Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Some basic questions about Linux (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 3 weeks ago by akilou@sh.itjust.works to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Can someone point me to a helpful beginners resource explaining some Linux basics? Like what is the difference between "distro", which is what, like Ubuntu, fedora, Debian (? Or is that a category of distro?) And desktop environment which is what, KDE, Lubuntu, gnome? Like I don't even know I have these categories right let alone understand why I'd pick one over another and what practical effects it will have- which apps will I/won't I be able to install, etc...

I'm not expecting anyone to answer these questions for me, but if you could point me to something already written, I'd appreciate it.

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[–] akilou@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (6 children)

Great explanation. Quick follow up question.

One thing I necessarily will want to install is Proton VPN*. Per their website,

Our app officially supports the latest stable Ubuntu LTS version running the GNOME desktop environment. It should work on most distributions based on Ubuntu, but we haven’t tested them and therefore do not officially support them.

This makes it sound like it will only work on gnome DE and implies it won't work on Ubuntu with KDE (for example)

*ok, so I'm also aware that you can use Proton VPN through open vpn somehow but for the purposes of my understanding of distribution vs DE, let's just ignore that for now.

[–] cyberwolfie@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 weeks ago (2 children)

I have Proton VPN running on two different machines running Ubuntu-based distros with KDE and Cinnamon, respectively. Works fine :)

[–] akilou@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

The official Proton client or Open VPN with Proton credentials?

[–] cyberwolfie@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 weeks ago

Former.

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