# My First Steps with Linux: What I Learned as a Beginner

#linux #beginners #ubuntu #opensource

I’ve just started my journey into the Linux world. Until recently, I only used Windows, but I kept hearing about Linux being free, secure, and great for developers. Last week I finally decided to install it and see what the hype is about.

In this post I’ll share:

Why I chose Linux
How I installed it
The first commands I learned
My tips for other beginners

Why I Chose Linux

I wanted a system where I could:

Learn real command-line skills
Use free and open-source software
Run tools like Docker more easily than on Windows

After some research I picked Ubuntu because it’s beginner-friendly and has lots of tutorials. Other popular beginner choices are Linux Mint and Fedora.

Installing Linux Was Easier Than I Thought

I downloaded the ISO from ubuntu.com, used Rufus to create a bootable USB, and installed Ubuntu alongside Windows (dual boot). The installer walked me through the process step by step.

My First Commands

Once I logged in, I opened the Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and tried these:

pwd        # show current directory
ls         # list files
cd         # change directory
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade   # update system packages

Learning these gave me a sense of control over my system.

Tips for Other Beginners

Don’t be afraid of the terminal — start small.
Bookmark the Ubuntu documentation.
Join communities (r/linux on Reddit, forums) to ask questions.
Make a list of what you want to achieve (e.g. install VSCode, set up Git, try Docker).

Final Thoughts

Switching to Linux felt scary at first, but it’s been fun and empowering. I’m still learning, but already I feel like I understand my computer more deeply than before.

If you’re thinking of trying Linux, go for it! And if you’ve recently started, what was the first thing you learned? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments.