Best Ways to Start Learning Linux on a Headless Setup

Starting out without a monitor can be a bit tricky, but you'll manage! Since you're already in via SSH, I suggest you begin by learning basic bash commands. Commands like `ls`, `cd`, `cp`, `mv`, `rm`, and `mkdir` are crucial. Also, don't forget about the `man` command—it’s super helpful for understanding other commands! Get comfortable with how the filesystem is structured too; it’s quite different from Windows. There are lots of beginner tutorials online, including on YouTube, to help guide you along the way.

Make sure to back up your important files regularly and experiment in a safe environment like a virtual machine before making big changes. And if you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to search for solutions or ask for help—Linux has a huge community ready to help newcomers!

If you have access to a TV, consider temporarily connecting your Optiplex to it for some initial hands-on learning! After that, embrace using the CLI as your primary interface. It can feel daunting at first, but it grows on you, and you’ll learn tons with practice!

You might want to consider setting up some Docker services! Things like Pihole for ad-blocking or a file server using Samba can be great projects. They're not too complicated, and you'll learn a lot about managing services on Linux. Plus, it’s fun to see your projects in action on your network!

Congrats on your new setup! I started with basic commands, then moved into more complex tasks. It's wise not to run critical applications until you're more comfortable. Try following a Linux hardening guide; it’ll take you down some interesting paths regarding system configuration! Learning about Docker is also highly recommended.