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Part 2: Getting Linux

If you want to learn Linux, the first step is to get Linux.

  • Places to Run Linux
    • Linux is everywhere. It's easy to find an installation of Linux to tinker with.
    • Install Linux on Dedicated Hardware
      • An old (or new) laptop or desktop computer
      • A small Single-Board Computer (SBC) like a Raspberry Pi
    • Install Linux virtually inside of another Operating System 
      • A Virtual Machine (VM) on Mac, Windows, or even another Linux install
      • The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on Windows 10/11
      • An old (or new) Android smartphone
    • Run Linux in the Cloud (a.k.a. some stranger's computer on the internet)
      • Linode
      • Google Cloud Compute
  • How to Get Linux
    • Choose a "Distribution" of Linux
      • Don't get scared by the fancy word—a "distribution" of Linux is just a slightly customized copy of core Linux with a selection of additional programs and tools.
      • The biggest decision to make is whether you're going to run Linux in "text-only" mode, or whether you want to have a graphical interface too.
        • "Text-only" mode is sometimes called "Lite," "Server," or "Headless"
        • "Graphical interface" means your distribution needs a "Desktop Environment."
      • Beginner Options
        • Installing on a Laptop or Desktop
          • Advice
            • If you're installing Linux on a laptop or desktop computer, there are dozens of options. Here's a few good ones to start with—and don't get anxious about this. Distros are usually +95% the same as one another, and you can switch to a new one any time you want to (so this isn't a permanent choice).
          • Text-only
            • Ubuntu Server
          • GUI Included
            • Ubuntu (or for low-powered machines, Kubuntu)
            • Linux Mint
              • Pop!_OS
        • Installing on a Raspberry Pi
          • If you're running a Raspberry Pi, the beginner choice is obvious: Raspberry Pi OS.
            • To run text-only, pick the Lite version.
            • For a graphical interface, get the full version.
        • Installing on WSL or a Cloud Provider
          • If you're running the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), there are many distributions available. They will all be text-only by default. Ubuntu is a great starting choice.
    • Download your distribution and follow the installation instructions.
      • The most common way of installing: Live USB