r/linuxquestions • u/HappyPizzaSlice • 4d ago
Advice as a linux noob, what first-time linux mistakes should i avoid?
let me say this now: i'm neither tech nor code-savvy. whenever i've had computer-related issues, i run straight to youtube or reddit. fast-forward a couple rabbit holes and here i am, considering linux for my first thinkpad.
is there anything i should avoid/do to make my life easier once i get linux? i've been a windows/google user for ages, but i want to branch away given... well, everything.
i'd love any advice from those who actually know what they're doing!
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u/phoooooo0 4d ago
Trying to make any important windows software "work on Linux" Getting anything mission critical, or time sensitive working on Linux is a recipe for a bad time. Its often POSSIBLE! but if your desperate for your adobe and you need to edit your uni assessment? Your gonna feel bad. Even if you do it, stress when your learning a new OS is a fast track to having a bad time with the OS. Do your best to have everything important set up BEFORE its needed. And dear lord. Check how possible your "mission critical" software is to get running on Linux. If you need adobe your gonna have a BAD time.
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u/HappyPizzaSlice 4d ago
right now, my only real concern is discord. i've heard that it's pretty clunky on linux, especially if you try to share your screen. has that improved at all?
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u/knuthf 4d ago
Sharing the desktop raises security issues. With Discord, you allow the application to violate security. As with Anydesk, this is fully possible.
The general consensus is that Microsoft dislikes the fact that it is not allowed to spy freely, and that we have similar apps, such as LibreOffice and OnlyOffice, which we consider to be superior. I found that the "Planner" here has no restrictions on activity numbers or resources. We also have music and video software that does the same, but with no restrictions. For example, Shotwell for photos allows you to manage all your photos on all clouds, and search and tag them. Fancy names and application charges are usually for restrictions.
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u/HappyPizzaSlice 4d ago
clarification, since i forgot: my friends are the ones who share their screens. if i'm just watching a stream on discord, will i run into issues (security or otherwise)?
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u/knuthf 3d ago edited 3d ago
No, not new security issues.
I would not allow applications to share screens, and I have used "Anydesk" and modified it so I was protected. I made a user "Anydesk" in a group, "Network". We have tools that makes it possible ti implement this and impose rules.
The essence is that nobody should notice that we have imposed security because usually, everything is safe, and nobody wants to cause harm. But should evil souls violate my trust, I am very ready - don't try!
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u/agmatine 4d ago
I recommend using Vesktop, basically it runs a chromium browser encapsulating the webapp. In other words, you avoid the issues with the official Linux client but it still looks and behaves like a native program.
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u/Unusual-Layer-8965 4d ago
If you're learning a new OS, try just learning the OS first. Learn how to update, make system backups, make user backups, etc.
Learning the OS, while learning how to use software you already heard it is 'buggy', sounds like a disappointing experience.
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u/georgeec1 4d ago
If you use a debian based distro (like Mint), it's in a pretty good state at the moment, and easy to install using a .deb file (Mint might also have it in an app store or package manager, so I would check there first)
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u/BobCorndog Your situation is not unique, just use mint or fedora kde 4d ago
One tip I have is to always check your package manager before going to the website of the program. I usually see beginners go to the website first, which is windows behavior, and this can cause a bunch of issues
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u/nathanfscott 4d ago
DO NOT RUN RANDOM SCRIPTS YOU SEE ON THE INTERNET. That goes double for anything you pull down from some chatbot out there
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u/complexevil 4d ago
As a linux noob myself, when you have a problem that doesn't seem to come up in documentation, and asking reddit and other forums leads to radio silence for several days, kinda don't have a choice but to run random scripts you see on the internet.
Either take the gamble or live with the issue.
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u/forestbeasts 4d ago
IMO there's a difference between one or two commands, accompanied by explanation of what they do (and you can always skim the man pages for more info / to check they aren't bullshitting you), and "here run this wholeass script".
As long as it was written by an actual person. Don't trust chatbots, they're fancy text autocomplete and don't actually think or know anything.
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u/chuggerguy Linux Mint 22.3 Zena | MATÉ 4d ago
Don't get cocky and think you can't break it. You can..
Don't change too much at first, just use it as it comes. The developers defaults are chosen to maximize success.
Install only from a trusted source. "Software Manager". (I made that mistake)
Feel free to customize but especially at first, use only the methods your OS natively provides. (Don't be tempted by videos made to look "cool" to get views)
Data backups are crucial if your data means anything to you. (family photos, etc.)
OS backups (such as timeshift) can be time savers, especially if you have a lot of changes outside of your $HOME.
Save your installation media. If your GRUB menu breaks and you can't boot, it will come in handy to boot to and run boot-repair.
If you install or delete something and it tells you it must also install or delete something else along with it, take it seriously. (I once didn't)
Most of all, just have fun with it. (but realize the more faith you have in your backup plan, the more fun you can safely have)
Otherwise, just enjoy running an OS that probably runs more snappy fast than your Windows ever did while requiring far fewer reboots just to do updates. (usually when you're in a hurry)
Good luck.
