Learning GNU/Linux

Very often my friends ask me to tell them what is the best way to learn GNU/Linux system. So, I decided to write it. The first version is available in Serbian, but I'll try to maintain this maunal in English, too.

Before you start

• Learn English up to the lever that you are able to read technical language. This is not so complex level of knowledge. If you are able to read this text, then you know English good enough. However, this note is important for the people who are not native speakers of English. So, if you want to translate this manual in your own language, keep this information as the first one.
  
• Read Eric Raymond's document Unix and Internet Fundamentals (one HTML file, PDF).
• Continue with Eric's document How to Become a Hacker.
• Keep in mind that I am not telling you to accept Raymond's ethics ;) Also, keep in mind that he is a controversial. A good source for reading about him is the article on Wikipedia about him.
  
• The next document is also Eric's, How to Ask Smart Questions.

System

• When you come to this stage, find someone who knows how to install GNU/Linux operating system. The best way to find someone is to find your local Linux user group. Read LUG HOWTO for more information. Keep in mind that GNU/Linux distributions are free and some of them, like Ubuntu, are shipping their distribution to your home for free.
  
• You are ready now to read the first book: Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide (one HTML file, tar.gz, PDF).
• My intention is to introduce you into the system core. The next document is From Power up to Bash Prompt (PDF).
• Learn to write scripts. Learn bash:
• Read document Bash Guide for Beginners (one HTML file, tar.gz, PDF).
• If you want to continue with bash, read the document Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide (tar.gz, PDF).
• Learn how to make your own GNU/Linux distribution:
  
• Make your distro on floppy disc or on CD using the document Bootdisk How to (PDF).
• Note that this document is partially outdated and there are some better tools instead of suggested inside of the document (GRUB instead of LILO; Busybox is very good tool now etc.). However, this document will give to you the basic knowledge of making your own distribution.
  
• If you want to continue with making your own distribution, try to study the document Linux From Scratch (one HTML fajl, tar.gz, PDF).

Reference guides and other documentation
There are a lot of documentation for GNU/Linux systems. I suggest you some sites and documents as the first step toward further learning.

• Keep with you GNU/Linux Command-Line Tools Summary (one HTML file, tar.gz, PDF).

• The main site for GNU/Linux documentation is The Linux Documentation Project. This project has the next sections:
• HOWTO documents
• Guides
• Frequently askec questions
• man pages
• Linux Gazette
• Visit this site periodically.

Notes

1. This document will be develped in the future. You may contact me via email.