Linux for beginners

A starter guide for beginners switching to Linux. Buy me a tea or gluten-free sandwich, please. Thank you very much.

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What you need

• Empty 32 GB USB stick
• Linux distro ISO
• Balena Etcher to burn the ISO to the USB stick so it is bootable.
• Back up all your computer’s data to an external unencrypted drive before proceeding.
• The keyboard key to repeatedly push to get into your computer’s Boot menu or BIOS to change the boot order.
• Disable Secure Boot in BIOS
• Choose third-party media codecs when asked during installation (depends on distro chosen)

Minimum hardware to run slimmer distros such as XFCE or Puppy Linux

• 2 GB RAM
• 128 GB HDD or SSD
• 20 year old CPU or newer

Recommended minimum hardware for best experience

• 8 GB RAM
• 256 GB or larger SSD
• Latest CPU and GPU (not integrated for use with DaVinci Resolve)

Workflows on Linux

1. Arnold Bosman has written a series of posts about his move away from big tech: Google Workspace to Proton, Adobe to Affinity, Windows to Ubuntu, and Microsoft Office to OnlyOffice and Nextcloud.
   1. Why I’m Reducing my Dependence on Big Tech
   2. How I’ve Left Google After 20 Years
   3. How I escaped Adobe’s grip — and kept my creative workflow intact
   4. How I replaced Microsoft Windows and Office in a single day

Coming from Microsoft Windows

1. Linux Mint - Looking for a stable desktop with support for NVIDIA drivers, a Windows 7 layout, gets out of your way, LibreOffice pre-installed, IRC chat for support, and customizable. May need an Ethernet cable to install Wi-Fi drivers. Terminal isn’t required to use. Then try Linux Mint Cinnamon. Here is the Linux Mint Cinnamon Installation Guide.
2. Zorin OS - Looking for a stable desktop with a Windows 10 layout, customizable, and providing alternative Linux programs when you try to install Windows applications. Use Zorin OS Core and install your own programs or support the developers of Zorin OS with Zorin OS Pro that comes with pre-installed programs, Brave by default, and built-in tech support. Here is the Zorin OS Installation Guide.
3. Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop
4. Debian

Coming from Apple macOS

1. Fedora Asahi Remix (silicon macbook)
2. Linux Mint (intel macbook)
3. Fedora Workstation using Gnome
4. Omarchy (uses keyboard shortcuts to navigate)
5. T2 Linux

Gaming focused distros

1. CachyOS
2. Nobara
3. Bazzite

Gaming software support

1. Open Gaming Collective - The Open Gaming Collective (OGC) is building a unified set of gaming-focused components used across the Linux ecosystem. Open Gaming Collective (OGC) is a working group for organizations and individuals interested in improving the open source gaming ecosystem. The mission is to provide a collaborative framework for upstream changes to the various gaming components that will benefit all projects.
2. SteamOS - Enable compatibility in game settings for most games to work well.
3. ProtonDB
4. Lutris
5. Heroic Games Launcher (mentioned on https://www.gog.com/forum/general/how_to_run_gog_games_on_linux/post2) - GOG support
6. Bottles
7. GOG Galaxy (coming soon to Linux)
8. Faugus - “A simple, lightweight, and modern game manager for Linux designed as an alternative to Lutris and Heroic, specifically optimized for running Windows games via UMU-Launcher. Amazon Games support, GOG Galaxy launcher integration, and improved gamepad navigation. It allows users to manage prefixes, run pre/post-launch scripts, and easily add games from Steam, Epic Games, or Battle.net without requiring the native Windows launchers.” (Brave AI) “Battlenet, EA, Epic Games, Ubisoft Connect” (Threads: benedekzoli90)
9. PPSSPP - PPSSPP is a PSP emulator that can run games in full HD resolution. It can even upscale textures that would otherwise be too blurry as they were made for the small screen of the original PSP.
10. PCSX2 - PCSX2 is a free and open-source PlayStation 2 (PS2) emulator. Its purpose is to emulate the PS2’s hardware, using a combination of MIPS CPU Interpreters, Recompilers, and a Virtual Machine which manages hardware states and PS2 system memory. This allows you to play PS2 games on your PC, with many additional features and benefits.
11. Prism Launcher - Minecraft
12. Search Flathub for “game launcher”

