I've been using Linux Mint for over a year now, and as a second-year computer science student, I want to dive deeper into Linux. Currently, I've been using it much like Windows, and I'm ready to change that. I'm wondering what my next steps should be. Should I start learning new tools like Vim, or would switching to a new distribution be more beneficial for my learning experience? I want to become more comfortable with the terminal, but I know memorizing commands isn't the best approach. Any advice on where to begin would be greatly appreciated! Also, I dual boot Windows and Mint on my laptop and have an interest in AI and hosting models, but I'm not sure how to get started with that either.
5 Answers
Don't stress about memorizing every command! Start using the terminal for daily tasks. You'll gradually remember the commands you need most. Also, looking up commands as you go along is totally valid. Just ensure you enjoy what you're doing, whether it's learning scripts or command line tasks!
Consider setting up a home server for yourself. It's a fun project, plus it can help you learn a lot more about hosting and networking. This way, you can experiment with things like Nextcloud or run a small website. It's a great opportunity for hands-on learning!
Memorizing commands isn't the worst thing, especially for the ones you use frequently, like navigation commands. A great way to learn is to set up a minimal Linux installation without a GUI. This way, you'll be forced to rely on the terminal. I have a small server that I practice on for this very reason. Familiarize yourself with the *nix directory structure too; that will really help you understand where everything is and how it works!
I started with Mint too, then moved to various distros like Fedora and openSUSE. Eventually, I tried EndeavourOS; it's terminal-focused yet user-friendly. I suggest going for a barebones installation and using a window manager instead of a full desktop environment. It forces you to interact with the terminal more while still offering a nice GUI.
If you're looking to dive deeper into Linux, consider setting up a totally empty machine and install Arch Linux without any automated scripts. It'll teach you a lot about how systems work since you'll have to configure everything manually. Once you get a hang of it, you'll find it's super beneficial for your learning. Don't freak out if it sounds tough; you'll learn a ton in the process!
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