I'm planning to switch my main PC from Windows to Linux and want to prepare myself for the transition. I don't have a background in programming and only do moderate gaming, so I'm curious about the common tasks I perform in Windows through its GUI that might require using the terminal in Linux. I tried installing Linux Mint on an old laptop and noticed some applications, like my VPN, require terminal commands while others provide clickable icons. Is this a common scenario? How essential is the terminal for daily usage in Linux? I also want to understand how to effectively learn to use the terminal for executing tasks or getting specific outputs.
1 Answer
Most everyday users won’t actually need to use the terminal these days. While it’s true that many tutorials use terminal commands because Linux is so customizable, newer distros have made a huge effort to ensure that common tasks can be accomplished through a GUI. I typically only open the terminal for speed—like when updating my system—but everything else can usually be done just as easily through menus. So, unless you dive into something really niche, you might find you’re not heavily reliant on the terminal at all!
That’s good to hear! I just want to understand what to expect, as I’ve read mixed things about terminal dependence.