Want to learn how to use Mandrake 9- any suggestions for tuturial/books/etc.?

[Sandor]

I decided I wanted to learn Linux, so I installed Mandrake 9.0- but after messing around, I think I need to learn a bit first so I was wondering if people have any suggestions as to some sort of reference. I'm brand new to Linux, but not a newbie to OS's (i.e. I don't need a book with two chapters on how to install the software). I grew up using DOS, so the command line thing doesn't frighten me, but I also don't know any commands or what I can do. Thanks for the comments.

 

[bizmark]

Well, what do you mean you want to "learn Linux"? An OS exists strictly for the convenience of the end-user -- to facilitate his doing whatever he wants to do. What do you use your Windows machine for? Probably your top 3 uses are 1) Internet 2) MP3s 3) Word Processing. I'm sure that you can, right now (with no other knowledge) do all 3 of those things on your Linux machine.

General things that you should learn are:

1) How to install/make/compile/etc. new programs
2) Learn about file permissions and CHMOD (type "man chmod" at a prompt)
3) How to customize and compile a kernel specific to your machine

I suggest http://www.linuxnewbie.org as a good resource for starters.

Look for the "DOS => UNIX" comparison chart for command line stuff that's similar to DOS commands. A starter list:

ls = dir
cd = cd
rm = del
rm -r = delete recursively (everything in a directory, and the directory itself)

For any command, you can type "man [command]" at the prompt to get a full list of options for that command.

 

[Sandor]

I probably should have been more clear. I have no clue what Linux has to offer (besides the ability to run applications similar to those in windows) nor am I familiar with any of the commands. What really tipped me off that I have a bunch to learn was reading how to install the new Nvidia drivers- it didn't make much sense to me. Also, when I went to change resolutions, I got a command line and had no clue what to type. Basically, I want know enough about the enviroment to trobleshoot hardware and software problems (i.e. having a clue how to set up dual monitors; being able to understand where a conflict is and how to fix it; etc.)

bizmark- the things you listed are some of what I would want to learn. Thanks for the link- that will be a great reference once I get going.