5 essential Linux terms every new user needs to know

I remember how foreign it all was when I first started using Linux. Granted, back in 1997 I was only just learning how to use a Windows 95 computer. Sure, I understood the most basic terms –RAM, ROM, etc. — but terms specific to an operating system were quite new. 

When I finally decided to leave Windows 95, I installed OpenCaldera 1.0 and found myself unsure of what to do. So, I turned to whatever resources I could find to learn this wacky new world. That led to even more confusion, as I was bombarded by new terminology that I felt I had to learn.

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Truthfully, during those first steps, there were only a handful of terms I really needed to understand (and they were doozies).

To that end, I want to cut to the chase and offer you what I believe are the five first Linux terms you need to understand.

1. Distribution

Distribution should be the first term you learn. Why? Because the selection of a Linux distribution  — frequently shortened to “distro” — can make or break your experience. 

So, what is a distribution? Let’s use cars as an analogy. You have a specific model car from a specific make. For example, Audi has its A7. Audi is the make, and A7 is the model. In software, an operating system is analogous to the car; a distribution is like the make, and a release number is like the model. I have Pop!_OS, which is the make, and version 22.04 is the model. So car = operating system, make = distribution, and model = release number. 

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There are hundreds (if not thousands) of distributions to choose from. Still, new users should stick with one of the more popular options, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, elementary OS, or ZorinOS. One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: Which distribution should I use?

2. Desktop environment

The next most important Linux term is desktop environment, which refers to the collection of software and services that come together to create a user interface, which enables users to interact with the computer. 

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Typically, desktop environments include components such as a compositor, a window manager, and a login manager. A wide variety of desktop environments are available, including GNOME, Plasma Desktop, Pantheon, Budgie, Enlightenment, Cinnamon, MATE, and more. Each desktop environment offers different features and layouts, and it’s important for you to choose a desktop environment that suits your needs and style.

3. Package manager

The package manager is a bit more challenging to explain, especially to those coming from Windows or MacOS. (Although MacOS does have a third-party equivalent  — Homebrew — Windows does not.) 

What is a Linux package manager? Essentially, it’s a way to install, remove, and manage software on your system. Linux offers several methods of installing software: from source, from the command line (see below!), and from a GUI app store. Powering installations from the command line and the app store is the package manager, which works in conjunction with remote repositories (that contain installable software) to install software.

The package manager also makes it easy for users to upgrade their operating system (and the software installed). Several package managers are available, such as apt, dnf, zypper, and pacman. The important thing to know is that certain package managers are limited to specific distributions (such as apt is for Debian and Ubuntu-based distributions, dnf for Fedora-based distributions, pacman for Arch-based distributions, and zypper for SUSE-based distributions).

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4. Command line

The command line is what keeps most users away from trying Linux. The thing is, Linux has come such a long way that that command line is no longer a requirement. Sure, it can make certain tasks considerably easier, but it’s not something you’ll have to use.

But what is the command line (aka, CLI – command interface)? It’s where you run commands. That’s it. For example, you can upgrade a Ubuntu system from the command line with the command sudo apt upgrade -y. 

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There are a lot of commands available to you on Linux, but don’t let them intimidate you. Most of the basic stuff is easy. I’d recommend holding off on learning the command line until after you’ve become more familiar with the Linux GUIs. And know this: the deeper you dive into the Linux command line, the more complicated it can become. Finally, get familiar with man pages, an excellent resource for learning about the commands.

5. Home

Home is where the heart is — or at least the heart of each user. Home refers to your home directory, but it’s also a directory on the Linux filesystem (at /home). The home directory contains all user directories (such as /home/olivia, /home/nathan, /home/jean, and /home/anton). Within your user directory, you’ll find sub-directories (Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Movies) where you store all your data. Home is often listed as ~/ or $HOME.

Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learn

These five terms will get you started on your Linux journey. Once you get beyond the need to know these basic terms, you’ll find there are plenty more where those came from.