Posted on 02/10/2023 12:59:33 PM PST by ShadowAce
Are you curious about the world of Linux but don't know where to start or how long it will take to master it? Look no further! In this article, we'll delve into the realistic timeline for learning Linux and provide you with a clear roadmap to success. From understanding your current skillset and familiarizing yourself with Linux concepts, to getting hands-on experience and building a strong foundation in the command line, we've got you covered.
Before embarking on your journey to learn Linux, it's important to understand your current skillset and set realistic goals for what you hope to achieve. By taking stock of what you already know, you'll be able to set achievable targets and identify areas where you'll need to focus your efforts. This step is crucial, as it will help you determine how much time and effort you'll need to invest in order to reach your desired outcome. Whether you're looking to become a professional Linux administrator, a developer, or simply want to learn more about the operating system, having a clear understanding of your goals and skillset will help you create a roadmap for your journey ahead.
"Familiarizing Yourself with Linux Concepts and Terminology" is a crucial step in learning Linux. It involves understanding the basic structure of the operating system, including the file system hierarchy, the role of the kernel, and the purpose of various software packages and utilities. Having a strong foundation in these concepts will make it easier for you to navigate the system, perform common tasks, and troubleshoot issues as you progress in your learning journey. By taking the time to learn these foundational elements, you'll be better equipped to make the most of your Linux learning experience.
In order to effectively learn Linux, it is crucial to get hands-on experience with various Linux distributions. This will help you understand how different distributions approach system administration, package management, and overall user experience. By using and experimenting with different distributions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Linux operating system and the different tools and techniques used to manage it. Additionally, hands-on experience will help you become familiar with the command line interface, which is an essential aspect of working with Linux systems.
Building a strong foundation in the command line is a crucial step in your journey to become a proficient Linux user. The command line interface (CLI) is the primary way to interact with a Linux system, allowing you to perform tasks and manipulate files and directories with precision. It's important to become familiar with basic commands such as navigating the file system, working with files and directories, and managing processes. As you gain more experience, you can explore more advanced commands and techniques for automating tasks and customizing your environment. The key is to practice regularly, seek out resources and tutorials, and actively apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios.
Learning the fundamentals of system administration is an essential part of becoming a Linux system administrator. Knowing how to configure and maintain a Linux system, as well as troubleshooting common issues, are all important skills to master. It is possible to learn the basics of Linux system administration relatively quickly. With a moderate amount of effort, you can develop a basic understanding of how to install, configure, and maintain a Linux system in as little as two weeks. During this time, you should become familiar with the Linux command line, as well as essential system tasks such as user management, network configuration, and security. For more advanced system administration, such as server automation and scripting, it may take several months or longer to become proficient. Depending on your level of experience and amount of effort, it can take anywhere from one to six months to gain a comprehensive understanding of system administration. Overall, the amount of time it takes to learn system administration depends on your level of dedication and understanding of Linux. With the proper guidance and a commitment to learning, you can become a Linux system administrator in a relatively short amount of time.
Diving into more advanced topics and technologies with Linux can be a great way to become an even more proficient user. With the vast selection of applications available, you can become a pro at almost any technology you choose. Advanced topics like server administration, scripting, and system programming can take months or even years to master, depending on the complexity of the technology. Additionally, if you plan on using Linux for a career, you'll need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, which can be a full-time job in itself.
In order to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in Linux, one should periodically review industry publications, blogs, and websites aimed at Linux professionals. Additionally, attending local meetups, conferences, and seminars can be beneficial in order to interact with others in the Linux community and hear the latest news. Finally, following official news sources such as the Linux Foundation, Linux.com, and other online resources can provide the latest updates on the Linux operating system.
Learning Linux requires a lot of practice and application of the skills you have acquired. As you continue to learn new concepts, you can look for opportunities to apply them in your daily life. Consider taking on an open source project, or joining a Linux user group. You can also practice your skills by setting up a home laboratory, or by contributing to an existing project. Additionally, you can look for opportunities to volunteer or attend workshops and hackathons where you can work with experienced people.
In conclusion, the timeline for learning Linux can vary greatly depending on several factors such as your current skillset, goals, dedication, and available resources. On average, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year to become proficient in Linux and to be able to use it in a professional setting. However, with a structured approach and consistent effort, you can make significant progress in a relatively short amount of time.
We hope that this article has provided you with a realistic timeline for learning Linux and has given you a clear roadmap for your journey. If you're serious about learning Linux and building a career in the field, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful tips and resources. Additionally, we invite you to share your experience and thoughts in the comments section below, and don't forget to check out our Linux job board for the latest Linux job opportunities.
