Best place for a newbie to start?

[Lorelei-]

Hello all,

I'm a newbie to the whole Linux thing really, but I want to do something to contribute to Ubuntu and hopefully learn more skills to be able to contribute more to Ubuntu and other Linux projects. So I was wondering where the best place to start is? (I'm not very technical currently, but looking to improve that too as I go along).

Suggestions please!

[Cresho]

First off, Download the ubuntu iso image and burn it to cd. Boot off your cd and use ubuntu that way for about a week or so until you become familiar with the layout. It's not installed until you hit the install shortcut on the desktop.

That's what I did. Also, do a research on your hardware and see if it is supported like the printer, scanner, graphics card, sound card..etc.

[paul101]

just play about with it, you'll familiarize with time


then, go help other newbees on the forum :razz:

[Lorelei-]

First off, Download the ubuntu iso image and burn it to cd. Boot off your cd and use ubuntu that way for about a week or so until you become familiar with the layout. It's not installed until you hit the install shortcut on the desktop.

That's what I did. Also, do a research on your hardware and see if it is supported like the printer, scanner, graphics card, sound card..etc.

I already have Ubuntu set up on my laptop and use it daily. My question was more about how to start contributing to the community and open source projects.

[Cresho]

The problem solving is done by experience just like I been doing it for a while and guiding forum users here to achieve there goal is what I been doing. For developing software and helping to contribute, gee! That is a tough one.

Over at https://launchpad.net/ these folks are always looking for a helping hand. If you like to tinker with things or show some artwork, I usually put stuff out in http://www.gnome-look.org/

launchpad seems to be looking for apprenticeship and I really don't understand this part but you can look into it.

There are tons of places and I mean tons! I guess what I'm trying to say it just depends on you.

[alwez_loner_TZ]

Hi, If you want to work with Helping and solving problems you could join with the Absolute Beginner Community.

You can read about them in the forum. It would be a good place to start.

[I-75]

Listen to Linux Podcasts, they are usually released once a week.

1. Tllts
2. Gusty Geeks
3. Lotta Linux Links
4. Going Linux
5. Linux Basement
6. Linux Outlaws
7. Techie Geek
8. Linux Cranks
9. The Bad Apples
10 Distrowatch

Here is a Master directory

http://www.thelinuxlink.net/


Also even though this one is no longer produced. This is probably one of the best Linux Podcasts ever.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/linuxreality

Also check out Hacker Public Radio and Floss Weekly. In addition there are You Tube Linux videos.

[ukripper]

By a good linux shell scripting and commands book, use terminal and get your hands dirty in world of command line to know about the potential of linux and then help others on forums with your skills to identify the problem area and isolate the cause.

[Lorelei-]

Thanks guys. I do already do as much through command line as I can and try to use problems as a learning curve rather than a cause for drama (although sometimes they do get me annoyed).

ukripper - any recommendations on the book front? I already have the Linux Cookbook at home, but there seem to be so many on the two subjects that you mentioned that I never know where to start as all the reviews tend to be similar too.

Currently I am playing around on Launchpad, mostly looking but helping with translation & documentation stuff when I can as that's an area I can get stuck in now despite not being the most technical person in the world.

[ukripper]

Thanks guys. I do already do as much through command line as I can and try to use problems as a learning curve rather than a cause for drama (although sometimes they do get me annoyed).

ukripper - any recommendations on the book front? I already have the Linux Cookbook at home, but there seem to be so many on the two subjects that you mentioned that I never know where to start as all the reviews tend to be similar too.

Currently I am playing around on Launchpad, mostly looking but helping with translation & documentation stuff when I can as that's an area I can get stuck in now despite not being the most technical person in the world.

This book is really good to start with and very helpful in understanding inner working of linux based shells and directories-
http://www.amazon.com/Linux-Command-Shell-Scripting-Bible/dp/047025128X
Available on amazon uk as well. I've pasted the link from US website so that you can read reviews before buying.

Goodluck

[t0p]

My question was more about how to start contributing to the community and open source projects.

Send money to Free software projects. This is a way that everyone can contribute, even total newbies.

[ukripper]

Send money to Free software projects. This is a way that everyone can contribute, even total newbies.

yes that is one way too!:)

[I-75]

Thanks guys. I do already do as much through command line as I can and try to use problems as a learning curve rather than a cause for drama (although sometimes they do get me annoyed).

ukripper - any recommendations on the book front? I already have the Linux Cookbook at home, but there seem to be so many on the two subjects that you mentioned that I never know where to start as all the reviews tend to be similar too.

Currently I am playing around on Launchpad, mostly looking but helping with translation & documentation stuff when I can as that's an area I can get stuck in now despite not being the most technical person in the world.

I would recommend The Official Ubuntu Book Third edition

http://www.amazon.com/Official-Ubuntu-Book-Benjamin-Mako/dp/0137136684

I read the second edition and it was very informative, I heard the third edition is even better.

Also O'Reilly has some fine Linux books
http://linux.oreilly.com/

[kevdog]

I think this tutorial is the best place for beginner ubuntu users (I used it first when I started):

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/

Aeysiu is a regular forum contributor and is often found lurking about.

[Cresho]

i found this community powered site which i kinda look around once in a while.

http://showmedo.com/