blog-ahmza-com/content/posts/you-need-to-learn-linux.md

---
title: You Need to Learn Linux 🐧
date: 2021-12-17T19:16:50Z
author: "ahmza"
draft: false
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tags: ["Linux"]
description: "Here's why you should learn Linux"
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---

## **Introduction**

**You need to learn _Linux_** !!

Without a doubt you will come across _Linux_ at some point in your IT career and
having baseline knowledge is helpful. _Linux_ can seem daunting, it's
fundamentally different compared to windows. but with a bit of time you can
master the basics and unlock its true power.

{{< video label="true power" webm="/webm/mha-power.webm" >}}

## **But Why**

- **_Linux_ is everywhere**, from data centres to your smart fridge. A lot of
  developers at Google use _Linux_. In fact access to the full codebase is given
  on _Linux_.

- **Power user?** The ability to personalise all aspects of the system **make it
  your** system. This can result in you chasing the white rabbit, but the feeling
  of booting into a system that's yours from start to finish is something else.

- **Make it pretty** - You can create something that's **functional and beautiful**
  [r/unixporn](https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/)

**Lightweight and extensible** limiting the fluff. Making _Linux_ by default a
lot faster than other operating systems.

## **Ok but what about ...**

- **Application Support** - Some popular applications you use may not be
  available e.g Microsoft Office and the Adobe suite. All is not lost though,
  there are alternatives if you can spend the time learning new software.

- **Drivers** - More often than not _Linux_ just works. Edge cases could rise
  that you might struggle with, don't give up Google it and dig in !!

## **How can you start**

> please note the steps below will require further reading to set up

### **Install Linux as your main OS**

**This is the full send option.** It may take you a while to acclimate but I feel
this is the fastest option to success as you force yourself into learning.
_Linux_ Distributions I have enjoyed using:

- [Ubuntu](https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop) - Beginner friendly
- [Manjaro](https://manjaro.org) - OS Basics set up, provides more flexibility
- [Arch Linux](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/installation_guide) - Jump in the deep end, go from start to finish and learn all about _Linux's_ moving parts

### **_MacOS_ Terminal**

**If you do not own a _MacBook_ skip this due to cost 💸**

_MacOS_ is _UNIX_ based, **if you own a _MacBook_ download a Terminal Emulator**
-- [iterm2](https://iterm2.com/) or [kitty](https://sw.kovidgoyal.net/kitty/binary/)
both great options -- install [Homebrew](https://brew.sh/) and get going.

### **_Windows WSL_**

_WSL_ installs the _Linux Kernel_ and allows you to use the _Linux_ terminal
within _Windows_. This does have its limitations but a low bar to entry.

### **Virtual machines**

Virtualising _Linux_ is another great option. VMs are quick to spin up and remove
providing the ability to try out a handful of distributions with ease. This does
come with the condition of having a device that can handle virtual machines
meaning:

- A CPU capable of virtualization
- enough free RAM for the VMs

### **Buy a secondary device**

Have another cheap laptop or desktop to run _Linux_. This will cost you a bit
more than the options above. If you're considering a second device then look
at the Thinkpad lineup. These laptops are rugged and highly upgradeable.
Two Thinkpad Models I own:

- T440P
- T480 _(Non S model)_

## Conclusion

**Why are you still reading go and get stuck in with _Linux_ 💨**

{{< video label="do it" webm="/webm/do-it.webm" >}}

**Learning _Linux_ is a journey that will take time. Enjoy the experience of
learning and uncovering it's hidden powers.**

I have linked some great resources for other great _Linux_ related content that
helped me:

- [DT YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVls1GmFKf6WlTraIb_IaJg) -
  Covers _Linux_ related topics
- [r/unixporn](https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/) - Get inspired and make _Linux_ pretty
- [Arch Wiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/) - Although specific to Arch, it's a great knowledge base