How to learn Linux Mint Cinnamon

[skyglider]

I've been a Windows user all of my life. No Linux or Mac experience. After building a new Win11 PC, I'm going to convert my previous Win10, i7 6700 PC to Linux Mint Cinnamon.

For experienced Linux Mint users, can you recommend a good YouTube video that explains how to setup and start using Linux Mint Cinnamon (LMC) from scratch? I need to learn how to setup folders and files in Linux. IOW, everything from scratch. Am a total Linux noob. Hopefully that will help me (and other lurkers) learn how to use Mint Cinnamon without searching through multiple YouTube videos for a good tutorial.

I plan to only use LMC to browse the web using Firefox, do email using Thunderbird, use Libre Office for word processing and spreadsheets, and "view" photos. No photo/video editing. That will be done on my Win11 PC. The LMC PC will act as a backup for daily use in case my Win11 PC goes down.

Recommendation for a good beginners Linux Mint YouTube video from experienced Linux folks will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[skyglider]

4. You absolutely need a text editor. In fact, I'd recommend two; one graphical and one command line. For the former, I prefer Geany which is a fairly rich programmer's file editor. For the command line, I like zile but nano, vi and Vim are more popular.

Vim is the most common implementation of Vi now, just so you know why you'll see those two terms.

While nano is self-explanatory, you absolutely need to know how to get in and out of editing mode with vim/vi ("i" key to get into editing mode, Escape to get out), and what commands to type in as some of the choices are somewhat esoteric (saving works by ":w" rather than the expected ":s"; if you're trying to quit and it won't let you, add an exclamation mark: ":q!"; etc.). Basically, it's something to start using with a manual on screen or in hand.

I would advise taking up Vim as a separate project if you are so inclined. It is one of the two very powerful text editors the Unix world offers (the other being Emacs and let's not compare them because it's one of the Unix world's classic feuds) and you can get extremely effective fairly quickly with it, but there is a learning curve. Nano tells you on screen exactly what to do. I recommend starting there.

Geeky fact: If you ever find yourself on a system that doesn't have nano, it probably has pico.

Is there a very simple text editor for Linux that works exactly like Notepad for Windows? IOW, a pure text only editor that will strip any formatting when text is copied using ctrl+C ? A very simple Linux clone of Notepad would be good.

 

[XiaoDeer]

I used an emacs-like (not true emacs) editor MicroGnuEmacs on my Amiga way back when; worked fine. My later attempts to learn the basics of vi ended in miserable failure--I just couldn't get happy with how it worked. :-(

That has been *exactly* my experience too!

 

[XiaoDeer]

Is there a very simple text editor for Linux that works exactly like Notepad for Windows? IOW, a pure text only editor that will strip any formatting when text is copied using ctrl+C ? A very simple Linux clone of Notepad would be good.

I don't run Mint but on that distro I think it's called "notepad"

Otherwise look for or install:

* Xed
* Gedit
* Leafpad

 

[skyglider]

Is there a very simple text editor for Linux that works exactly like Notepad for Windows? IOW, a pure text only editor that will strip any formatting when text is copied using ctrl+C ? A very simple Linux clone of Notepad would be good.

I don't run Mint but on that distro I think it's called "notepad"

Otherwise look for or install:

* Xed
* Gedit
* Leafpad

Thanks! Will check them out when I get my LMC computer running.

 

[Breakfastographer]

Is there a very simple text editor for Linux that works exactly like Notepad for Windows? IOW, a pure text only editor that will strip any formatting when text is copied using ctrl+C ? A very simple Linux clone of Notepad would be good.

I don't run Mint but on that distro I think it's called "notepad"

Otherwise look for or install:

* Xed
* Gedit
* Leafpad

Other options include Kate, Mousepad, Featherpad.and Atom. One will usually be installed for you by default and available through the "Start" menu (let's call it that). Some distros also simply call the text editor "text editor" and it may actually be one of the seven options listed above.

I would now recommend pluma rather than gedit. I think XiaoDeer was thinking of an older version of gedit. It has changed a lot over the course of GNOME development beyond version 2 of GNOME. The current gedit may no longer be the 1:1 replacement you are looking for. This also applies to "GNOME Text Editor".

 

[FujiJon]

4. You absolutely need a text editor. In fact, I'd recommend two; one graphical and one command line. For the former, I prefer Geany which is a fairly rich programmer's file editor. For the command line, I like zile but nano, vi and Vim are more popular.

Vim is the most common implementation of Vi now, just so you know why you'll see those two terms.

While nano is self-explanatory, you absolutely need to know how to get in and out of editing mode with vim/vi ("i" key to get into editing mode, Escape to get out), and what commands to type in as some of the choices are somewhat esoteric (saving works by ":w" rather than the expected ":s"; if you're trying to quit and it won't let you, add an exclamation mark: ":q!"; etc.). Basically, it's something to start using with a manual on screen or in hand.

