I'm brand new to Linux and just set up Mint on my machine. I'm hoping to find an application or program that can help me navigate my files in a way that feels a bit more familiar, like the Windows file explorer. I'm eager to learn the ropes, including command line usage, but it's all quite overwhelming right now since I have zero background in coding or Linux. Also, if you have any recommendations for beginner guides that explain the basics—especially those that don't assume prior knowledge—that would be awesome! I appreciate any help that can make this transition smoother while I pick up new skills.
5 Answers
The file explorer in Mint should already resemble Windows a fair bit. Are you asking about a different interface or more features? You really don't need the terminal for everyday tasks in Mint, but learning it gradually will help! I suggest trying different desktop environments too; it might make the learning curve a bit easier.
KDE Plasma is definitely worth looking into! It’s designed with a user experience similar to Windows, which might make your transition smoother. I recommend trying out Kubuntu live to see if you like it. It’s flexible, so you can get comfortable without diving too deeply into the command line initially.
I totally see where you're coming from with wanting a more Windows-like setup initially, but jumping into Linux is all about discovering new ways to do things. Mixing up desktop environments might actually help you find what works best for you in the long run. But yeah, Dolphin is definitely a user-friendly option if that's the route you want to take.
You might want to check out Dolphin as your file manager. It feels a lot more like Windows Explorer, and I've found it pretty intuitive. I remember when I first started using Linux; I only used the command line when necessary and picked it up gradually. It's totally okay to start with a GUI and ease into the command line! As for learning resources, check out linuxjourney.com for a solid introduction, and if you’re feeling adventurous, OverTheWire's Bandit game is great for learning terminal commands in a fun way.
Honestly, if you want a Windows-like experience, KDE might be a better fit for you. Mint used to have it, but now they don't. KDE's Dolphin file manager is fantastic and gives you a lot of options that are missing in other file managers. If you can, try running a live version of a KDE-based distro like Kubuntu to see how it feels before fully committing!

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