The post is a translation of an article published in PCWorld, called: "Top 5 Mistakes Made by Linux First-Timers", it explains and comments on the main mistakes made (or ideas they have) users who have just entered the world of Tux (Linux hehe).
Error 1.- We are so used to Windows that we expect all OS to be and react the same.
That is the most common case from my point of view since when entering we look for and do similar things and in some cases not being able to reach the requested point, we prefer to leave the OS and return to the comfort of doing things in the same way as the that we are used to.
For me, this is the moment where we can give ourselves the opportunity to learn to use a different, easy and in most cases more secure Operating System, with the plus that every day and Linux distribution are easier for a novice user Such is the case of Ubuntu, the most popular distribution and full of communities that will help you get to know the Linux world in a simple way.
And as the author says: "... a small learning curve will gain you a lifetime of advantages" which would be something like: "a small learning curve will win a lifetime of advantages." with which I totally agree.
Error 2.- Use the Root, Superuser or Administrator without need.
The "Root" user is -equivalent- to an Administrator user in Windows, the big difference is that thanks to the good configuration and the way it is used, root is only good to use in special cases, which many commit new is to give special permissions to each application they use, which makes your system somewhat unstable. This does not mean that you have to stop using said user, what it does is ask for it and use it as often as necessary, since in W $ even to change the time or open a certain program you have to confirm in some cases, put the password, causing it to become somewhat annoying.
Error 3.- Use Google to search for software.
When a Windows user comes to Linux, he is used to downloading and sometimes paying for the software you use, but that does not happen with Linux distributions, there is a program manager or in Ubuntu - Ubuntu Software Center "to which You simply open it, perform a search within the different available categories (Accessories, Education, Graphics, Internet, Office, among others) and press install and enter your administrator password or user with privileges.
The advantages:
You do not download trial programs that last 30 days.
Do not download crack programs, which mostly contain viruses, malware, causing instability and serious OS errors
You don't waste time googling.
The software that you can locate does the same functions that you are used to.
It is mostly Free, Free and of excellent quality.
By updating your system, you update all your applications, avoiding having to search for each new version of the software.
Error 4.- Fear of the Command Line, Shell.
When one begins or hears about the Command Line, one imagines that it is something that only "experts" can handle, but the truth is different, since in most cases we can perform tasks faster than in graphical mode.
The more you use it, it will become an ally and over time you will see it more practical than the classic "next, next, next ..."
Mistake 5.- Given too easily.
The last mistake in this article is very simple. Nobody is born knowing Windows or another OS but after a while you get along without problems, that is why you have to remember it is another Operating System, it has its advantages and ways over time you will realize that you learned things in an easy and practical way.
We must remember that any of the Distributions (Distros) have a large Community behind, which we are willing to shake hands with each other, if you have doubts, problems do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
So I encourage new users not to be discouraged when entering any distribution and know all the advantages that it gives them.
As you can see, it's a really good article, really accurate
Although the post is somewhat old (October 2010) I think that the general idea, logic or intention is still undoubtedly important and current, changing from any OS to a new one, not only means changing our software… but also, being a little flexible, open-minded, that is… changing ourselves a little too
If the change is for the better, why not do it?