What should I know about computers to have better understanding of Linux?

[loy]

Hey, everyone!
I've been getting into Linux lately, and I wanted to know what should I know about computers in general (and how much about them, maybe), to have good understanding of Linux and how it operates (and even other OS's). I know it might not be mandatory, but I think every bit of knowledge is of good use. If you guys have any sites, PDF's, YouTube channels, or other ways of knowledge that you feel like would be useful for the subject at hand, I'd like to ask you to share them in the comments.

Thank you for your attention,
have a great day.

 

[KGIII]

We have various resource threads around here. Those would be sufficient.

I'd say 'learn stuff as you need to' and then 'always be doing new things' until you know as much as you need. There's no set path and your needs will be your individual needs. Resolve those needs as they crop up and you'll be learning everything you need to know.

 

[Alexzee]

JayzTwoCents

Here at JayzTwoCents we strive to create informed and intelligent buyers when it comes to PC building. Whether it be computers, components, or how-to content, you will leave with more confidence in your ability to troubleshoot, fix and build your next PC!

www.youtube.com

 

[Alexzee]

Steve's pretty funny at times.

Gamers Nexus

PC hardware reviews, game benchmarks, component analysis. Please subscribe for updates!

www.youtube.com

 

[Brickwizard]

I wanted to know what should I know about computers in general (and how much about them, maybe), to have good understanding of Linux and how it operates

Hardware side, you do not need to know much, unless you are going to build or maintain your own machine.
What you do need to know, is how to find the information about your machine and component drivers using Linux, for this I recommend you acquaint yourself with inxi, it is available for most Linux builds and comes pre-installed in many

Sudo inxi -Fnxx will give the greatest amount of information [some of it sensitive, not for posting to the internet]
inxi -Fnxxz will give you a redacted report safe to post on line
there are many more variations that can be found by [installing if necessary] and typing inxi -h and entering

 

[SquidHM3]

Welcome to the forums Ioy! You are in good hands here. I've had nothing but positive interactions with everyone I've talked with. As Brickwizard said, inxi is your best friend!

 

[Gloster]

Linux is not "far away" from Unix, "UNIX - The Complete Reference 2e.pdf" :

http://160592857366.free.fr/joe/ebooks/ShareData/UNIX%20-%20The%20Complete%20Reference%202e.pdf

"More and more people are using UNIX variants, especially Linux, as they realize
that it provides a computing environment that supports their needs."

 

[Gainer]

I've been getting into Linux lately, and I wanted to know what should I know about computers

Welcome to the Forum

All about computers is a HUGE, HUGE topic. Without knowing your interest almost impossible to begin.

ie: the "should know" for a gamer is a bit different than mostly browsing or maybe streaming vids. How much social media.

I'm in the process of leaving Windows, better said... Microsoft and the goal is to be "OUT" by Christmas this year.

50 years of IT has helped a bit but not that much and sometimes just flat in the way. So here is what I did. My experience taught me to do things "clean".

So, I didn't use used/old hardware where my first "battles" would possibly be drivers, firmware, etc. and not even understanding what questions to ask.

I purchased a new Mini PC with Ubuntu installed. Hooked it to my 75" TV screen. I do realize not everyone sees things this way nor has the budget. I chose this way because I know my frustration level and how I approach computer problems. Yes, I also agree, "throwing money" at a problem is not good method either. My solution was under $150 with 16GB RAM and 500GB SSD

Within 5 minutes I was booted to the desktop and another 5 minutes I had LibreOffice Write on the screen AND was on the Internet back here (linux.org) with a better understanding what to ask in relation to what I need out of a computer.

Personally, I think you are on the right forum. I know from personal @KGIII @Brickwizard and @Condobloke are some of the best. They will even help with coming up with the question you may need.

I'm very new to Linux also, but if I can help... please ask

Suggestion: Instead of a new machine like I did, make a LinuxMint 22 Bootable Thumb drive and have a ball exploring AND the only thing you can mess-up is the thumb drive. I've had way more fun than I deserve with a bootable stick with LinuxMint. Try it, you'll like it. The only "dumb question" is the one you don't ask. Folks here are the most helpful that I've met online. Of course, they remember when they were Newbie's. Good hearts!!

