If one wants to seriously learn Linux, where does one begin? #asknostr
Discussion
I began my computing life with DOS. Linux naturally attracted me due to the command prompt being the base.
But really, you may as well ask' "If one wants to seriously learn how to use a saw, where does one begin?"
We need goals here.
Fun? Install whatever Linux you can find on some spare hardware and play with it till it breaks.
I've been nearly 100% Linux since 2012, and I've tinkered since 2003,
AMA, but a tool is a tool. What is your goal that you think Linux will help you with? I may be able to help you with that.
I would like to comfortably use it as my primary desktop os.
In that case just do it.
Linux Mint is an old favorite of mine for general purpose. I actually have it set up in a home server box for various things. Super easy to install and get running.
Archlinux sounds scary, especially if you are new, but the instructions are clear and well documented, it's a great way to dabble in several areas of Linux just getting it set up.
Play games on Steam? Checkout bazzite Linux, I use it on a handheld. A bit limited for playing around with Linux due to some technical decisons.
On desktop I use VoidLinux, but that one is best for people well versed in the Linux ecosystem.
I'd suggest installing Linux Mint and just use it for a while. If you get stuck on something ask your favorite LLM for help, or ask us for a (hopefully) more human connection.
If you have even more spare hardware (or use virtual machines) install other Linux distributions to toy with.
This way you can risk braking other systems without breaking your main one.
The big thing in the Linux world is choices.
People, in general, have proven to have a general distaste for having choices, which I believe is the biggest hurdle for most people.
This all might sound like a lot, but really, if you were to just install Linux Mint, you'd probably be fine with its defaults and not have to make any choices beyond that to have a happy desktop experience.
If you use a tool called Ventoy, you can put multiple distributions on a USB stick, and boot to them to try them out.
I'd check out different desktop environments and see what you like - they're interchangeable, but it helps in choosing a distro. You can find YouTube videos comparing them, or try them out yourself.
Linux Mint, or Linux Mint Debian Edition if you want to bypass Ubuntu. Reliable, users friendly, not incredibly customizable.
If you like KDE, Kubuntu is a good start. If you like GNOME, Ubuntu or others.
You don't have to do something related to Ubuntu, but there's a lot of software for it and plenty of instructions online.
On distrowatch.com you can get an overview and search for a distribution.
Start trying out some with a live usb stick.
If you feel good with one, install it on disk and just jump into the cold water.
Most UIs like XFCE, KDE, Gnome, etc. are pretty easy to do first steps with.
How packages are handled on the distributions is one of the important differences which will influence your habits.
It'll benefit you to start using the command line (search for a "terminal" to open) instead to rely too heavily on graphical user interfaces. Most commands have a "manual page" which you can call with "man" followed by the cmd's name.
From there AI can help you along the way.
Have fun 😉