Where do Linux store software data files?

Open your file explorer, enable 'Show Hidden Files', and check the 'Home' directory first. Some apps create folders there, while many store data in `/.var/app`. You might also want to check `/var/lib/flatpak/app` or `/lib` for Flatpak apps.

It can vary by distribution, but there are guidelines called the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard. Some distros may not strictly follow it. Keep in mind that Linux was designed for multiple users, so files are spread out accordingly.

There's no single directory like in Windows. Linux organizes files by type instead of by program. For example, executables go in `/usr/bin`, libraries in `/usr/lib`, and system-wide settings are in `/etc`. It might not be necessary to know exactly where an app's files are unless you're troubleshooting.

You can check the file locations for any package by running `dpkg -L ` in your terminal. This command lists all files installed for a specific package.

Typically, you can start looking in `/home` for user-specific files. But don't forget, many app files live outside your home directory, and those will often require root access to modify! Also, `dpkg --contents file.deb` command can show you where files from a .deb package end up.

Definitely check out the ArchLinux Wiki section on file hierarchy! It provides a great overview of where different types of files reside in a typical Linux environment.