Since this topic really doesn't fit anywhere else, I decided to start it here. I am about to be a senior in high school, and when recently attending a college for a programming camp, I saw that if I go there, i will have to use Unix. Though they teach students how to use it, I decided to get a head start so that I can be more comfortable with the system. So, I downloaded the newest edition of Mandriva (formerly known as Mandrake linux), partitioned my Windows drive, and installed it.
That's about all I can do. I downloaded a file for it that, when installed, is supposed to translate and load my windows drivers for my Microsoft Wireless USB network card. Honestly, I don't even know how to install files.
What I would like anyone here with the time and patience to do is to recommend some ways to get started in Unix. It seems difficult to just dive into, and after looking at it, I doubt highly that the best way to learn it is to read the command reference (which contains thousands of commands). This would be greatly appreciated; i am eager to learn and become comfortable with the Linux operating systems. Thanks!

edit: Naturally, after posting, I discovered the Linux section. Sorry for posting in the wrong place; help still appreciated!

ooh. i suggest getting an ebook on how to kick start things. or a walk down to the nearest library... freeBSD is more like Unix as copared to linux btw. there are plenty of books that are titled along the line of: beginners' guide to linux, Linux unleashed etc. so far my distro works well for me, auto detection of every driver that i need.

At the end of the day, you would still need to learn commands in linux no matter what... try googleing for Begniner's bash. or basic linux commands etc.

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thanks, i'll look into those. By the way, i'm not neccesarily adverse to learning the commands, I just doubt that the best way to do it is to read the whole reference.

Yes, if you're going to learn Unix at the camp, I'd recommend getting FreeBSD instead of GNU/Linux. Linux has a couple of quirks that makes it different from pure Unix. The FreeBSD site is http://www.freebsd.org/. You can find the FreeBSD handbook off the main site or via this link. The FreeBSD site also has a link for newbies.

If you want actual books, I'd recommend seeing what O'Reilly has.

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hmmm.... I actually always thought the unix was virtually identical to linux. After learning from both of you that it really isn't, I would like to say that what I would actually like to learn is Linux. Sorry about the confusion, some of the tips that you have provided are still helpful, thanks!

I wrote a thread discussing the differences between Linux and FreeBSD (aka Unix). Hopefully it will answer any questions you have regarding the differences.

If you have any specific questions about Linux, just ask.

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Hmm, are you sure that linux is really what you want to learn ? freeBSD and linux is Almost close to identical. Because from my experience, most schools would use a Unix system rather than a linux system.

Anyway, those links that crystals lattice provided still serves as a very gd guide to any beginner's. Including myself ! The guide can sort of apply to both linux as well as unix systems.

Heres what you can start learning to get yourself comfy with Linux, the very few basic, but actually not easy to do things:

1. Master VI / VIM / Emacs
2. Know how to change directory, make dir
3. Set users and access rights
4. know how to mount various hardware, like usb drives
5. Basic scripting of the shell
6. Have a firm understanding of the file system
7. Setting up security stuff

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I'd recommend looking at the Linux HOWTO's and other help at http://www.tldp.org/. These are the "master" documents to all things Linux.

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Well, I went to barnes and noble and picked up a book called Linux for non-geeks(not saying i'm a non-geek; far from it, in fact). I skipped past all the easy stuff and straight toward the terminal section, and have learned enough to get around the operating system with solely the terminal, which includes untarring and installing files. That is my only goal for now, and for now all i want to accomplish. Thanks for the recommendations!

The site that Crystallattice gave is invaluable. (www.tldp.org) I have been using linux for 10 years and I am still on that site all the time.

Just wanted to chime in on the unix/linux topic as well. You don't hear much about slackware these days, but it is the distribution that I use as I started on it. It offers the advantages of linux, but it also maintains the closest relation to a true unix setup of any distribution that I know of.

Before I get sauteed by the BSD people, the advantages of linux IMUUPWO* are frequent kernel enhancements, larger support for hardware and a larger overall user base.

Good luck with the learning. Probably the biggest joy in Linux is the trip. The destination is fun too, but for true computer geeks it is a thrill.

(*IMUUPWO - In my unknowledgeable, unlearned, probably wrong opinion)

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