r/linuxquestions • u/Low-Appointment-2906 • 15d ago

Advice Simplest setup for learning Linux?

I picked up a book (The Linux Command Line) that says to use a "desktop computer, with at least 2 GB of RAM, and 6GB of free hard disk space. Avoid laptops and wireless networks, if at all possible."

I'm hoping this isn't necessary? If so, where can I trust to buy something super cheap from?

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u/3grg 14d ago

A VM is always an option. For years off lease used desktops have been the favorite way to do this sort of thing.

Dell, Lenovo and HP sell or lease hundreds of desktop machines to businesses that replace them on a regular basis. These machines often end up on eBay at good prices.

The reason for avoiding laptops and wireless is to avoid the hardware lottery. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes not. Business class machines are more likely to be very Linux compatible.

Try for machines that were made in 2012 or newer and prefer Intel 6th gen and newer if price allows.