Windows software on Linux

1. WinBoat
2. Bottles
3. WineHQ

Creative software on Linux

1. Affinity by Canva (rumored coming soon to Linux)
2. VivaDesigner
3. Inkscape
4. Scribus
5. Photopea (online)
6. Vectorpea (online beta)
7. darktable
8. RapidRAW
9. Gimp
10. FreeShow - A ProPresenter alternative with CCLI support

Video editing software on Linux

1. DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio supports Rocky Linux but can run as a DEB package with required dedicated GPU not integrated (some codecs not supported may need script to run file conversion - https://www.danieltufvesson.com/makeresolvedeb
2. Kdenlive
3. OpenShot
4. Shotcut

Accounting software on Linux

1. GnuCash (free) - GnuCash is personal and small-business financial-accounting software.
2. indiAccounting (paid) - A complete desktop accounting platform for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses — now with official IRS payroll tax forms. Your financial data never leaves your computer.
3. indiBudget (free) - Budgeting, smart categorization, subscription tracking, and bank sync — all running locally on your machine. No cloud account, no tracking, no subscription. Free and open source.

PDF editor on Linux

1. PDF editor built into OnlyOffice suite
2. Master PDF Editor
3. LibreOffice Draw possibly edits PDFs
4. indiPDF (paid)

Transfer tools on Linux

1. KDE Connect
2. LocalSend

Office software on Linux

1. LibreOffice
2. OnlyOffice (Word and PowerPoint structurally compatible when working together)
3. Kingsoft WPS Office
4. KDE Calligra Office Suite
5. Collabora Office for Desktop
6. Google Docs (online)
7. Zoho Office Suite (online)
8. iCloud Office Suite (online, if enabled on your Apple device)
9. Proton Drive (online, limited)
10. Microsoft Office (online, free/365)
11. Nextcloud Office (server)

DAWs, VSTs, and Audio Plugins on Linux

1. Ardour
2. Bitwig Studio
3. Reaper
4. DAW Project Manager
5. Pipewire - built-in to most distros
6. qpwgraph - qpwgraph is a graph manager dedicated to PipeWire.
7. HISE
8. Free VST Plugins
9. OpenAudio - A list of open source audio software projects (Apps, Plugins and Libraries).

