Hey everyone! I'm new to Linux and have been lurking here for a while, soaking up as much info as I can. But before I dive in with a bunch of questions, I'd like to first ask—where can I learn about the various terms in Linux? I keep coming across words like Snaps, AppImages, Flatpaks, and Kernel. What's the difference between them? How do they work, and what are their pros and cons? For instance, people ask each other about their desktop environments on Ubuntu, but I'm a bit lost because I'm only familiar with the basic desktop concept. I want to know more! I found the book "Linux for Dummies" on Amazon, but with things changing so fast, I'm worried it won't be up-to-date when I finally get to it. Does anyone know if that book covers what I need? I'm not a tech whiz since I've only been involved in the PC community for the past six years. I apologize if these are basics everyone should know by now. Ultimately, I just want to learn more about Linux because it seems like the right fit for me. Thanks for any suggestions!
5 Answers
The Arch Wiki is super comprehensive and can help you with a lot of basic and specific info. Just search up anything you’re curious about, and you’ll likely find it there. Regarding your query about AppImages and Flatpaks, just remember they're all types of containerized software. Look them up for more insights!
Check out the resources page in the wiki of your favorite Linux support subreddit. You can also search for terms like Snaps or Flatpaks directly on Reddit for more discussions on them. A good rule of thumb is to always back up your data and try things out in a virtual machine before you hit Enter on any command. Enjoy the learning journey!
I totally get where you're coming from—I was in your shoes not long ago! I ended up having an extensive chat with an AI that clarified so many things for me. You might want to give that a try if you're looking for quick answers!
YouTube is your best friend for learning Linux! There are tons of great channels out there. I recommend checking out LearnLinuxTV for some excellent beginner guides. Here’s a great video to start: [Watch here](https://youtu.be/eQbIxEw3AI0?si=HhuUmyhVyu4XsUfn). They seriously break everything down for you!
To get a grasp on commands, just open up your Linux terminal and type `man {command}`. For instance, `man flatpak` will pull up a detailed manual about what Flatpak does and how to use it. Also, don’t miss out on YouTube tutorials—they're gold for finding explanations on things!
I totally agree, LearnLinuxTV is a fantastic resource! They make everything so easy to understand.