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---
title: "You Need to Learn Linux \U0001F427"
title: You Need to Learn Linux 🐧
date: 2021-12-17T19:16:50Z
author: "ahmza"
draft: false
weight:
tags: ["Linux"]
description: "Here's why you should learn Linux"
canonicalURL: "https://blog.ahmza.com/Page%28/posts/you-need-to-learn-linux.md%29"
cover:
image: "/webp/posts/learn-linux/feature-anim.webp" # image path/url
alt: "learn-linux" # alt text
caption: "<text>" # display caption under cover
relative: false # when using page bundles set this to true
showtoc: true
searchHidden: false
---
## **Introduction**
You need to learn *Linux* because there is no reason not to. If you
are pursuing a career in IT, without a doubt you will come across
*Linux* and having even basic knowledge is very helpful. Many people
struggle with the OS simply because it's fundamentally different
compared to the other operating systems, but with a bit of time you
can master the basics and unlock it's true power.
**You need to learn *Linux*** !!
{{\< video label="true power" webm="/webm/mha-power.webm" >}}
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 toaster. So
if you are interesting in anything IT related then it's a great asset
to have.
- ***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*.
Linux is great for power users because it allows you to customise all
aspects of your workflow to make it yours. The amount of
customisability is mind blowing and an endless rabbit hole which is
awesome as there is always something you could implement to improve
your workflow.
- **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.
Another great aspect of the customisability is the crazy number of
options you can choose from to theme and tailor the Linux desktop
experience to your liking. For some great and inspiring examples
checkout [r/unixporn](https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/). This
is what drove me to switch to Linux and Arch specifically.
- **Make it pretty** - You can create something that's **functional and beautiful**
[r/unixporn](https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/)
Linux is very Light weight (Depending on Distribution) and much
faster than competing operating systems simply because more often
than not the distributions of Linux are not filled with bloatware.
The most extreme examples of this are distros like Arch or something
like LFS (Linux From Scratch) where you get a completely bare bones
installation of Linux and are required to install everything from
Network Managers, to the Desktop Environment, although this can seem
pointless at the start as you use more and more distros you will find
things you like and don't on each and something like Arch allows you
to choose every bit of software that is installed and come up with
something completely custom. Plus then you can say `I use Arch BTW`
**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.
**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:
A great Distribution that I recommend is [Manjaro with KDE Plasma](https://manjaro.org/downloads/official/kde/)
as it offers a heavily customisable desktop environment `KDE Plasma`
and Manjaro itself is a great as it's Arch based but does not require
you to start from step 0.
- [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**
### ***MacOS* Terminal**
*MacOS* is actually *UNIX* based and so **if you have an *apple
Mac/MacBook* all you need is the Terminal** application. I used this on
my work machine and it's a great alternative to the full send option.
However I do not recommended this if you don't own one of these devices
already due to cost 💸
**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***
The *Windows Subsystem for Linux* is another great option to get started
with *Linux*, it installs the *Linux Kernel* in windows and allows you
to play around in a real *Linux* environment.
*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**
### **Virtual machines**
If there is a specific Distribution of *Linux* you want to try then
this is a great option. However if you want to simply get to know
*Linux* then choose the *MacOS* terminal or *WSL* methods as they are
a lot lighter on system resources
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" >}}
{{< video label="do it" webm="/webm/do-it.webm" >}}
As with anything learning *Linux* is a journey and will take time.
Enjoy the experience of learning it and uncovering it's hidden powers
because it is well worth it. I have linked some great resources for
other great Linux related content that helped me.
**Learning *Linux* is a journey that will take time. Enjoy the experience of
learning and uncovering it's hidden powers.**
[DT youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVls1GmFKf6WlTraIb_IaJg)
[r/unixporn](https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/)
[Arch Wiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/) (Although specific to Arch
this is a great knowledge base, also useful for Manjaro as it's Arch based)
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