Linux, a free and open-source operating system, runs more than 100 million websites and it is getting more and more popular running laptop/desktop computers. Windows and even Macintosh users are usually intimidated by Linux because they think that you must be a computer scientist or hacker to install and use it proficiently. This is not true anymore! In this session, Chad Mairn will provide 10 tips to help Linux newbies and/or users thinking of making the switch to become more confident running Linux on their computers.

1. Top 10 Tips for
Beginning Linux Users

2. http://www.slideshare.net/chadmairn
@cmairn

3. Agenda
• Discover what open source software is.
• Learn what an operating system does.
• Cover a brief history of Linux
• Acquire 10 tips to help users who are making the
switch to Linux become more confident using it.
• Heresy: I am using Windows today, but will show
Linux in action via VirtualBox. (More later)

4. According to the Open Source Initiative,
“open source is a development method for software that harnesses the
power of distributed peer review and transparency of process. The
promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more
flexibility, lower cost, and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.”
Source: http://www.opensource.org/

5. An Operating System takes care of the
basic operation of a computer system.
It is a set of programs that manage
computer hardware resources and
provide common services for
applications. Without an operating
system nothing would get done!
Applications would have to do all the
work.
Source: http://goo.gl/MYdU

6. Brief History of Linux
• MULTICS (Multiplexed Information and
Computing Service).
• UNIX was developed by computer scientists at
AT&T/Bell labs in 1969.
• Minux created by Andrew Tannebaum.
• Linus Torvalds continually e-mailed modification
requests and later decided to rewrite the kernel
and share the code. Linux was born!

7. Tip 1: Pick a distribution that
best fits your needs.
A distribution is an “operating system” that
also includes a collection of software
applications (e.g., word processors,
spreadsheets, media players etc.)
Check out Top Ten Distributions from Distrowatch.com

8. I am currently using …
10.04 LTS (Long-term Support)
http://www.ubuntu.com

9. Gnome Desktop Environment
Gnome KDE
Image source: http://goo.gl/y5oSZ

10. KDE Desktop Environment
Image source: http://goo.gl/YPt0w

11. Tip 1.5: Use InfraRecorder to
burn the .ISO image file.
http://infrarecorder.org/

12. Tip 2: Use a LiveCD and try Linux
before installing it.

13. Having a LiveCD can help you gain
access to a crashed non-Linux system!

14. Tip 3: Use
VirtualBox
to run Linux
inside
Windows or
OSX
Download VirtalBox at:
www.virtualbox.org

15. Tip 3.5: Use Wubi (Windows-
based UBuntu Installer)
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/windows-installer

16. Wubi will setup a dual boot system.

17. Tip 4: Explore
GNOME Desktop
(panels, menu
bar, drawers etc.)
Quick Demo

18. http://ubuntu-tweak.com/

19. Tip 5: Use Ubuntu Software Center

20. Tip 6: Use Synaptic Package Manager to
find/update software packages.

21. Finding Programs

22. Tips 7 and 8:
Understand the Linux
File System Hierarchy.
Learn to change file
permissions.
Quick Demo

23. Tip 9: Start playing with the
command line interface.
Image source: http://goo.gl/4ClAj

24. Source: http://goo.gl/z4kGg

25. Get the Android apps! http://goo.gl/qyIAw
Get the iPhone app! http://goo.gl/DIyzE

26. Tip 10: Have Fun and Explore
Compiz/Fusion 3D Desktop in Ubuntu
Video source: http://goo.gl/BNSqe

27. http://www.ubuntu.com/tv

28. Select Linux Resources
• http://www.ubuntu.com/
• https://www.linux.com/
• http://www.linuxjournal.com/
• http://www.linux-tutorial.info/
• http://www.linuxselfhelp.com/
• http://www.youtube.com/ (Search for Linux)

29. Let’s
Hangout!
gplus.to/chadmairn