Linux/Using Unix-like operating systems

Before you start

• Learn English up to the level that you are able to read technical language. This is not so complex level of knowledge. If you are able to read this text, then you know English good enough. However, this note is important for the people who are not native speakers of English. So, if you want to translate this manual in your own language, keep this information as the first one.
• Learn touch typing.
• Read articles Computer and Internet on English Wikipedia. If you don't understand some terms inside of those two articles, inform yourself about them by reading relevant Wikipedia articles. If you are not a computer engineer, note that reading "just" those two articles won't be an easy task. It is likely that you'll need to spend probably more than 10 hours in reading those two articles and articles related to them.
• Read Eric Raymond's document Unix and Internet Fundamentals.

System

• When you come to this stage, find someone who knows how to install GNU/Linux operating system. The best way to find someone is to find your local Linux user group. Read LUG HOWTO for more information. Keep in mind that GNU/Linux distributions are free and some of them, like Ubuntu, are shipping their distribution to your home for free.
  • If you want to do it alone, it is better to install VirtualBox on your machine and to play with GNU/Linux installation inside of the virtual machine.
• You are ready now to read the first book: Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide.

Toward advanced GNU/Linux usage

• The next document is From Power up to Bash Prompt
• Learn to write scripts. Learn bash
  • Read document Bash Guide for Beginners
  • If you want to continue with bash, read the document Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
• Learn how to make your own GNU/Linux distribution:
  • Make your distro on floppy disc or on CD using the document Bootdisk HOWTO
    • Note that this document is partially outdated and there are some better tools instead of suggested inside of the document (GRUB instead of LILO; Busybox is very good tool now etc.). However, this document will give to you the basic knowledge of making your own distribution.
  • If you want to continue with making your own distribution, try to study the document Linux From Scratch
    • It is possible to use Gentoo distribution to simulate the similar.

Reference guides and other documentation

There are a lot of documentation for GNU/Linux systems. I suggest you some sites and documents as the first step toward further learning.

• Keep with you GNU/Linux Command-Line Tools Summary.
• The main site for GNU/Linux documentation is The Linux Documentation Project. This project has the next sections:
  • HOWTO documents
  • Guides
  • Frequently asked questions
  • man pages
  • Linux Gazette.
• Visit this page periodically.

External links

• Course is based on this document with approval of the author.