Best Books and Resources for Learning Linux as a Beginner

One book that I've found really useful is "How Linux Works, 3rd Edition" by Brian Ward. It gives great context about the Linux system without being just a straightforward tutorial. However, I think the best way to truly learn Linux is through hands-on experience. Start using your chosen distribution just as it is, familiarize yourself with applications, managing files, connecting to networks, and all the basics. As you get comfortable, try using the command line for actions you usually do with a GUI and dive into scripting. After a few months, challenge yourself with projects like setting up a server or customizing your environment. Just keep using Linux and you'll get the hang of it!

If you're looking for something that's not purely textbook, check out the Linux Foundation's free training course, "Introduction to Linux." It’s a solid place to start, and it doesn't require you to pay anything. Just sign up for an account and jump in!

For an easy and quick start, YouTube has tons of great Linux tutorials that cover the basics. You might want to watch them while working inside Linux if you can install it. Don't worry, it's not that hard to navigate—think of it as a twisted relative to Windows! I’d recommend trying it with a VirtualBox install or even dual-booting it with Windows. You'll find it's pretty user-friendly once you get into it.

There are plenty of resources for learning about Linux, even if many traditional textbooks can age quickly. You can find a treasure trove of materials online. Websites like freecomputerbooks.com have old computing books that still hold up today! Plus, Linux generally doesn't change as much as other tech, so a book from a few years ago can still be very relevant!