Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Some basic questions about Linux (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 week ago by akilou@sh.itjust.works to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Can someone point me to a helpful beginners resource explaining some Linux basics? Like what is the difference between "distro", which is what, like Ubuntu, fedora, Debian (? Or is that a category of distro?) And desktop environment which is what, KDE, Lubuntu, gnome? Like I don't even know I have these categories right let alone understand why I'd pick one over another and what practical effects it will have- which apps will I/won't I be able to install, etc...

I'm not expecting anyone to answer these questions for me, but if you could point me to something already written, I'd appreciate it.

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[–] toastal@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 week ago

The biggest shake-ups in a while outside we-don’t-use-X (no systemd, etc.) are the declarative distros like NixOS & Guix. You do the whole system setup & config thru a single file (or broken into multiple). Learning curve is very high for the config but the payoff is less things changing out from under you & setting up new machines & rolling back to working states without resorting to FS snapshots. They are good languages to learn for software development too where you want repeatable software.