 

[Alexzee]

Welcome to the Forum

All about computers is a HUGE, HUGE topic. Without knowing your interest almost impossible to begin.

ie: the "should know" for a gamer is a bit different than mostly browsing or maybe streaming vids. How much social media.

I'm in the process of leaving Windows, better said... Microsoft and the goal is to be "OUT" by Christmas this year.

50 years of IT has helped a bit but not that much and sometimes just flat in the way. So here is what I did. My experience taught me to do things "clean".

So, I didn't use used/old hardware where my first "battles" would possibly be drivers, firmware, etc. and not even understanding what questions to ask.

I purchased a new Mini PC with Ubuntu installed. Hooked it to my 75" TV screen. I do realize not everyone sees things this way nor has the budget. I chose this way because I know my frustration level and how I approach computer problems. Yes, I also agree, "throwing money" at a problem is not good method either. My solution was under $150 with 16GB RAM and 500GB SSD

Within 5 minutes I was booted to the desktop and another 5 minutes I had LibreOffice Write on the screen AND was on the Internet back here (linux.org) with a better understanding what to ask in relation to what I need out of a computer.

Personally, I think you are on the right forum. I know from personal @KGIII @Brickwizard and @Condobloke are some of the best. They will even help with coming up with the question you may need.

I'm very new to Linux also, but if I can help... please ask

Suggestion: Instead of a new machine like I did, make a LinuxMint 22 Bootable Thumb drive and have a ball exploring AND the only thing you can mess-up is the thumb drive. I've had way more fun than I deserve with a bootable stick with LinuxMint. Try it, you'll like it. The only "dumb question" is the one you don't ask. Folks here are the most helpful that I've met online. Of course, they remember when they were Newbie's. Good hearts!!

A 75 inch T.V.?
HDMI or VGA with a converter?

 

[Gainer]

A 75 inch T.V.?
HDMI or VGA with a converter?

Yup, 75". Too many years standing in front of server racks, or hours sitting in uncomfortable office chairs (every last one is uncomfortable after 10 hours no matter how many times you get up to do your stretches). Screens of various sizes, 95% too small after 3 hours.

So, upon retirement, with eyesight that isn't like it was when I was 20, I went for large screens. I don't need high resolution and ungodly refresh speeds. (I'm not a gamer).

I loaded my office with (too many) 32" and 55" screens. Other rooms minimum 32". Living room is the home of the "big-one". With TV's and HDMI, I am able to use the built-in speakers. The sound quality is sufficient for these old ears. 17" Touch screen in the kitchen which hopefully I can convert to LM22 along with my iPad 6 (8" screen). Looking to convert it to LM22 also. Future fun. Getting the only Apple device I've owner since Apple II. (different/long story)

I don't use any part of the TV side other than the On/Off. Mini Pc's give me an OS so I'm on the internet. As I am moving from Windows to LM22, I'm replacing all of the out-of-date hardware to Mini PC's with LM22.

Why 75"? Right now, I'm sitting in my living room - big screen split. Writing you and watching football, Yup, couch-potato, with my dog, a short whiskey and so every hot black coffee. In the background is a remote connection screen helping a 25 yearlong client. I try to stay focused on him - at least during half-time.

I've been tippy-toeing around about putting the 75" in my office and getting two 95"ers for the living room. The dog and I think it is a great idea. Right now my wife doesn't hold the same enthusiasm...
(yet) Unfortunately, two to one doesn't work... needs to be 3-0

PS What's VGA (kidding)

 

[loy]

Welcome to the Forum

All about computers is a HUGE, HUGE topic. Without knowing your interest almost impossible to begin.

ie: the "should know" for a gamer is a bit different than mostly browsing or maybe streaming vids. How much social media.

I'm in the process of leaving Windows, better said... Microsoft and the goal is to be "OUT" by Christmas this year.

50 years of IT has helped a bit but not that much and sometimes just flat in the way. So here is what I did. My experience taught me to do things "clean".

So, I didn't use used/old hardware where my first "battles" would possibly be drivers, firmware, etc. and not even understanding what questions to ask.

