hopeful of learning.
this site has several suggestions also.
 
For terminal:
Free ebook from above link:

For administration (free ebook):
 
So here’s my question:
What learning resources would you recommend to really level up in Linux administration, system usage, and day-to-day tips?

The best way to learn Linux is to use Linux.
Practice makes the master.
 
A very good book here:

Aside from that just use your fav search engine and type in "the command line for beginners Linux".

Congrats on setting up your server.
 
Professionally, linux users tend to feel the most at home as system administrators, because linux tends to be used heavily in IT as server control.

You can of course use it for anything computer related, but as a software developer you will at least need to run some VMs, as being a FOSS dev is a pretty dead end thing by itself (don't expect to be able to support yourself at first).

I appreciate that you actually want to understand computer systems, b/c the vast majority just want the servant bots. Solving problems is a rewarding thing, it's like a never ending puzzle.
 
For terminal:
Free ebook from above link:

For administration (free ebook):
That first book is hands down one of the best sys admin and coding books there are available for beginners. It really teaches the power of unix in a fun and exploratory manner.
 
Visual Studio Code is a great program!

You can write scripts and all sorts of things.:)
 
Welcome to the Forum.
1749877743929.gif


For me it was trial and error...I downloaded a Distro's ISO and installed it in Virtualbox to get the feel of Linux...then I tried another and so on.

You can't learn everything in a short time and there are many things not found in books but when you do learn something...write it down and one of the best ways to learn is this Forum.

You don't need a degree to learn and use Linux but there are some very important things you should learn...
1. How to download the Linux ISO...run the checksum and burn the ISO to a Flash Drive.
2. How to customise the system and optimise the SSD.
3. How to Backup the whole System not just a few system files.
4. Learn how to use the Terminal.
5. Keep your System up to date and install all updates.
6. Linux isn't windoze...it's better...forget everything windoze and you'll be just fine.

1749879068731.gif
 
Welcome! The best way to learn Linux is to use Linux. It won't be a popular opinion here but if you really want to learn and take the time to get to know your system one of the best ways is to install Arch Linux the Arch-way(manual) way.
It will take you through the steps that are needed but you will need to read different pages to read up on the different things. Not sure how up to what extend you are wanting to learn, if you could share what type of things you want to learn?
You're absolutely right! Theory and especially practice are key!
I'd like to learn the core concepts and especially the basics — so I can build a solid understanding of Linux to use it effectively in daily life.

My focus is entirely on the command line interface (CLI), everyday usage, and the fundamental concepts.

Hello @Gruenschnabel
Welcome to the Linux.org forum, enjoy!
I find this page to be helpful it's given in small bites.

There are many other sources on line plus this forum is a good source of info also. Some paid for instruction I guess it depends on what exactly your hopeful of learning.
this site has several suggestions also.
Thanks a lot! Will check them out.


Welcome to the forums,
if you feel competent, then you could start with https://www.linux.org/forums/#linux-tutorials.122, I will apologise that there is no index or logical progression in some topics.
I guess that a clear "path" would be important. But i will check it out ofc!




Practice makes the master.
But theory is also important upfront. I look for both ofc :)


We have a thread here that received input about a lot of resources.

https://linux.org/threads/linux-learning-resources-share-yours-too.27866/

HTH

Chris Turner
wizardfromoz
Thanks will check it out! :)


Welcome to the Forum. View attachment 26541

For me it was trial and error...I downloaded a Distro's ISO and installed it in Virtualbox to get the feel of Linux...then I tried another and so on.

You can't learn everything in a short time and there are many things not found in books but when you do learn something...write it down and one of the best ways to learn is this Forum.

You don't need a degree to learn and use Linux but there are some very important things you should learn...
1. How to download the Linux ISO...run the checksum and burn the ISO to a Flash Drive.
2. How to customise the system and optimise the SSD.
3. How to Backup the whole System not just a few system files.
4. Learn how to use the Terminal.
5. Keep your System up to date and install all updates.
6. Linux isn't windoze...it's better...forget everything windoze and you'll be just fine.

View attachment 26542
Already killed windoze from my memory, dont worry :D
 


Follow Linux.org

Members online


Top