“Switched to Linux” Videos

• I SWITCHED TO LINUX! (Here’s an update after 100 Days on Linux) - The creator reflects on switching from macOS to Linux Mint as his daily desktop driver after more than 100 days. He discusses overcoming hardware compatibility issues, escaping subscription software ecosystems, adapting creative tools, and offers practical advice for newcomers considering making the transition.
  • Duration in minutes: 21 minutes
• How and why I switched to Linux - The presenter shares his experience moving from Windows 11 to Linux Mint, highlighting benefits like privacy, customization, and background stability. He explains how he set up open-source alternatives and gaming compatibility layers while noting minor hurdles regarding specialized hardware drivers.
  • Duration in minutes: 12 minutes
• I Switched From Windows to Linux – It Only Took Me 20 Years (Including Davinci Resolve Setup) - The host documents his complete migration from Windows to Linux Mint on his primary video editing workstation. He details trying multiple distributions before configuring Da Vinci Resolve, managing dependencies with scripts, and setting up system lighting controls.
  • Duration in minutes: 16 minutes
• A New Life for a 14 Year Old iMac (Upgraded Hard Drive & RAM & Running Linux) - The video follows the restoration and upgrade process of a free 2011 iMac that failed to reinstall macOS. The host expands its RAM, installs a SATA SSD, and configures Linux Mint xfce to create a fully functional desktop computer.
  • Duration in minutes: 54 minutes
• Linux Makes Computers Fun Again - The creator explains his transition from Windows 11 to Linux distros due to bloatware, privacy concerns, and restrictive customization options. Through comedy skits and desktop demonstrations, he highlights KDE Plasma customization, Wine compatibility, and open-source software alternatives.
  • Duration in minutes: 18 minutes
• New to Linux? Start Here! - This tutorial guides beginners through core Linux operating system concepts and initial setup procedures. It demonstrates creating bootable installation media, testing live ISO environments, installing Linux Mint Cinnamon, and managing Flatpak applications.
  • Duration in minutes: 23 minutes
• Upgrading to Linux Instead of Windows 11 - The host discusses choosing Debian 13 over upgrading his hardware for Windows 11 compliance. He details setting up KDE Plasma, configuring NVIDIA drivers, and avoiding ongoing subscription software fees.
  • Duration in minutes: 17 minutes
• Don’t Upgrade To Windows 11! - The creator outlines reasons to avoid upgrading to Windows 11 ahead of the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline. He introduces beginner-friendly Linux alternatives like Linux Mint, Zorin OS, and Ubuntu as solutions to maintain existing computer hardware.
  • Duration in minutes: 11 minutes
• My App Workflow After Leaving macOS for Linux - The presenter walks through his personal app configuration and daily desktop workflow after switching from macOS to EndeavourOS running GNOME. He reviews tools like Kdenlive, Da Vinci Resolve, Bitwarden, LocalSend, and custom desktop extensions.
  • Duration in minutes: 15 minutes
• Switching to Linux Supercharged My Workflow - The host shares a specialized automation workflow he developed on Linux for editing and uploading YouTube content. He demonstrates using FFmpeg terminal scripts and OpenAI Whisper to extract audio, generate transcripts, and prepare video metadata.
  • Duration in minutes: 9 minutes
• Switching from Apple to Linux: A Refreshing Change - The creator outlines his experience transitioning from the Apple ecosystem to Ubuntu Linux on a budget Dell desktop. He praises the restored sense of ownership and user freedom while noting the initial package management learning curve.
  • Duration in minutes: 4 minutes
• Trying Linux as a Lifetime Apple User - A long-time Mac user demonstrates testing Linux Mint Cinnamon on a Lenovo ThinkPad T480 via a Ventoy USB drive. He shares his positive impressions of pre-installed applications, ease of setup, and user-friendly desktop design.
  • Duration in minutes: 13 minutes
• Trying Linux for the First Time After 21 Years on Windows - The creator documents trying Ubuntu Linux inside a virtual machine after spending 21 years exclusively on Windows. He evaluates desktop UI design, workspace multitasking, terminal commands, and system resource efficiency.
  • Duration in minutes: 10 minutes
• The Linux Setup I Actually Use Every Day - The presenter outlines how to configure a practical Linux workstation using a budget mini PC and a KVM switch alongside a main Mac or Windows PC. He details using OMARI Linux, Hyprland tiling window managers, custom keyboard shortcuts, and dotfiles.
  • Duration in minutes: 17 minutes
• 284 Days Later: My Linux Journey So Far - The host reflects on his multi-year journey exploring various Linux distributions, moving from Ubuntu and Linux Mint to CachyOS. He explains distribution features, gaming compatibility through Proton, desktop customization, and software alternatives.
  • Duration in minutes: 29 minutes

