Getting into Linux

[Himroth]

How would I get into Linux and programming??

i'm computer literate but crap with programing and really wanna learn any sugestions?

Also are there any benifits to Linux?

Cheers guys

[Agent_Embryo]

Getting into Linux is easy. Download or buy a distro and install it. Try several if you have broadband and can download them. Experiment. Read on Linux websites. www.linux.org is a good place to start.

Programming? I'm trying to get into that...not going all that well yet.

[EpyonMelee]

try to start with a easy scripting language; perl and python are good places to start. then you can get into c++.

[GroundZero3]

to get into linux you have to think outside of windows. linux deals alot with commands and such and installing programs is alot different.

the hardest part of linux is not learned over night. it takes time and dedication and lots of research to use it.

here is a thread about a memeber moving to linux
http://www.techimo.com/forum/t109414.html

linux is free for home use, thats always a plus and just wanting to learn more about computers is a plus

here is a thread about some of the basic commands

http://www.techimo.com/forum/t98492.html

again its not something easy, but with time and practice it can be your best friend.

[nukes]

Quote:

linux is free for home use,

Linux is free in it's entirety. You're free to look at and modify the source code, you can copy it as many times as you like and install it on as many boxes as you like. You can give away modified versions. It's all covered under the GPL:
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html

If you're coming from windows then you may have some issues learning the ins and outs of Linux. It's not that it's hard, it's just different. To start with pick a distro like Mandrake which will get you up and running, then you can get your bearings. Then find one which better suits your needs/wants (if mandrake doesn't to begin with)
As to the programming, start with python or something if you've no experience. If you've got a decent bit of experience, then maybe look at C or C++. IMO the best way to learn is buy a book and practice, but everyone's different in that respect.

[originel]

Linux development isn't that much more complicated than windows development when it comes to console apps. I highly recommend starting with console applications since they are significantly easier. I also recommend that you start with c++. it is harder to learn, but i don't think it's really all that much harder if your not working with a GUI. also you will learn the fundamentals of programming better IMO if you start on c++. Also i recommend using KDE with your linux distro so that you can use KDevelop, which is a pretty darn good IDE considering it's free if you ask me.

As per linux distro i would (admittidly biasedly) recommend slackware because you will get to know the operating system better, which should help you learn how to program for it easier. It's much more straightforward and streamlined from a programming standpoint compared to easier to use distros such as mandrake or redhat (which are overly complicated IMO).

[GroundZero3]

nukes its free even in a business enviroment?

[mimic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GroundZero3

nukes its free even in a business enviroment?

Yes.

[originel]

the GPL requires that the software always be free basically. There are allowances for software to be sold (the main way is for tech support) but it is required that there be a free version.

[Mead]

Thats not quite true. It doesnt have to be free at all, they are just required to make the source code available to their users. Most linux companys do offer their products for free with no official support though but they arent required to do so by the GPL