I would advise taking up Vim as a separate project if you are so inclined. It is one of the two very powerful text editors the Unix world offers (the other being Emacs and let's not compare them because it's one of the Unix world's classic feuds) and you can get extremely effective fairly quickly with it, but there is a learning curve. Nano tells you on screen exactly what to do. I recommend starting there.

Geeky fact: If you ever find yourself on a system that doesn't have nano, it probably has pico.

Is there a very simple text editor for Linux that works exactly like Notepad for Windows? IOW, a pure text only editor that will strip any formatting when text is copied using ctrl+C ? A very simple Linux clone of Notepad would be good.

Xed is installed with Mint.

 

[FujiJon]

My suggestions when migrating to Linux in general are:

Take it slowly and don't try to do it all at once. Don't make many changes in one session. If/when you make a mistake it's easy to back out one change. Hard with 10 of them.

Focus on the essentials.

1. I like to get the desktop organized according to my personal preferences early on. However, if you prefer you can do this a little later.

2. You absolutely need a web browser so this is one of the first items to set up. I go with Firefox, uBlock Origin and customize to taste.

3. You absolutely need a file manager. You may be happy with the default. If not, there are many others.

4. You absolutely need a text editor. In fact, I'd recommend two; one graphical and one command line. For the former, I prefer Geany which is a fairly rich programmer's file editor. For the command line, I like zile but nano, vi and Vim are more popular.

5. File sharing. You'll likely want to exchange some data with other Windows systems. Start with a simple thumb drive but make sure it's formatted with FAT32 (not NTFS). Later you'll probably want to set up some network file sharing.

Good advice.

I could add...before you start installing linux, either as a dual boot or as a stand alone, BACKUP EVERYTHING. At least twice. Preferably three times, in different places. All documents, photos, music, videos, etc. Don't forget local folders for things like thunderbird, outlook etc (email & calendar).

 

[New Wrycuda]

… Before you start installing linux, either as a dual boot or as a stand alone, BACKUP EVERYTHING. At least twice. Preferably three times, in different places. All documents, photos, music, videos, etc. Don't forget local folders for things like thunderbird, outlook etc (email & calendar).

That really goes without saying. Everything should be backed up already, and you also should be able to trash the files on a planned stand-alone computer without doing a backup.

If data is stored on another internal drive, it could be temporarily disconnected, but a Linux installation will ignore additional drives until they are mounted.

For email, I never bother with backup. I save important email (as text) and associated attachments to the general file system and trash the others on a regular basis. Recent files should remain available on the server if you use the IMAP protocol.

 

[skyglider]

Is there a very simple text editor for Linux that works exactly like Notepad for Windows? IOW, a pure text only editor that will strip any formatting when text is copied using ctrl+C ? A very simple Linux clone of Notepad would be good.

Xed is installed with Mint.

Thanks Fujilon ... .

 

[skyglider]

I would think that your new mint will just connect to the printer without your help. Mine did to two different HP officejet all-in-one things.

Right! Linux Mint Cinnamon (LMC) automatically found my HP B&W laser printer and my HP color inkjet printer that are on my network. I didn't have to load drivers or anything.

You mentioned Firefox earlier...this is installed as part of the Mint installation, along with Libreoffice, file manager (much better than Windows explorer) and many other apps / tools.

Right again! Firefox, Thunderbird, Libre Office (plus other apps) were all automatically installed with my LMC.

https://forums.linuxmint.com is a VERY friendly place to go if you do have problems or questions.

Thanks for the help.

 

[FujiJon]

I would think that your new mint will just connect to the printer without your help. Mine did to two different HP officejet all-in-one things.

Right! Linux Mint Cinnamon (LMC) automatically found my HP B&W laser printer and my HP color inkjet printer that are on my network. I didn't have to load drivers or anything.

You mentioned Firefox earlier...this is installed as part of the Mint installation, along with Libreoffice, file manager (much better than Windows explorer) and many other apps / tools.

Right again! Firefox, Thunderbird, Libre Office (plus other apps) were all automatically installed with my LMC.

https://forums.linuxmint.com is a VERY friendly place to go if you do have problems or questions.

Thanks for the help.

Good to hear. I think you're going to like linux.

Just wait until you get a kernel update...sort of the same thing as a major window update. Difference...linux done in a couple of minutes. Windows "please wait". A bit longer. Still updating. Not quite there yet. Ok rebooting. Rebooted. Still updating. Please wait while configuring the system. Updating. Try not to die of old age just yet. Ah, finally done. Oh well it wasn't urgent , i'll come back tomorrow.

 

[bridge77]

is there any Linux that supports old Windows 7 scanners?

we have old HP and Epson scanners but the drivers were never updated for Windows 10, and i rather not throw them out.

thanks.

 

[FujiJon]

is there any Linux that supports old Windows 7 scanners?

we have old HP and Epson scanners but the drivers were never updated for Windows 10, and i rather not throw them out.

thanks.

Sorry can't help. Try linux mint forums, and ubuntu forums (mint is based on ubuntu). Or you could try running mint install usb stick and see if it finds your scanner....the only cost to you would be time.