Advanced Videos

• Linux on a Dell Optiplex (Pop OS) - The creator documents downloading Pop!_OS and installing it onto a Dell Optiplex desktop using a flash drive created with Balena Etcher. Despite minor black screen delays during setup, they demonstrate smooth web browsing, document creation, local network media streaming, and functional gaming performance via Steam and PSP emulation.
  • Duration in minutes: 12 minutes
• Linux Mint on an Old Laptop - A beginner installs Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition onto a legacy HP Pavilion laptop to see if Linux can breathe new life into older hardware. While basic web browsing, word processing, and file navigation run smoothly, the laptop still experiences dropped frame rates during YouTube video playback.
  • Duration in minutes: 10 minutes
• The COMPLETE Linux Hardening, Privacy & Security Guide! - This comprehensive guide covers security, privacy, and hardening strategies for Linux operating systems divided into three distinct difficulty zones. It outlines practical recommendations ranging from basic firewall configuration and full-disk encryption to advanced application sandboxing and kernel security enhancements.
  • Duration in minutes: 19 minutes
• Linux Hardening for Home Computers and Servers - The video explains system hardening fundamentals, threat modeling, and risk reduction strategies for Linux workstations and home servers. The presenter details techniques for minimizing network attack surfaces, configuring host firewalls, managing fail2ban brute-force defenses, and auditing system file integrity.
  • Duration in minutes: 40 minutes
• iCloud on Linux - Easy Guide for 2023 - The creator explains how to access Apple’s suite of iCloud services on Linux distributions using web application wrappers installed via Snap. They guide viewers through enabling Snap package support, logging into individual apps like Reminders or Drive, and using third-party clients like Cider for Apple Music.
  • Duration in minutes: 13 minutes
• Copy iPhone Files, Images and Videos to Linux PC - The video demonstrates two methods for transferring media and files from an iPhone to an Ubuntu Linux computer via direct USB connection. The presenter explains mounting phone directories using default file management tools, configuring ifuse and libimobiledevice, generating thumbnail previews, and running a shell script to convert HEIC photos into standard JPEG format.
  • Duration in minutes: 5 minutes
• The Best Mini PC for Linux! - The presenter evaluates various compact desktop computers to determine which hardware configurations offer the most seamless out-of-the-box Linux experience. After testing Ubuntu, Manjaro, and Fedora on the Minisforum UN1290, they demonstrate benchmark stability, smooth development workflows, and discuss key hardware considerations like Wi-Fi card compatibility and kernel support.
  • Duration in minutes: 16 minutes
• Linux Desktop Setup & Customization Guide - This walkthrough covers essential post-installation configuration steps to customize a modern Linux desktop environment for maximum productivity. It demonstrates installing system themes, setting up custom icon packs, configuring workspace shortcuts, and optimizing desktop extensions.
  • Duration in minutes: 14 minutes
• How to Use Terminal in Linux for Beginners - An introductory command-line tutorial designed to help new Linux users navigate file structures and manage system permissions. The video breaks down core shell commands such as navigation, directory creation, package installation, and administrative superuser elevation.
  • Duration in minutes: 18 minutes
• Top Linux Distributions Compared - A breakdown comparing popular Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, and Linux Mint across stability, package management, and ease of use. The presenter highlights recommended use cases for beginners, developers, and hardware-constrained systems.
  • Duration in minutes: 22 minutes
• Linux Package Managers Explained - This overview details the differences between native package managers like APT, DNF, and Pacman versus universal package formats like Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage. It covers software repository management, dependency resolution, and sandboxing benefits.
  • Duration in minutes: 15 minutes
• Optimizing Linux for Gaming & Steam Proton - A step-by-step guide on configuring Linux for gaming, focusing on setting up Steam, enabling Proton compatibility layers, and optimizing GPU drivers. The video demonstrates performance benchmarks across native and Windows-emulated titles.
  • Duration in minutes: 17 minutes
• Linux Backup & Restore Strategies - The presenter explains automated data preservation and system recovery methods using tools like Timeshift, Rsync, and BorgBackup. It highlights best practices for maintaining offsite encrypted backups and scheduling automated snapshots.
  • Duration in minutes: 20 minutes
• Fixing Common Linux Hardware & Driver Issues - A troubleshooting guide covering common hardware detection issues in Linux, including Wi-Fi chipset drivers, NVIDIA graphics configuration, and audio output routing. The host walks through checking system logs and installing proprietary driver modules.
