10 Beginner Mistakes to be avoided by Linux newbies

Ever increasingly, Linux is becoming more and more popular. Along the way, there are several common mistakes that users new to Linux tend to make. In fact, from time to time, you can even find some seasoned Linux users making some of these same mistakes. If you can avoid these mistakes, the transition to Linux will be a lot easier.

1. Installing from outside the official repositories:

This mistake is generally done by those who have used mostly Windows before. They try to programs and software from outside the official repositories just as  in Windows. Almost all Linux distributions have official repositories and the software packages need to be installed from them. For example, in Ubuntu, install the software from the Ubuntu Software Center. This Center contains a list of all the softwares available officially. If you have installed the software outside the official repositories, there is a little chance to get assistance.

2. Doing selective updates:

This undoubtedly will make your system unstable mostly by broken links. It's considered a good practice to install all the updates periodically. To install all the updates, goto System > Administration > Update Manager. Not only this, but delaying these updates would be costly for you. So, it is always suggested to do complete update periodically.

3. Linux is not Windows:

There may be a lot of similarities in between Linux and Windows. But, don't expect Linux to be exactly like Windows. The similarities help in making an easy transition towards Linux.

4. Avoid learning command line:

The computer world has been changing continuously in the field of user interfaces. Its getting easier and easier for the users to use many operating systems and applications now-a-days. But, the whole process started with the command line user interface. And Linux is an operating system which expects you to learn a bit of command-list. Command line way of doing things is a lot quicker than the GUI. Besides all this, some things can be done only through the command line. So, if you have decided to work with Linux, then learn commands.

5. Misusing the help forums:

Even though Linux is free, help for getting started is close at hand, and available from multiple sources. There are help files, user manuals, and even the "man pages" that are easily accessed through either the command line or the other graphical way. For each Linux distribution, there is a separate user forum for getting help regarding all the operating system issues. By searching, you are likely to learn other important things. So, get the most of these user help forums.

6. Avoid running as root (when needed):

Running the operating system with root privileges will surely inflict some damage to your system. So, avoid running as root as far as possible.

7. Avoid relying too much on WINE:

WINE is a utility to run Windows executable programs on Linux. Find Linux software counterparts and try using that instead of installing all the softwares through WINE.

8. Ignoring the system messages and errors.

9. Its not Ctrl-Alt-Delete:

In Windows, this shortcut gives you the Task Manager. However, Linux restarts when these buttons are toggled. There is an applet named "Force quit" which can be used for force quitting unresponsive programs.

10. Giving up too early:

This happens mostly as far as Linux is concerned. Everyone must realise that they are not born knowing Windows. So, put some efforts to learn Linux and you will get rich dividends.

Sources: PC Linux OS Magazine