Linux Newbie FAQ

For the content of this Wikipage, the rough definition of a Linux Newbie has been:

"Someone who has recently been introduced to, has started using, or has yet to use, Linux".

The question/answer process of this page is designed toward the goal of "How do I DO stuff in Linux?", Not "What is Linux?". If you have a question that you think is common and should be added to the page, please plunge forward.

How can I dualboot different Operating Systems on my computer?

You should check guides specific to your distribution first, to see if they have instructions that may better suit your system.

• install Linux on a USB disk
• Dual booting

Dual Booting Macs

• Linux for Macintosh
• http://www.mactel-linux.org/wiki/Dual_Booting

Which distro should I use?

See Choosing a Linux distribution.

Where can I find Linux software to replace my Microsoft software?

See Linux software equivalent to Windows software.

What Antivirus/Firewall software should I use for my system?

See Linux software equivalent to Windows software.

How do I get/install Multimedia Codecs?

See Installing Codecs.

How do I defragment my filesystem on Linux?

Fragmentation is less a problem with Linux filesystems

Where can I get books or guides to learn more about using Linux in general ?

• Linux for newbies (en.wikibooks.org)
• www.linuxnewbieguide.org
• Introduction to Linux, a hands on guide (www.tldp.org)
• Loads of unsorted links for beginners (loll.sourceforge.net)
• List of Linux books, beginners section (en.wikipedia.org)
• Where to find documentation
• LinuxIntro

  Sectioned guide on learning to do specific tasks with Linux.

Where can I get more information regarding a specific distribution?

You can find more information on a respective distro here:

• Ubuntu
• Fedora
• Knoppix
• Suse

See also

• Linuxintro - What Linux can do for you and how to accomplish it.
• Common Questions and misconceptions - A page explaining many random topics.
• Liveliest and most useful GNU/Linux places - You are new to the GNU/Linux world and want to have a feel for what it's all about ? Search no more !

External links

• Ideal Linux System for Newbies?

  A slashdot Discussion dated Tue Dec 26 2006