Hey everyone! I'm just diving into Linux and I understand that the kernel is the core of the operating system, and the shell is essentially the terminal. Aside from that, I'm pretty lost. Can anyone share some useful resources or tips for a complete newbie? Thanks a lot!
4 Answers
Linux has a lot going on behind the scenes. When your system boots, it looks for a boot loader, which helps load the kernel and other essentials needed to boot your OS. You might want to check out "How Linux Works" by Brian Ward—it's a fantastic reference for beginners!
I’ve got a great list of resources you can check out: [Linux Command Line Scripting](https://learnbyexample.github.io/curated_resources/linux_cli_scripting.html). It’s perfect for beginners looking to get more comfortable with the command line.
There are tons of YouTube videos that can help you pick the right distro to start with. I just used Ventoy and PikaOS to create a multi-distro live USB, which makes testing out different systems easy. Also, don't hesitate to ask questions; the Linux community is generally super helpful and welcoming!
You're spot on about the kernel and the shell! Don't stress too much about all the details; many modern Linux distros are pretty user-friendly. If you want to try Linux without messing with your current setup, running it on a virtual machine is a great option.
If you're looking for free resources, check out [linuxsurvival.com](https://linuxsurvival.com/) and [linuxjourney.com](https://linuxjourney.com/). They might have some outdated info, but they still offer valuable basics for beginners!