First steps in Linux in 2022: current status and most popular distros

Once we have Linux on our computer, we must carry out certain preliminary steps, before definitively starting to work with the operating system, which will help us to have everything much better prepared for its operation.

When we have just installed Linux on our computer we must take certain steps, configure certain parts of the operating system, just as we have done every time we install Windows.

There are certain options that are essential and that we must be clear about in order to make everything work better from the beginning.

Although there are many distros, and many of them really successful, we are going to base ourselves on the one best known as Ubuntu, although later we will talk about some other possibilities that we have to install Linux on the computer.

In any case, these steps will be useful for any other distribution, so it is very valuable information and interesting configurations that we should not forget to make.

Index of contents:

we must have internet

As is evident, one of the first things we must do when we have a newly installed Linux is to connect it to the Internet. As you well know, there are two ways, one for Ethernet (that is, by cable) and another through the WiFi that emits our router.

Well, if we use cable there will be nothing else to do, since the system itself will already recognize the Internet connection.

If we decide on WiFi we must click on the icons that are in the upper right part of the screen, selected at the time we see it in wireless not connected. Just at that moment several options will appear below, although we must click on select network.

At that moment everything will be very easy, that is, we click on the name that our network puts, we enter the password and click on Connect. That easy.

Drivers up to date

As with any operating system, having the latest drivers and codecs will make everything work better.

Although Ubuntu has its own system to detect all the necessary drivers it is good to have a look in case we can update them further.

To do this, the first thing we have to do is press Software and updates. At the moment the window opens we must go to the tab Additional drivers.

If what we want is to use a driver from the manufacturer and not the standard that puts Ubuntu, we must choose the control from the list and click on Apply changes. Among the options that come out we must choose the one that puts tried.

Once we have written our password and the system has verified that it is us, we will see how the driver will begin to download, to later install it. When it’s over, even if you tell us, never forget Restart your computer.

Update system

Now what we must do is look for system updates, something that is always good, since they correct errors, moments where there is a lack of performance or improvements for the system.

To install these updates we must click on the app launcher which is in the lower left corner.

Then we will see how all the applications that we have installed appear. We must look for the icon that says Software update or something similar if your distro is not Ubuntu.

At that moment we will see a sign where it says Checking for updates. If you find any, you will see how it will allow you to see the Details of the updates, in addition to having 3 buttons such as Settings, Remind me later and Install Now, where we should click.

after entering our password The installation of the new version of the system will begin, indicating if it is necessary to restart the computer.

View and install new apps

As in any operating system, any distro that we choose will have pre-installed applications. Some that are truly worthwhile and others that are simply there due to agreements between both parties.

The normal thing is to have a browser, an Office-type suite, some program to play photos or videos and from there, it will depend on the distro itself, if it comes more or less complete or if it has many agreements with software companies and they fill us with these types of applications.

The best thing is to try everything that brings us to know if it really has value for us or not.

If we want to install an application that we miss, we have several ways to do it:

• app store: The first is to open the application store of the distribution that we have installed. There is no secret here, since they work like any other store of this type that exists in other systems.
• installer: Another way is to download an installer from a website, advising that it always be the original or highly trusted one. The executable file for Debian-based distributions is .deb and just double-clicking it will install it once downloaded.
• by command: The third method is using a starter (in Ubuntu it is sudo apt.get install + the name of the app), something that is very widespread in forums and the like.

The best Linux distributions

Once we have seen what we should do when we start with Linux, it is time to find out which are the most used and most famous distros so that you can choose which of them is the best for you or which you want to install.

The previous steps are practically the same in all the distros, so once counted, you can carry them out in the one you download and from there it will be up to you to discover more in depth what the operating system is like.

• Ubuntu: as we have already told you, it is the most widespread and the most used by most people who have Linux, which also means that it is the most famous. Ubuntu has different versions although there are applications such as Firefox, Thundebird, LibreOffice, VLC or Steam that are not lacking.
• Linux Mint: practically on a par we find Linux Mint. In recent times it has come so close to Ubuntu that there are even many who claim that it has already surpassed it. The truth is that they have a fierce fight over which is the most widespread. Both the operation and the design are really good.
• Fedora: The best thing about Fedora is that there are three different options: one dedicated to the server, another one oriented towards the cloud and a third one that works as a workstation. One of the great advantages of this distro is its more than frequent updates.
• Debian: It has been with us since 1996 and is what both Ubuntu and Mint are based on. Despite being so old, it is still a reference, especially if we want to focus on workstations and servers.
• Zorin: It is one of the distros that best suits those who are looking for something similar to Windows. In addition, Zorin has integrated project software, as well as a suite that is compatible with MS Office.

As you have read, getting off to a good start on a Linux operating system is easier than it seems. Based on the advice that we have given you, we will be able to decide what we have to do, what to install or uninstall, or how to manage the operating system.

With all this we will also be able to try the main distros that are out there right now, although there are many more.