this post was submitted on 08 Aug 2023
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Hello, I've been using manjaro xfce for a few months now and I'm starting to wonder if I would enjoy any other distros more, I'm not really a technical person but I really do enjoy linux so i'm willing to learn new things.

I'm looking for a distro that is minimal while not being too complex, (Manjaro keeps breaking itself for a laugth)

Please leave distro recommendations in the comments below I will be sure to play with them in live boot or in a Vm.

Thank you and have a good day, Sebo

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 11 months ago (4 children)

Instead of trying another distro, take the time to learn all aspects of the command line, up to and including shell scripting. Learn how tools like awk, sed, grep, vi, and regex work. That would be a better use of your time than distro hopping.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 11 months ago

I agree with that general idea, but I still think they should try something else considering manjaros habit of breaking every 2 minutes. Perhaps Debian or Endeavor OS if they want to stay with something arch based. It is good to learn the basics however I have used Manjaro and that is not the way to do it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

....or they can do all that and switch to a distro that's not prone to breaking itself every other update.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I am a sysadmin and I don't even know how to use awk, sed or regex properly. I doubt a normal user will. Of course these are very handy tools and can help greatly with performing manipulative tasks.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I recommend people become power users with the command line before progressing because, in my opinion only, they're necessary. This is my opinion only and is in no way meant to discount your abilities. I was a Linux system admin who learned awk, sed, grep, and regex after the fact and I wished I'd learned it earlier. This is what formed my opinion.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Sure but not every linux user is striving to become a sysadmin. I am totally with on the cli love, but I also understand that this isn't everybodys jam. Learning the basics of your packet manager is enough imo, the rest comes with time through tinkering...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Here's my take: If you're going to learn Linux, go about it the right way and not the laziest way possible. You would be incorrect about simply learning the basics of the package manager. What happens if the package you've installed breaks something and uninstalling the package does not work?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

We are going in circles here, your perspective is skewed because you are looking from a very distinct professional viewpoint. Whereas I recognize big "userbase" which wants linux just to "work", without "tinkering". You are never going to persuade those to learn the terminal in the way you described.

And again I am a long time user not versed in awk, regex etc. and I have minimal problems helping myself when in trouble with linux.

Basically your suggestions goes to far...

Thats all I am saying.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I there any good learning resources for learning these things?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

There are literally tons of good sites with lots of good information. First off, I would recommend a distro like Linux Mint Debian Edition. This is good for new and intermediate users alike. Manjaro is more for an intermediate to advanced user. What I would l do is install Linux Mint Debian Edition and then using your favorite search engine use the keywords "introduction Linux command line bash" You could also use YouTube. There is going to be a lot to learn and it may seem overwhelming.

The reason I am steering you to Google to find an intro course is not to be a jerk or elitist but to help you out. The best Linux system admins/engineers are masters at research. You only get better at research through practice. Seek out a good intro to the command line based on Linux Mint. Complete it, let me know what you learned, what you struggled with, etc. From there, I'll help you chart a course. You'll learn to love the command line. I do 90% of my work in a command line. Know the command line, Become an expert.