The goal of this lens is to provide useful resources on Linux for the beginner to expert. Come here if you want to know more about Linux.
The Linux Tips lens contains helpful information about installing Linux, finding an expert to ask a question, and the various software packages available for use on a Linux system.
What is Linux?
I'll explain
Linux is an operating system and kernel that was developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. It is very similar to the mainframe operating system UNIX with the exception that Linux is free and opensource, meaning anyone can participate in its development.
For a more indepth background on Linux see Wikipedia's Linux entry.
Linux Distributions
There are so many to choose from!
Here a few of the many different distributions of Linux. One of them is bound to meet your needs.
- Openwall GNU/*/Linux (Owl) - a security-enhanced server platform
- Openwall GNU/*/Linux (or Owl for short) is a security-enhanced operating system with Linux and GNU software as its core, compatible with other major distributions of GNU/*/Linux. It is intended as a server platform. And, of course, it is free.
- Santa Fe Linux
- A live CD Debian based distribution.
- Red Hat | The Open Source Leader
- A popular Linux distribution aimed at enterprise use.
- Fedora Project, sponsored by Red Hat
- Fedora Core is a free operating system that offers the best combination of stable and cutting-edge software that exists in the free software world.
- NOVELL: SUSE Linux
- Linux users and technical enthusiasts worldwide use SUSE Linux Professional at home and on the road. Get product, support, and download information.
- MEMPIS Linux
- A cd based distro with a 100% point and click installation - Based on Debian.
- Slackware Linux
- Slackware is an advanced Linux distribution aimed at being very similar to UNIX, easy to use, and stable.
- Nitix - Net Integration Technologies
- Net Integration Technologies Inc. is a software developer that delivers autonomic Linux-based server operating system solutions to the SMB market.
- Debian -- The Universal Operating System
- Debian GNU/Linux is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system. It is maintained and updated through the work of many users who volunteer their time and effort.
- Gentoo Linux -- Gentoo Linux News
- We produce Gentoo Linux, a special flavor of Linux that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need. Extreme performance, configurability and a top-notch user and developer community are all hallmarks of the Gentoo experience.
- Mandriva Linux
- Mandriva is the company which develops Mandriva Linux: the strong graphical Linux Operating System, famous for being easy to install and ready to use as a desktop or as a server. Mandriva also accompanies its products and first-class consultancy, support and training for Linux.
- Ubuntu Linux
- Linux for Human Beings
Ubuntu is a complete Linux-based operating system, freely available with both community and professional support. It is developed by a large community and we invite you to participate too! - Yellow Dog Linux
- Terra Soft Solutions is the developer of Yellow Dog Linux and Y-HPC for Power Architecture systems and a Value Added Reseller for
Apple, IBM, Mercury, and Genesi.
Linux Distribution Resources
If you're having trouble deciding, look here
Look here to learn more about the different linux distributions and find ways to download cd images.
- Linux.com Distribution Center
- A webpage with a list of distributions and information on each.
- LinuxISO.org - A place to learn about, download, and discuss Linux.
- linuxiso.org - A site to find, download, and install your favorite Linux distrobution. Download an iso image, burn it to a cd, install Linux, and get help on Linux.
- Linux Online - Distributions and FTP Sites
- Sources for downloading the Linux kernel, distributions, applications, and documentation.
Linux Screenshots
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my Ubuntu Desktop
GNOME Weather Report
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Literature on Linux
Every linux guru started out by picking up a book
These magazines and books can be great referances for anyone using Linux.
Linux in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell (O'Reilly))
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $29.67 (as of 10/11/2008)
Linux Bible: Boot Up to Fedora, KNOPPIX, Debian, SUSE, Ubuntu , and 7 Other Distributions (Bible)
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
From Bash to Z Shell: Conquering the Command Line
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $25.54 (as of 10/11/2008)
Linux Documentation
HOWTOs and other instructional material
If you have a particular topic in mind, or just prefer reading well formatted instructions over browsing through forums, you may find these websites helpful.
- The Linux Documentation Project
- This website features HOWTO documents in various formats and languages. There are many comprehensive topics which are all very well documented.
- Gentoo Linux Wiki
- The Gentoo-Linux Wiki has been created in order to give people a place to post HOWTOs, tips and general Gentoo Linux information. Anyone may post an article as they see fit, but please follow our manual of style and pag
- Suso Technology Services Inc.
- A technology services company, but they have good documentation on various services related to shell usage. This documentation, which can be personalized to your specific accountinformation by logging into your suso.org account, is the key to understanding how everything works on suso.org.
Linux Communities
Forums full of Linux users and administrators
Communities are what makes Linux great. If it weren't for the people supporting the open source movement, Linux would have never became a competitor in the operating systems market. These forums are great resources when you have questions or need to research a problem you've been having. You may also find people who you can help.
- Welcome to JustLinux: Wanna learn Linux?
- This linux community features a great discussion forum where begginers to experts can get help with any Linux topic imaginable. There is also a "Help File Library" that offers solutions specific to certain categories if you look on the top right side of the website.
- Gentoo Forums
- While this forum is hosted by the Gentoo Linux community they are open to helping people with any general linux questions. If you have questions about Gentoo linux in particular this is also a good resource.
- Linux.com: The Enterprise Linux Resource
- This website provides articles, and community forums. It's a very good resource for anyone interested in Linux.
- Linux-tips.net
- A place for new users to come and learn and experts to go to and share.
Linux on Devices
Put linux on your iPod or PocketPC
People install linux on all kinds of hardware. It's so portable and easy to strip down it can fit on almost anything. See the links if you don't believe me.
- LinuxDevices.com -- your embedded Linux resource
- Comprehensive information and resources on using Linux in embedded applications. This site provides embedded Linux news, articles, events, links, jobs, polls, FAQ, interactive forum, and product information.
- The iPodLinux Project
- iPodLinux is an open source venture into porting Linux onto the iPod.
- Xbox-Linux
- Yes you can put Linux on your xbox without a mod chip and without even opening it. This website features a guide for even the most novice user.
- Linux for PlayStation 2
- Sony offers a linux kit for the Playstation 2. This website is a community dedicated to using Linux on the ps2.
- LinuxDevCenter.com -- Linux on Pocket PCs
- John Littler explores the state of Linux on Pocket PCs.
Lesser Known Commands
These are helpful commands after you learn the basics
Sometimes these commands aren't obvious to beginners. They are used for more specific tasks. To learn about more of the shell's capabilities I recommend reading From Bash to Z Shell.
- man hier
Show the manual for a specific command or topic. In this example hier is the manual page describing the file system hierarchy. This command is useful for learning any commands you are unsure of. - du -h --max-depth=1 /usr/src
Find disk usage of each folder in a directory (The folder is /usr/src in this example) - df -h
Report file system disk space usage - free
Report free memory (default output is shown in kilobytes use -m to show megabytes) - top
Display Linux tasks - ssh username@host
Ssh is a great command for logging onto your Linux machine's user account From another computer (securely). For more informatoin see Switching to SSH (Secure Shell)
