<div dir="ltr">Linux from Scratch I would definitely not recommend to new users; I'm an intermediate one and I'm stuck on an uncooperative GCC compilation. That said, somewhere between Ubuntu and LFS in terms of abstraction is Arch Linux: you download and burn/run an ISO which gives you a minimal, zsh-based environment, with which you can create a Linux system out of effectively nothing. Gentoo works on the same principle but has you compile every package (as opposed to downloading binaries like you would from Arch Linux's pacman). <div class="gmail_extra"> <div><div dir="ltr">-------------------------------------------- Antonio Gurgel /ɡʊr'ʒɛl/ goor-ZHEL </div></div> <div class="gmail_quote">On Sun, Sep 28, 2014 at 11:09 PM, Charles Ulrich <<a href="mailto:charles@bityard.net" target="_blank">charles@bityard.net</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">On 09/28/2014 09:56 PM, Lani Meredith wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"> On Sun, Sep 28, 2014 at 1:57 PM, Michael <<a href="mailto:mwbusch1@gmail.com" target="_blank">mwbusch1@gmail.com</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:mwbusch1@gmail.com" target="_blank">mwbusch1@gmail.com</a>>> wrote: Changing the topic from meetings to newbies, I would like to learn Linux and eventually Python. What suggestions would you give to someone new to Linux about how to learn it? I am thinking about taking a Linux class at a community college. A class would be more structured and detailed than doing something on my own. For now I have two books, "The Linux Command Line," and "Ubuntu Made Easy." that I am looking through. I have Ubuntu installed as a dual boot on my computer. Thanks in advance for suggestions that anyone may have. Mike Busch _________________________________________________ linux-user mailing list <a href="mailto:linux-user@egr.msu.edu" target="_blank">linux-user@egr.msu.edu</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:linux-user@egr.msu.edu" target="_blank">linux-user@egr.msu.edu</a>> <a href="http://mailman.egr.msu.edu/__mailman/listinfo/linux-user" target="_blank">http://mailman.egr.msu.edu/__mailman/listinfo/linux-user</a> <<a href="http://mailman.egr.msu.edu/mailman/listinfo/linux-user" target="_blank">http://mailman.egr.msu.edu/mailman/listinfo/linux-user</a>> If you have a spare computer, I recommend Linux From Scratch <<a href="http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/" target="_blank">http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/</a>>. Compiling a compiler, chrooting, and creating text files without using a text editor! Lani Meredith </blockquote> That's certainly one way to dive right in! But for those looking to just dip their toes in the free/libre/open-source waters, the best way is to install it (whether dual-boot or in a VM) and try to do whatever interests you. When it comes to learning tech stuff, Google and YouTube are like the parents you never had. In the case of Python, open up a terminal, type "python" and hit enter: $ python Python 2.7.6 (default, Mar 22 2014, 22:59:56) [GCC 4.8.2] on linux2 Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information. If you type "help", it says: >>> help Type help() for interactive help, or help(object) for help about object. If you type "help()", there's even more, including a link to one of many (many!) Python tutorials and further advice on using the interpreter. When you get stuck or need a random question answered, Google it! (Or ask here, we like to help!) Thanks, Charles<div><div> _______________________________________________ linux-user mailing list <a href="mailto:linux-user@egr.msu.edu" target="_blank">linux-user@egr.msu.edu</a> <a href="http://mailman.egr.msu.edu/mailman/listinfo/linux-user" target="_blank">http://mailman.egr.msu.edu/mailman/listinfo/linux-user</a> </div></div></blockquote></div> </div></div>