I purchased a new Mini PC with Ubuntu installed. Hooked it to my 75" TV screen. I do realize not everyone sees things this way nor has the budget. I chose this way because I know my frustration level and how I approach computer problems. Yes, I also agree, "throwing money" at a problem is not good method either. My solution was under $150 with 16GB RAM and 500GB SSD

Within 5 minutes I was booted to the desktop and another 5 minutes I had LibreOffice Write on the screen AND was on the Internet back here (linux.org) with a better understanding what to ask in relation to what I need out of a computer.

Personally, I think you are on the right forum. I know from personal @KGIII @Brickwizard and @Condobloke are some of the best. They will even help with coming up with the question you may need.

I'm very new to Linux also, but if I can help... please ask

Suggestion: Instead of a new machine like I did, make a LinuxMint 22 Bootable Thumb drive and have a ball exploring AND the only thing you can mess-up is the thumb drive. I've had way more fun than I deserve with a bootable stick with LinuxMint. Try it, you'll like it. The only "dumb question" is the one you don't ask. Folks here are the most helpful that I've met online. Of course, they remember when they were Newbie's. Good hearts!!

Oh boy that was a good reply!
I have actually done something alike what you did. My uncle gave me an old laptop of his january this year, on which I had Linux Mint installed a few months ago. It is kinda clunky and slow, for sure, but I have been using Xfce which is not that heavy. Reinstalled it and I tinkered with it for a while this evening, and it's been pretty fun, actually. I'll use this forum as a guide, with its tutorials and the community — which, by the way is very helpful, and surely has "enlightened my ways".
I guess I've always had a bit of unexplored interest for computers in a general way, and thought that getting more into Linux and "playing" with it would not only give me a bit of help, but also knowing more about the how the internal processes of a computer (and I guess that may vary from OS to OS) would also be a secondary help (to learn computers and Linux). I think that is what I meant with the headline of this thread, but the replies have all been great and of pretty good use (yours included ).

I'll surely use more of the forum. The content and the community here seem to be great!

 

[loy]

We have various resource threads around here. Those would be sufficient.

I'd say 'learn stuff as you need to' and then 'always be doing new things' until you know as much as you need. There's no set path and your needs will be your individual needs. Resolve those needs as they crop up and you'll be learning everything you need to know.

Yeah, I think you're right. The best way of learning it seems to really be "attending the needs as they come". I've sometimes felt that just reading what to do in these linear tutorials, PDF's and so on is good when it comes to making you feel like you know where you are stepping — but nothing like the good ol' practice.

 

[Condobloke]

The best way of learning it seems to really be "attending the needs as they come

but nothing like the good ol' practice.

Learn by destroying/fixing/reinstalling/communicating.....rinse and repeat....and all with a

 

[MikeWalsh]

I'll surely use more of the forum. The content and the community here seem to be great!

@loy :-

I think, overall, that the best thing about this bunch is that they don't differentiate. This has to be about the only Linux forum I know of where, despite Kali users getting stern reminders that said OS is NOT for general daily usage, those same Kali users will usually still get help of some sort.

(Most Linux fora blank Kali users from the word go, and won't have anything to do with them. As soon as the words 'Kali Linux' appear in a post, that's "game over"; the earplugs go in, along with the 'blinkers'...)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

We have a good cross-section of members here. We have long-term Linux users (most of whom have ditched the old "RTFM!" attitude); we have IT admins; we have knowledgeable enthusiasts. We have users of all kinds of different Linux distros. We have command-line enthusiasts; we have knowledgeable coders & hobby developers. We have a fair few hardware "experts", too......along with many who just like chatting about anything & everything to do with Linux AND computers in general.

I'm exactly the sort of person @KGIII is talking about. I never try to read up ahead of time on a ton of stuff that I probably won't ever use; I research into, and figure out how to use stuff as & when I need it. This way, since you're putting it into practice immediately, that knowledge is far more likely to "stick with you".