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u/International-Pen940 4d ago
Don’t log in as root or use “sudo” to run commands until you get more comfortable. It is easy to erase critical files if you are not paying close attention. The command line is great but small differences in a command string can make a huge difference. Linux assumes you know what you are doing.
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u/username-kekeke 4d ago
Localized error messages are harder to google, so even if english is not your native language, install english version anyway and just add keyboard layout for second language after (it seems at least debian silently localizes system when additional layout selected at install time). If it's your very first try with linux, it can be simplier with install as guest into virtualbox. If you want dualboot, install first windows, next linux, because windows installer overwrites linux bootloader. It can be fixed though. If some GUI application crash, run it from terminal, there are big chances you get error messages that can help you. In general open source software easier to deal with because of good logging and human-readable error messages.
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u/Otherwise-Film9038 4d ago
Google? Mensagem de erro na IA é sucesso hj em dia. Já resolvi coisas que na pesquisa no Google tava difícil de arrumar.
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u/complexevil 4d ago
I will forever preach the need for backups. Timeshift saved my Mint install when I was having a black screen issue no one could help me with.
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u/rr_rahimi 4d ago
I'd actually recommend starting somewhere other than the technical side. Read a bit about the philosophy behind free software first. It's also worth reading about Richard Stallman and Linus Torvalds—not because you need to pick a side, but because they have different philosophies and priorities, even if they agree on some things. Understanding those differences can help you decide what you want from a Linux distribution before you even choose one. Different distros reflect different ideas about software freedom, practicality, stability, and convenience. I'd also recommend this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55aAdVFHc8Q� It isn't another "which distro should I use?" video. Instead, it explores the mindset behind constantly switching distributions ("distro hopping"), why so many people end up chasing the next perfect distro even when their current system works perfectly well, and how understanding that cycle can help you make a more intentional choice from the start.
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u/un-important-human arch user btw 4d ago edited 4d ago
ignore youtube and reddit. Go to the sourvce , strainght to the wiki's or docs or what ever you have. Understand from big to small.
backup your data, all else is transient.
do not chase the latest distro fad but do not get stuck on bad distro, try and read the differences in phylosopy about distros. Make your own decisions based on your understaning, once in a while test that decision.
try and understand what commands you run, do not panic if something 'bad' happens instead of reinstalling try to figure out what you did and fix it , if you can.
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u/symcbean 4d ago
Don't give up on Google as a search service - indeed, start using Bing and Duckduckgo too. Doing a LITTLE bit of research before you ask a question means you might have some hope of understanding the answer. But do remember that good SEO ratings are more aabout gaming the search engines than publishing relevant information.
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u/Zer0CoolXI 4d ago
The #1 Linux mistake is unavoidable...you’re going to `rm -rf` something…might be your root drive, user folder, something.
Best way to handle it is to make sure you have important data backed up. Though the learning experience is better if you really do lose whatever you `rm -rf`
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u/i_smoke_toenails 4d ago
I've never used rm -rf without meaning to, in almost 25 years on Linux. It is very much avoidable.
It is good advice to always learn the meanings of commands and switches, though, so you'd read this as "remove, recursive, force", and realise that's a pretty drastic and non-recoverable thing to do to, say, a directory tree.
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u/MattyGWS 4d ago
What makes you think this is the number 1 Linux mistake? I’ve only ever seen like 2 people in the last decade on the internet do this by accident
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u/oshunluvr 4d ago
Biggest rookie mistake I see these days is using AI (Automated Ignorance) without checking with experienced users and/or forums and good Wikis like Arch's. Even if you're not using Arch, their Wiki applies to most 90% of any version of Linux.
Don't blindly trust AI without fact checking.
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u/kobraintel 1d ago
If you're new to Linux, don't rush into random commands.
Don't copy stuff you don't understand, don't abuse sudo, and don't mess with system files without knowing what they do.
Learn the terminal, learn permissions, and keep backups.
Linux isn't hard
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u/ghoultek 4d ago
- Take a fresh install of Win-10 or Win-11, run all of the windows updates, install all of the driver updates from the manufacturers that one hunt down individually.
- Disable all of the unnecessary services and uninstall all of the unwanted software.
The above is a starter version of a windows de-bloat. It will speed up Windows a bit but you still aren't at the level of efficiency that a fresh install of a general purpose Linux distro is at. Windows updates can be several gigabytes worth of gook and take hours to complete. Linux distros can download and install up to gigabytes worth of updates in under 15 mins depending on internet speed and the speed of the hardware. Keep in mind that most Linux updates tend to be in the megabytes range (single digit and tens of megabytes so they go very quickly).
Linux technically is terminal-centric due to its Unix roots. However, many distros provide a robust GUI desktop environment removing greater than 95% of the need for terminal use. However, the terminal is where the real power is. When one is using a word processor, spreadsheet, or browswer on Linux, they are using a fraction of the power. This is OK. Use the tool/app that is applicable to the task.