  • Duration in minutes: 13 minutes
• Ultimate Guide to Linux File Systems - This technical overview compares popular Linux file systems including ext4, Btrfs, and ZFS. It covers fundamental features such as copy-on-write functionality, snapshot management, and disk pooling setup.
  • Duration in minutes: 25 minutes
• Linux Networking Basics for Beginners - An essential guide covering fundamental Linux networking utilities and command-line diagnostic tools. Viewers learn how to inspect network interfaces, analyze IP routing tables, check active ports, and troubleshoot DNS connectivity issues.
  • Duration in minutes: 19 minutes
• Understanding Linux Permissions and Chmod - The presenter details the Linux file permission model, explaining read, write, and execute permissions across user, group, and world scopes. The video covers using chmod, chown, and octal notation to modify access permissions safely.
  • Duration in minutes: 14 minutes
• How to Automate Tasks in Linux with Cron - This practical guide walks through scheduling automated background tasks and scripts using cron jobs and crontab syntax. The host details time expression formatting, log redirection, and handling environment variables for scheduled execution.
  • Duration in minutes: 12 minutes
• Building a Home Media Server on Linux - A step-by-step project guide showing how to convert a spare computer into a dedicated home media server running Docker, Plex, and automated download tools. It covers mounting network drives, configuring port forwarding, and managing persistent storage containers.
  • Duration in minutes: 28 minutes
• Linux System Performance Monitoring Tools - This review compares real-time resource monitoring utilities like htop, btop, iotop, and glances for analyzing CPU, memory, and disk usage. The tutorial highlights diagnostic techniques for identifying resource-heavy processes and memory leaks.
  • Duration in minutes: 15 minutes
• Docker on Linux Complete Beginner Guide - An introduction to containerization on Linux using Docker and Docker Compose. The presenter covers pulling container images, building custom Dockerfiles, mapping port bindings, and persisting volume data across updates.
  • Duration in minutes: 24 minutes
• Managing Linux Disk Partitions with Fdisk and GParted - The tutorial demonstrates how to create, resize, format, and delete storage partitions using CLI tools like fdisk and GUI utilities like GParted. The host outlines mounting filesystems persistently in /etc/fstab and checking drive health via SMART attributes.
  • Duration in minutes: 17 minutes
• Configuring Samba for File Sharing Between Linux and Windows - The presenter walks through setting up a Samba server on Linux to facilitate seamless local network file and printer sharing with Windows clients. The guide covers editing smb.conf, managing user credentials, and configuring directory permissions.
  • Duration in minutes: 16 minutes
• Linux Firewall Management with UFW and IPTables - An in-depth security walkthrough showing how to manage traffic rules using Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) and underlying iptables chains. The video covers blocking specific IP subnets, allowing custom service ports, and setting default incoming deny policies.
  • Duration in minutes: 20 minutes
• Linux System Services and Systemd Explained - The host breaks down the systemd init system, explaining how background services, target units, and timers are structured and managed using systemctl. The video includes creating custom unit files to automatically start applications on boot.
  • Duration in minutes: 18 minutes
• Configuring WireGuard VPN Server on Linux - A step-by-step setup guide for deploying a high-speed, secure WireGuard VPN server on Ubuntu. The host covers public and private key generation, IP forwarding configuration, firewall rules, and client configuration file generation.
  • Duration in minutes: 19 minutes
• Managing User Accounts and Groups in Linux - A user management tutorial explaining how to create, modify, and delete user accounts and group memberships using CLI commands. The host details editing /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow, configuring password policies, and managing sudo privileges.
  • Duration in minutes: 13 minutes
• Troubleshooting Network Issues with Wireshark on Linux - The video walks viewers through installing Wireshark and capturing network packet traffic on Linux interfaces. It covers applying capture filters, inspecting TCP handshakes, analyzing HTTP requests, and diagnosing packet loss.
  • Duration in minutes: 24 minutes
• Setting Up Rsync Backup Server over SSH on Linux - A practical data backup tutorial showing how to configure automated, incremental file transfers across remote Linux hosts using rsync over SSH. The presenter details path exclusion syntax, bandwidth limiting, and dry-run testing.
  • Duration in minutes: 18 minutes

This page is under construction. August 2026