I use a slightly oddball featherweight Linux distro called Puppy......originally designed, over 20 years ago, to specifically run totally from a flash drive. I help out with the noobs on the Puppy forum. I repackage a lot of stuff for the Puppy community, and along with a few others, have developed an entire range of apps/utilities packed in self-contained, 'portable' format (which can be run from literally anywhere on your system. Even from a flash drive, if so desired). I code & script various small utilities'n'stuff. I'm something of a hardware nut.....and I'm definitely a software "hoarder".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

I'm probably fairly representative of many members here, when all's said & done. Something of a "jack-of-all-trades" after 40 some-odd years of computer usage; master of none (if I'm totally honest!), but with a fairly broad overall knowledge of computing in general. Certainly enough to hold my own in discussions, and I like to think it's enough to be able to help others out with issues/problems.

We're all mostly cut from the same cloth here. We like helping others out.....and I think the majority would agree with me on one main point; that knowledge is for sharing, NOT for hoarding.


Mike.

 

[Condobloke]

We're all mostly cut from the same cloth here. We like helping others out.....and I think the majority would agree with me on one main point; that knowledge is for sharing, NOT for hoarding.

Amen.

 

[SquidHM3]

Yup, 75". Too many years standing in front of server racks, or hours sitting in uncomfortable office chairs (every last one is uncomfortable after 10 hours no matter how many times you get up to do your stretches). Screens of various sizes, 95% too small after 3 hours.

So, upon retirement, with eyesight that isn't like it was when I was 20, I went for large screens. I don't need high resolution and ungodly refresh speeds. (I'm not a gamer).

I loaded my office with (too many) 32" and 55" screens. Other rooms minimum 32". Living room is the home of the "big-one". With TV's and HDMI, I am able to use the built-in speakers. The sound quality is sufficient for these old ears. 17" Touch screen in the kitchen which hopefully I can convert to LM22 along with my iPad 6 (8" screen). Looking to convert it to LM22 also. Future fun. Getting the only Apple device I've owner since Apple II. (different/long story)

I don't use any part of the TV side other than the On/Off. Mini Pc's give me an OS so I'm on the internet. As I am moving from Windows to LM22, I'm replacing all of the out-of-date hardware to Mini PC's with LM22.

Why 75"? Right now, I'm sitting in my living room - big screen split. Writing you and watching football, Yup, couch-potato, with my dog, a short whiskey and so every hot black coffee. In the background is a remote connection screen helping a 25 yearlong client. I try to stay focused on him - at least during half-time.

I've been tippy-toeing around about putting the 75" in my office and getting two 95"ers for the living room. The dog and I think it is a great idea. Right now my wife doesn't hold the same enthusiasm...
(yet) Unfortunately, two to one doesn't work... needs to be 3-0

PS What's VGA (kidding)

I'll confess, I'm just a touch envious. I had a 5.5 year stint as a consultant with a fortune 100 company. The role quickly began switching from hardware only to more software, and I am not a programmer (which I swiftly learned while trying to at that job). I left that, had a few temp jobs in IT, ended up in the recession of 2008, and all through Dec of '08 and all of 2009, I put in hundreds of IT applications. Got my A+ certification on 12/28/08 to be marketable (the 600 series, which means the cert is good for life / doesn't need to be renewed). Of the 400-500 jobs or so I applied to, I had TWO interviews. I now work for my state's gov't in a non-IT role. I guess I just wasn't meant to be in IT long term.

I salute the fact that you were!

 

[Zev]

I enjoy watching / listening to DistroTube, he coincidentally just posted a video of some other Linux YouTubers that might be worth a look too!

It was thanks to his Gentoo Linux install video from a few years back that I became interested on and built up the courage to take the plunge and install it myself.

 

[MuttMutt]

Well, I guess the best thing I can say is understand that computers themselves are STUPID...

Yes we have AI, but it doesn't understand a thing about what it's spitting out and deep down a computer without software is a brick you can use for a doorstop.

After that get good at using search engines, once you do you can often find things that will help you with issues and learning how to deal with them.

A love of learning things will absolutely help out because there will be days where you will have to learn a lot of stuff as you continue on your journey.

 

[Egzoset]

It won't be long before the sum of what is presently known finally belongs to a museum. The OP's pursued target ain't static, it's constantly moving...