How long will it take you to learn to play chess?
As a basic desktop PC, I started using it right away. Took me a few years to come up with my collection of favorite programs since there are options and all free.
You never stop learning anything. You learn how to do things constantly with web searches. Google or other.
Shell commands, KDE, GUI will produce obstacles and you find the answers at that time.
So much in program operations are different, only different to avoid law suits between competitors.
One cannot find what you learned on Windows XP to work 100% the same on linux. Many items are just different and lots are now better and easier.
You got it backwards.
You can run Linux, and Windows, on a Mac. But you can only run Mac on a Mac.
And the question of this thread was, how long does it take. So in that sense, the child’s toy is much easier to grasp than piloting an airliner. And most people don’t need an airliner. But if you do, your Mac can run it.
A lifetime.
Learning Linux is like learning to breathe.
Seriously. It’s natural.
Pick a simple desktop like Mate or XFCE to start with. Even the most clueless Windows user can grok those basic desktop systems.
You don’t need the command line. It’s great, but you can live without it.
Browsers: Firefox and Brave and Palemoon and whatever are the same across computers.
Email is the same - just choose either a client app like Thunderbird or Evolution (similar to an old version of Outlook), or stay with a MAPI webbrowser app if that’s your gig.
If you’re a gamer, you’re on your own. I don’t know and neither do I care.
LibreOffice or any of the other open-source office suites are similar enough to MS Office as to be of minimal concern when switching over. Word processors are word processors, and spreadsheets are spreadsheets within normal usage.
PDF docs are the same, although Linux has far superior PDF readers to the bloated and brain-dead Adobe Reader.
If you do want to use the command line, learn a few basics such as ‘ls’ instead of ‘dir’ (or set an alias), ‘df’ for disk usage, ‘free’ for memory usage, ‘uname’ and ‘inxi’ for system info. ‘cd’ works (pretty much) the same as with DOS/Windows.
The great strength of Windows is the plethora of ‘Wizards’ for routine tasks. The weakest point of Windows are the brain-dead ‘Wizards’ that fake you out. Windows is the epitome of bloatware and spyware. Sadly, some Linux desktops are following Windows into the land of bloat and obtuse. But for now, Linux is the simpler, cleaner system.
Bkmk
“building a strong foundation in the command line”
i started with IBM JCL and punched cards and assembler language ... then decades with programming FORTRAN and C and the unix command line ... modern interpreted languages and GUI operating systems turned drudgery to joy ... F**k the command line!
Ask Chappy, the AI!
"And the question of this thread was, how long does it take. (Linux)"
Obviously because, you can run Linux in a window, on a Mac, while you learn Linux.
Otherwise you're likely to end up being stuck only on Linux, not knowing how anything works, losing patience, getting p-o'd, etc, like most people.
And then, after running them both side by side, you have plenty of time to decide which you prefer.
Is the best single answer, relative to the more thinks you try, as you will then ask questions, such as (for me): Presuming one is using Mint, how would one make and add shortcuts to right click menus (such as clock, desktop, etc) to certain selected programs and places? (Efficiency)
And I know I have asked this, but what is the equivalent (in scope and ability, such as r. clk to uninstall; update driver) to Windows device manager (hope MS does not "improve=diminish it).
I thought it was incredibly simple.
Of course I already knew Unix lol
Liking to have options and explore, I have tried most every major and minor Linus distro, and if MS get more controlling them perhaps I might take the time to learn how to customize a Linux distro (as much as possible) to the degree that I have rather easily done with Windows for increased efficiency etc., but for now it is not worth the time and energy that would be needed to be taken away from more immediately productive use. Related.
I am sure once you learn it. But I too easily forget even some of the hot keys I made via AutoHotKey scripts. Yet besides them, I do keep a collection of Windows commands to be run either in the Run command or the CMD or Power Shell. Such can be required even in Windows when you beyond "normal use" or sometimes there is a problem. I advised Jim Robinson on the viability of key remapping and hot keys due to his degree of paralysis. Hope it helps.
Thanks for posting this.
I recall downloading an app that allows you to learn and experiment with Ubuntu without actually instead of installing it until you’re ready.
https://www.maketecheasier.com/use-ubuntu-without-installing-it/
“While this is true, the casual user of a Linux system (Not the same thing as what is being discussed in the article) can use a Linux system effectively without ever having to touch the CLI.”
Thank you sir. I really really really do appreciate you adding this... :)
“By the time I learned LINUX, it would be obsolete.............................”
Actually if you can use Win XP or Win 7 you can fly right away on the newer Ubuntu or Mint. The Mint is almost a direct replacement for Win 7 in how it operates and feels. :)
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