I'm planning to use my Steam Deck in desktop mode to dive into learning Linux, as I aim to become a cloud junior engineer. I've read that being familiar with Linux is important for this role, but I don't have to be an expert. Currently, at work, I have access to a virtual desktop, but it doesn't let me install programs. I've started exploring resources like Linux Journey, Your First Linux Lab, and OverTheWire. My background is in Windows, but I'm a complete beginner when it comes to Linux. I'm looking for guidance on how to get started and what approaches worked for others. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
The more you engage with Linux, the more you'll learn. Start with simple tasks like installing applications or troubleshooting issues on your Steam Deck. All that hands-on experience is what teaches you the most. Also, check out the free Introduction to Linux course from the Linux Foundation; it provides a solid foundation and you can practice along the way!
Forget about being perfect right away. Just start using Linux and try things out. If you want a challenge, try installing Arch Linux from scratch! It’s hard mode for sure, but you’ll learn a ton in the process.
Honestly, the best way to get familiar with Linux is just to use it! If you have a Steam Deck, that’s a great platform. You could set it up as a virtual machine or even just mess around in desktop mode. Host a few servers, play around with different settings, and see what happens. The more you tinker, the better you'll get!
I’ve only got the Steam Deck too, so I plan to use it for everything. It’s a perfect way to learn!
When I started using Linux, I had to learn everything through trial and error, and it really made me a pro eventually. Your Steam Deck is your playground, so play around, break things, and learn how to fix them. Focusing on using the terminal and getting comfortable with commands will put you in a great position as you work towards your cloud engineer goal!
I’d love a simple learning path to follow; that would really help me!
Dual booting a distro like Nobara or Bazzite can be really helpful. Just using it a little bit every day can lead to big improvements over time. When you get comfortable, try experimenting with different distros to learn what you like. That way, you get practical experience and can start to understand more advanced concepts too.
Same here! I dual booted Bazzite and just a month in and it's fantastic. Only went back to Windows once for games!
That course sounds helpful! I’ll definitely give it a shot.