Linux: FAQ answers for beginners.

f15h · 03-03-2005, 03:58 PM

This is a quick q/a quide for beginners.

Q: What is a good distribution for a beginner Linux user?
A: Fedora Core 3 or higher.

Q: What are the bash equivalents to the DOS command prompt?
A: google it. there lots javascript:smilie('

')

Q: How do I know that my hardware will be compatible?
A: Check that its on a Linux compatible hardware list.

Q: Can I get drivers for hardware not supported by my OS?
A: Not all hardware. Check the manufacturers web page.

Q: What is the best interface to use?
A: GNOME.

Q: Can I get themes for GNOME?
A: Yes www.art.gnome.org also look for gdesklets.

Q: HOW DO INSTALL THINGS?
A: Software either come in extractable format or RPM format.
If it comes in tar.gz or .bz or .bz2 , use the use the tar command.
to see how to use tar, type "man tar"
once you have extracted source, type the following in a terminal"

./configure
make
make install

The program will likely be installed in /usr/bin

to use rpms, type rpm -i program.rpm

Q: How do I run a program?
A: Type the name of the program in the directory its in.
If it is a python program, type the name of the program [ program.py ]
If that doesn't work, type "python program.py"
If that still doesn't work, you probably don't have permission to execute.
*so you should login as root and chmod*

Q: Why can't I compile anything?
A: Probably because you aren't logged in as root.
root is the administrator user on a linux system.
to login as root type "su", which means super user.

I have to go to class.... i'll finish this later and make it more organized

m3trj · 03-03-2005, 05:28 PM

Gnome isn't the "best" interface I don't think. That's more of an opinion. I like KDE better.

horndude · 03-03-2005, 05:35 PM

Same with Fedora being good for newbies........Fedora is by their own admission a bleeding edge distro with lots of beta apps on it,and if I recall correctly from what Ive read, it even has a special config file in /etc to deal with some of the experimental configs they use.Combine that with the fact its an RPM based package system, I wouldnt recommend to anybody.Gnome and KDE are desktop environments with their own libraries and dependencies, both are good for newbies I suppose, depends on what you want to do.

The part about program installation and compiling is partly right, packages also come in other formats besides RPM.Installation/building an app depends on what it was written in.........

macdude425 · 03-03-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by f15h

Q: What is the best interface to use?
A: GNOME.

Only if you're using Fedora. Otherwise, it sucks compared to KDE.

Quote:

Originally posted by f15h
Q: Why can't I compile anything?
A: Probably because you aren't logged in as root.
root is the administrator user on a linux system.
to login as root type "su", which means super user.

Could also be because you don't have gcc installed.

03-03-2005, 03:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
f15h True Techie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 105	Linux: FAQ answers for beginners. This is a quick q/a quide for beginners. Q: What is a good distribution for a beginner Linux user? A: Fedora Core 3 or higher. Q: What are the bash equivalents to the DOS command prompt? A: google it. there lots javascript:smilie('') Q: How do I know that my hardware will be compatible? A: Check that its on a Linux compatible hardware list. Q: Can I get drivers for hardware not supported by my OS? A: Not all hardware. Check the manufacturers web page. Q: What is the best interface to use? A: GNOME. Q: Can I get themes for GNOME? A: Yes www.art.gnome.org also look for gdesklets. Q: HOW DO INSTALL THINGS? A: Software either come in extractable format or RPM format. If it comes in tar.gz or .bz or .bz2 , use the use the tar command. to see how to use tar, type "man tar" once you have extracted source, type the following in a terminal" ./configure make make install The program will likely be installed in /usr/bin to use rpms, type rpm -i program.rpm Q: How do I run a program? A: Type the name of the program in the directory its in. If it is a python program, type the name of the program [ program.py ] If that doesn't work, type "python program.py" If that still doesn't work, you probably don't have permission to execute. so you should login as root and chmod Q: Why can't I compile anything? A: Probably because you aren't logged in as root. root is the administrator user on a linux system. to login as root type "su", which means super user. I have to go to class.... i'll finish this later and make it more organized __________________ *les poissant souples*

03-03-2005, 05:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
m3trj Monster Techie Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,577	Gnome isn't the "best" interface I don't think. That's more of an opinion. I like KDE better. __________________ \'There is only one basic human right, and that is to do as you **** well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, to take the consequences.\'

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03-03-2005, 05:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
horndude Master Techie Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,532	Same with Fedora being good for newbies........Fedora is by their own admission a bleeding edge distro with lots of beta apps on it,and if I recall correctly from what Ive read, it even has a special config file in /etc to deal with some of the experimental configs they use.Combine that with the fact its an RPM based package system, I wouldnt recommend to anybody.Gnome and KDE are desktop environments with their own libraries and dependencies, both are good for newbies I suppose, depends on what you want to do. The part about program installation and compiling is partly right, packages also come in other formats besides RPM.Installation/building an app depends on what it was written in.........