I recently replaced Windows 11 with CachyOS after using live environments and dual-boot setups a few times. I assumed I understood Linux reasonably well, but using it as my only operating system has exposed several gaps. I'm used to Windows handling everyday tasks through graphical tools, so command-line utilities, scripts, configuration files, directories, mounts, and the Linux filesystem are still unfamiliar.
I know the usual advice is to read the documentation and the Arch Wiki, but I find those difficult to follow without already understanding the terminology. I learn best through videos or approachable, structured explanations. What resources helped you learn Linux from the ground up, especially if you came from Windows? I'd appreciate recommendations covering basic commands, filesystem concepts, package management, configuration, and gradually moving toward tasks such as hardware tuning or simple automation. Beginner-friendly websites, books, and YouTube channels are all welcome.
4 Answers
You probably don’t need to learn every command before you can use the desktop. Set a few practical goals, such as organizing files, installing software, configuring your terminal, or setting up a backup, and learn the pieces required for each one. It’s also worth exploring the applications available on Linux, since their names and workflows may be different from their Windows equivalents. AI assistants can explain basic concepts, but verify commands and avoid blindly trusting them for complicated troubleshooting.
CachyOS is a fairly hands-on choice for a first full-time Linux installation, so feeling overwhelmed is normal. You can use the graphical tools for ordinary tasks and consult documentation when a specific problem comes up; you don’t have to read the entire manual in advance. A virtual machine is a safe place to practice commands and configuration changes, and regular backups make experimentation much less stressful.
Linux Journey is a good starting point for the fundamentals, and the ExplainingComputers channel has approachable introductory videos. Books from O’Reilly can also be useful, and ebook bundles occasionally include Linux titles. Try learning one concept at a time rather than treating the entire operating system as a single subject.
For a CachyOS or Arch-based system, start by learning the package manager rather than trying to memorize the whole ecosystem. The main commands are handled by pacman, while yay can also work with packages from the AUR. For example, `sudo pacman -Syu` updates the system and `sudo pacman -S package-name` installs a package. Read what each command does before running it, and keep reliable backups while experimenting.
I’ve already researched replacement software for my CAD and simulation tools. My bigger issue is that I like understanding systems deeply, so I’d also like to learn about commands, scripts, configuration files, and how Linux works internally. I may start with smaller projects such as customizing Alacritty and then build from there.