Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Some basic questions about Linux (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 4 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Can someone point me to a helpful beginners resource explaining some Linux basics? Like what is the difference between "distro", which is what, like Ubuntu, fedora, Debian (? Or is that a category of distro?) And desktop environment which is what, KDE, Lubuntu, gnome? Like I don't even know I have these categories right let alone understand why I'd pick one over another and what practical effects it will have- which apps will I/won't I be able to install, etc...

I'm not expecting anyone to answer these questions for me, but if you could point me to something already written, I'd appreciate it.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

debian packages will work on debian based distros usually, etcetc

fedora calls their kedoras and ludoras "spins", but I haven't used fedora so can't say how good they are

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

They're great! Only sticking point for some spins is you sometimes have to enable non-free stuff after installation. Most spins, though, have that enabled ootb.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago

Just to add for new users, find this info easily by typing "what to do after installing Fedora" into your search engine of choice, there's many articles about it (and all of them have the same information for the most part).