You've heard of Linux and want to give it a try? Excellent decision! Compared to Windows or macOS, Linux is an open-source operating system that offers you more security, control, and customization options. However, you may be unsure of where to begin if you're new to Linux. Don't worry, this book will cover all the essential information for novices in 2025.
Why Opt for Linux?
Let's discuss why Linux is worthwhile before getting started:
Security: Compared to Windows, Linux is less vulnerable to malware and viruses.
Free & Open-Source: You don't have to worry about invasive advertisements or licensing fees.
Customization: Select the appearance and functionality of your system.
Performance: Linux runs well on even the oldest systems.
Privacy: Linux protects user information and privacy, in contrast to Windows.
Selecting the Appropriate Distribution of Linux
A Linux distribution, also referred to as a "distro," is a variant of the operating system that comes with distinct applications and user interfaces. In 2025, the following distributions are suitable for beginners:
Ubuntu: With a large support network, this is the most popular option for novices.
Linux Mint: The UI of Mint will seem familiar if you're coming from Windows.
Another Linux that resembles Windows and facilitates transferring is Zorin OS.
Fedora: More advanced yet still easy to use.
Pop!_OS: Excellent for everyday usage and games.
Setting up Linux
First, get a USB drive.
Making a "bootable" Linux installation requires a USB flash device with at least 8GB of capacity.
Get the Linux distribution
Download the most recent version (ISO file) from the official website of the Linux distribution of your choice.
Make a bootable USB in step three.
To burn the ISO file onto the USB drive, use software such as balenaEtcher (Mac/Linux) or Rufus (Windows).
Launch Linux.
Press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC at startup to access the BIOS/UEFI menu after restarting your machine. To boot into Linux, choose your USB disk.
Install or Try Linux
You can test Linux without installing it on the majority of distributions. Install it by following the on-screen directions if you like what you see.
Acquiring Knowledge about Linux
1. The environment on the desktop (DE)
Linux allows you to choose many desktop environments (DEs) that alter your system's appearance and feel:
GNOME: Fedora and Ubuntu utilize this modern, straightforward version.
KDE Plasma: very feature-rich and configurable.
XFCE/LXQt: Excellent for older PCs and lightweight.
Cinnamon: Used in Linux Mint, it has a Windows-like appearance and feel.
2. Acquiring Knowledge of Fundamental Linux Commands
Even though a graphical user interface can do almost everything, knowing a few terminal commands can simplify your life.
Use lsb_release -a to verify your Linux version.
Make system updates: (Ubuntu/Mint) sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
List the contents of a folder: ls
Go through the folders: CD folder name
Touch filename.txt to create a file.
rm filename.txt is the file to be removed.
3. Software Installation
Linux doesn't utilize EXE files as Windows does. Rather, you use the package manager to install software.
Based on Ubuntu or Debian: sudo apt install appname
Fedora: install appname with sudo dnf
sudo pacman -S appname on Arch Linux
Installing well-known software like Google Chrome, Spotify, and Visual Studio Code is made simpler by their availability as Flatpak or Snap packages.
Linux Customization to Your Preferences
Linux's high degree of customization is one of its finest features.
Use GNOME Tweaks to alter icons and themes.
Use Plank or Dash to Dock to install a dock (similar to macOS).
Create workspaces and hotkeys to increase output.
Linux gaming
Thanks to Lutris and Steam's Proton, Linux gaming has greatly improved. Nowadays, a lot of Windows games work well on Linux.
Steam: Set up Proton for Windows games and install Steam.
Lutris: Play non-Steam games, such as those from Epic Games and Blizzard.
Use Heroic Games Launcher to play games from the Epic Games Store.
Support from the Community and Troubleshooting
Don't freak out if you encounter problems! The Linux community is welcoming and supportive.
Forums: Arch Linux Wiki, Linux Mint Forums, and Ubuntu Forums.
r/linux, r/linux4noobs are Reddit accounts.
YouTube: a wealth of guides for any Linux issues.
Ask AI: I'm one of several AI assistants who can aid with problems.
Concluding remarks
By 2025, Linux will be easier to use than before. Linux distributions are available for both powerful workstations and outdated laptops, depending on your needs. The secret is to experiment, investigate, and take use of the flexibility that Linux offers.