freeCodeCamp/guide/english/linux/getting-started/index.md

---
title: Getting Started
---
## Choosing a distribution.

There are several types and "flavors" of Linux distributions to choose from nowadays, so choosing one is a major concern in the Linux world. Taking into consideration easy to use OSs, the top dogs in this category are:

Ubuntu - Derivative of the stable Debian system, Ubuntu thrives in the easy to use and up-to-date environment.

Mint - Based on Ubuntu and Debian, this OS has great features like Ubuntu's PPA compatibility, the apt package manager. The base mint distribution has some similarities to the Windows UI - this can be an excellent characteristic for users coming from Windows. 

Trisquel - A distribution derived from Ubuntu that focuses on only utilizing entirely free software, avoiding proprietary software. Trisquel is endorsed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF).

## Installing.

Most Linux distributions are extremely easy to install, with all information shown in a step-by-step instalation.

One important step to look out for is when deciding where to install your new Linux distro. For first users it's better to choose a "Guided" option as it will do all the work for you.

Remember to read all the steps carefully and leave some space in your HDD for the new distro, I would say about 30Gb minimum.

## The dreaded Terminal.

Linux's terminal is not to be feared, actually it is quite easy to use with some practice and it can make our daily tasks easy to automate.

In Debian/Ubuntu and derivatives, the shortcut to open the cli (Comman Line Interface) is "Ctrl + Alt + T". Let's open the terminal and try some commands.

cd (Change Directory) - The cd command is one of the commands you will use the most at the command line in linux. It allows you to change your working directory. You use it to move around within the hierarchy of your file system.

```unix
cd
```

Using the cd command alone will change the current directory to your user home directory, located in "/home/username" as in "/home/mark".

ls (List) - This command list the content in the current directory. It can be also used to list file information.

```unix
ls
```
Now we can see our directories in our home.

pwd (Print Working Directory) - This command lists the directory you are currently in.

```unix
pwd
```