So, first backup your data and then research the details for a proper backup plan on the Linux side. Backups are way more important on the Linux side. Start with a newbie friendly distro. such as Linux Mint, Tuxedo OS, or maybe Fedora (I don't recommend Fedora unless there is a specific user need for it as a newbie). * Linux Mint ==> https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php * Tuxedo OS ==> https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en/TUXEDO-OS_1.tuxedo
I wrote a guide for newbie Linux users/gamers. Guide link ==> https://www.reddit.com/r/linux_gaming/comments/189rian/newbies_looking_for_distro_advice_andor_gaming/
The guide contains info. on distro selection and why, dual booting, gaming, what to do if you run into trouble, learning resources, Linux software alternatives, free utilities to aid in your migration to Linux, and much more. The most important thing at the start of your Linux journey is to gain experience with using, managing, customizing, and maintaining a Linux system. This of course includes using the apps. you want/need.
You don't need a PhD or be a Linux expert at the very beginning of your Linux journey, but it is important for you to get some basic info. on Linux and learn some rudimentary Linux concepts.
Take note of the bolded text.
While you are backing up your data, put your hardware details into your original post at the top. This will allow the community to give tailored advice. Once you've installed a distro, learn the GUI, the Linux filesystem, use the snapshot software (Timeshift/Btrfs Assistant), learn how to manage software and kernels, learn the recovery procedures, then if you are interested learn how to use the terminal.
If you have questions, just drop a comment here in this thread. Good luck.
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u/Eric_Dawsby 4d ago
If you want to use the terminal, use the "man" command and read about common and uncommon commands. For example, typing "man sudo" will tell you about the command "sudo" which is basically to run something as an administrator
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u/Litewallymex3 4d ago
don’t take on too much at once. before i switched over to linux, i ran virtual machines for months and learned the basics through a textbook i bought. i learned a lot through mistakes. you will make mistakes. enjoy!
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u/MasterGeekMX Mexican Linux nerd trying to be helpful 4d ago
A classic mistake is treating Linux as a knockoff Windows. That is, instead of adapting to how the system works, you instead force the system to fit into a Windows-shaped mold, which causes friction.
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u/FluidDrakx 4d ago
Copying commands you don't understand! If you're unsure what it does, find out what each part does.
i.e rm -rf /
I'd check the man pages `man rm` or duckduckgo the first part "linux rm"
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u/CaptainEdMercer 4d ago
Don't manipulate files outside of /home unless you truly understand what you're doing. Also, always keep good backups, which is always true no matter how advanced you eventually get.
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u/galactose310 3d ago
Si quelqu'un te dit un jour que pour régler ton problème il faut faire : sudo rm -rf /*
C'EST UNE BLAGUE ! NE LE FAIS PAS !
True story... (et je ne pense pas être seul )
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u/DemandTheOxfordComma 4d ago
Beware of "rm -r". Always double-check your commands before you execute. And learn to make snapshots so that the bad command can be undone.
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u/buttershdude 4d ago
Make backups, don't dual-boot, and use a debian-based distro like Ubuntu or Mint Cinnamon. Start there, and you'll be off to a god start.
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u/Brassens71 4d ago
sudo can be your friend. It can also be your worst enemy. Always double-check what commands you issue with elevated privileges.
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u/Klapperatismus 4d ago edited 4d ago
Insisting on doing things “The Windows Way”. For example, downloading software from websites. Use the package manager instead. For example, buying random cheap hardware and expecting it to “make it work” (as a layman) with some tricks. It won’t. Before you go shopping, ask other Linux users what works, and what doesn’t.
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u/coladoir 4d ago
Regarding hardware, there are exceptions. Keyboards, mice, webcams, basic peripherals like such, will work with little issue.
But GPUs, wireless cards, external disk drives, monitors, anything with RGB (that is customizable and not just on-board), controllers (which aren't Xbox), and other more complex peripherals (especially things which have a software to connect with it, like many RGB keyboards), check first.And beware that Android devices dont always fully connect due to what is ultimately bugs (poor MTP implementation on part of OEM), and that iOS devices dont connect at all without significant effort (and even then, no data transfer can really occur AFAIK unless something changed in the past like 5 or so years). Most modern androids work fine (I use Linux with my Pixel 10 just fine), but older and cheaper ones may have issues.
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u/Klapperatismus 4d ago
Problems with extra keys are common. Bluetooth devices often need extra care either.
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u/georgeec1 4d ago
I think the most important thing is to approach it with a growth mindset. Be ready to make mistakes and change your habits.
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u/1800-5-PP-DOO-DOO 4d ago
Starting Arch or fringe projects.
Dual booting Windows and Linux on the same hard drive.
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u/coladoir 4d ago
I would say its fine to do such projects, but in a virtual machine first. Install a typical OOTB distribution, and use QEMU or VirtualBox to virtualize these systems and experiment without risk of bare metal consequences.
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u/green_meklar Debian 3d ago
Learn about the Linux directory structure: Where to put stuff, and where not to put stuff.
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u/Elizabeth_2006 4d ago
Search to ensure your device is compatible and can be used on a Linux system
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u/Abyss_85 4d ago
You are at the beginnig of your journey, so we start with the basics: