Linux Mint 16 for beginners?

Question

I'm getting tired of Windows AND Mac OS X. I've recently installed Linux Mint 16, and I'm having trouble with it.

For example, I'm trying to install Java and the file comes in a tar.gz file. I have somewhat of an idea of what to do with it. I just don't know the correct commands.

But my question is not how to do that. I'll figure it out soon enough.

My question is, what is a good website for Linux newbies? (Forum-type sites preferrably).
I want to learn the entire OS, instead of just memorizing certain commands. That way I will thouroughly understand it.

Answer 1

it depends for what you need to learn to

but generally get a look to http://linuxnewbieguide.org/

Good luck

Answer 2

You are at the biggest hurdle when going from Winblows to GNU/Linux. Getting out of "Winblows mode". You can not use Linux like Winblows. You could compile the software yourself. Since Mint and Ubuntu are Debian based, all commands and instructions that work on Debian will work on Mint and Ubuntu:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CompilingEasyHowTo



I suggest to do as another poster stated, always look for the software in you package manager first. You can, for easy of explanation, compare it to Googles play store. It is a central repository of software for your distro.



I believe Synaptic is Mints package manager.



You could do all the reading you like, but the best way to learn something is to just jump in. With each problem, you will look at forums to find the answer. After all the trial and error you will find the solution and will have learned a lot. This beats any site that tries to "teach" you something. I am willing to bet that almost all Linux "gurus" (which I am NOT) just jumped in. But knowing the basics will never hurt:

http://www.aboutdebian.com/linux.htm

Answer 3

You can gogole for "linux mint guide for beginners" and firnd more links like these.



http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/the-beginner-s-guide-to-linux-mint-1058555

http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/20

Forum: http://forums.linuxmint.com/



Install java:

http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/1091

Answer 4

The easiest way to install software is to use Synaptic. It downloads .deb files from a repository and installs them.