However, I'll risk a wild guess and say probably yes, unless your hardware is from a really obscure manufacturer. No guarantee though. Don't shoot the messenger!

 

[FujiJon]

is there any Linux that supports old Windows 7 scanners?

we have old HP and Epson scanners but the drivers were never updated for Windows 10, and i rather not throw them out.

thanks.

I should add, HP has linux drivers available. Check their website for your particular kit.

 

[Breakfastographer]

is there any Linux that supports old Windows 7 scanners?

we have old HP and Epson scanners but the drivers were never updated for Windows 10, and i rather not throw them out.

thanks.

I should add, HP has linux drivers available. Check their website for your particular kit.

Yeah, from a Linux perspective, there is no such thing as a "Windows 7 scanner". It's just a scanner. Before you reach for manufacturer support, check if SANE doesn't already fully support your scanner:

Loading…

www.sane-project.org

 

[skyglider]

I would think that your new mint will just connect to the printer without your help. Mine did to two different HP officejet all-in-one things.

Right! Linux Mint Cinnamon (LMC) automatically found my HP B&W laser printer and my HP color inkjet printer that are on my network. I didn't have to load drivers or anything.

You mentioned Firefox earlier...this is installed as part of the Mint installation, along with Libreoffice, file manager (much better than Windows explorer) and many other apps / tools.

Right again! Firefox, Thunderbird, Libre Office (plus other apps) were all automatically installed with my LMC.

https://forums.linuxmint.com is a VERY friendly place to go if you do have problems or questions.

Thanks for the help.

Good to hear. I think you're going to like linux.

Just wait until you get a kernel update...sort of the same thing as a major window update. Difference...linux done in a couple of minutes. Windows "please wait". A bit longer. Still updating. Not quite there yet. Ok rebooting. Rebooted. Still updating. Please wait while configuring the system. Updating. Try not to die of old age just yet. Ah, finally done. Oh well it wasn't urgent , i'll come back tomorrow.

I hate it when "windows decides" to do an update with the "don't turn the computer off" msg. Normally, after I shutdown my PCs for the night, I turn off the power strip. When Win11 starts doing a long update when I initiate a shutdown, I then have to wait until it's complete to switch the power strip off.

In the morning, sometimes I have to wait for a Win11 update to complete. I really hate that.

In the Win7 days, it allowed "the user" to decide when to do updates. It had auto updates for the non technical users but had options for the more informed users.

Sounds like Linux is a lot better in the updates department.

 

[Robert Zanatta]

Windows never does that to me. Maybe it's because I have the Pro version, or because I disabled automatic updates.

 

[skyglider]

Windows never does that to me. Maybe it's because I have the Pro version, or because I disabled automatic updates.

I have Win11 Home, 24H2 on both of my Win11 PCs. Thanks.

 

[New Wrycuda]

I would think that your new mint will just connect to the printer without your help. Mine did to two different HP officejet all-in-one things.

Right! Linux Mint Cinnamon (LMC) automatically found my HP B&W laser printer and my HP color inkjet printer that are on my network. I didn't have to load drivers or anything.

You mentioned Firefox earlier...this is installed as part of the Mint installation, along with Libreoffice, file manager (much better than Windows explorer) and many other apps / tools.

Right again! Firefox, Thunderbird, Libre Office (plus other apps) were all automatically installed with my LMC.

https://forums.linuxmint.com is a VERY friendly place to go if you do have problems or questions.

Thanks for the help.

Good to hear. I think you're going to like linux.

Just wait until you get a kernel update...sort of the same thing as a major window update. Difference...linux done in a couple of minutes. Windows "please wait". A bit longer. Still updating. Not quite there yet. Ok rebooting. Rebooted. Still updating. Please wait while configuring the system. Updating. Try not to die of old age just yet. Ah, finally done. Oh well it wasn't urgent , i'll come back tomorrow.

I hate it when "windows decides" to do an update with the "don't turn the computer off" msg. Normally, after I shutdown my PCs for the night, I turn off the power strip. When Win11 starts doing a long update when I initiate a shutdown, I then have to wait until it's complete to switch the power strip off.

I only do Win11 updates during the day, at the times when other users are out of the office, and only when I initiate the update. I’ve found that it’s worthwhile to check again for updates before the system is satisfied. I’ve turned off automatic updates, and do the updates one computer at a time.

I’ve never had an issue with updating, except that an old Win10 laptop persisted in trying to update for a wireless printer that must have been next door a year or two ago.

Sounds like Linux is a lot better in the updates department.

Chromebook has a system-wide update when I check every few weeks, but I don’t think there’s any automatic update. Similarly, Zorin Linux has a manual update option that completed very quickly, but that computer had only been running for a few days.

BTW, the first streaming session worked faultlessly. I used Chrome browser and a wireless mouse to control the session. Simply moving the mouse shows the progress of the show, a feature that is sadly missing from DVD playback. Oh, and the crazy menu system of most DVDs; when all you really need is a "JPTM” control.