Getting Started with Linux

CSLUG Resources

Anyone is welcome to bring up Linux questions at any of the CSLUG meetings. CSLUG also has a discussion list linux@cslug.ecst.csuchico.edu for asking and answering Linux questions which can be joined thru the webpage cslug.org. (and while you're there don't forget the CSLUG announcement list cslug@cslug.ecst.csuchico.edu).

Where to get Linux?

A lot of people buy Linux distributions from places like lsl.com or cheapbytes.com. You can also download ISO images of any of the distributions for free from various websites (redhat.com, linuxberg.com, etc) or purchase it directly from most distributions websites.

Guides for Specific Distributions

Most Linux Distributions have an accompanying guide. If you purchase an official boxed set you usually get the guide. If you don't buy an official boxed distribution you can either purchase the guide from the distributions website or get it electronically either off your distribution's installation CD's or download it for free from your distributions website. These guides can be very useful for someone just starting out.

Linux Documentation Project

www.linuxdoc.org is one of the best resources for learning about anything to do with Linux. They have HOWTO's on specific topics and in-depth Guides which are full length books on a variety of Linux topics (administration, scripting, security, etc). Recommended right away are the Installation and Getting Started Guide and The Linux Users' Guide.

O'Reilly Publications

Some free books are also available at www.oreilly.com/openbook/

O'Reilly Publication's Running Linux (not available online) seems to be the most often recommended book about Linux

Favorite Linux-Related Websites

News: newsforge.com slashdot.org
Downloads: freshmeat.net linuxberg.com
Documentation: linuxdoc.org
Commerce: lsl.com cheapbytes.com bookpool.com
Politics: gnu.org eff.org epic.org