New to Linux? Make sure you bookmark these

New users in the Linux/Unix land are often confused and overwhelmed by the marked differences between the OS they come from and Linux. It takes some time gettting used to the new environment and the new way of doing things. Now while you are at it, take a look at these websites that are there to help you make the smooth transition, these provide extensive documentation to step-by-step howtos, and also community support.

Now while there are scores of material worthy of a mention, in the internet, I list the ones that every new user must bookmark (or atleast take a look at).


Distrowatch.com


Here, you can find reviews and news about the most popular Linux/Unix distributions as well the new ones that just came in. Regularly updated upon each new version release of the distributions and also ranks them based on page views. Overall, this is the place to be in if you are trying to find a new distro to try out.

The Linux Documentation Project


This site contains tons of materials to get you started or help you if you get stuck in the middle. From HowTos, guides, manpages, to Linux Gazette, an online magazine, this site is so full of information that its almost overwhelming in itself.

The Gentoo Wiki


While the name might indicate that its specifically for the gentoo users, its not. The guides and howtos here can be related to most of the distributions with minor modifications like the actual download process involving the package managers, etc. Here one can find guides for a broad range of topic covering almost all aspect of Linux, from kernel configurations to wine and cedega, the gentoo wiki is for all linux users, irrespective of the choice of distribution.

The Ubuntuforums


Once again I mention something attached to a particular distribution. However, ubuntuforums, as all of its members knows, isn't just a place for ubuntu users. The sub forums in the other OS sections exists as well, although the real charm is the sheer number of people active here and the awesome community section. Nice place to get to know fellow linux users while engaging in some non-technical chat. Offcourse, you can also take a peep and find yourself comfortable in the programming section solving challenges. Its just a fun place to be here, even for the non-ubuntu users.


Linux Manpages


As the name suggests this site is dedicated to the manpages. No distraction at all as you dive into man to find that lost option or switch. Specially beneficial for the ones who dislikes reading from the terminal. The ability to search and click also adds charm to the whole man page reading thing.


Other than these, you may also register to the forum or mailing lists of the distro you are using. IRCs are again a good place for support and discussion. Thats it fellows, read the FAQs, learn how to google and soon you will have a wealth of information at your disposal to make computing fun and comfortable.