Linux Starting Guide
What is Linux?
You can think of Linux as an alternative to Windows and macOS; An operating system for your computer.
An OS is responsible for managing the computer’s physical components (hardware) and programs (software). It acts as a ‘bridge’ between the two, allowing them to work together. Most computers come with Windows pre-installed, and Apple Macs come with macOS, so why should one consider switching to Linux instead?
Linux is open-source, meaning that anyone can read, distribute and contribute to the project however they see fit. Linux is also free of charge, and you don’t need a license to use it.
Nix Starter Guide
What is Nix and NixOS?
You may have heard of Nix before. The name can be a bit confusing at first, as Nix is:
- A programming language
- A package manager
- A Linux distribution (Known as NixOS)
This guide will focus on Nix as the package manager, and how it can make your life easier.
The Problem
On macOS, the intended way to download new programs is to open the developer’s website and execute an installer (or disk image) that installs the program. This approach can be time-consuming, as well as generate confusion when a program has to be updated. For this reason, many people use Homebrew as a package manager for macOS.
Linux vs FreeBSD vs OpenBSD
Why Am I Doing This (again)?
I’ve been using Linux for many years, and recently tried FreeBSD on a spare laptop. I didn’t see many differences initially, but it got me wondering: What really are the differences between Linux and *BSDs? Which OS should I use?
Of course, the short answer is always the same: It depends. So, I had to decide what is most important to me. Before continuing, I recommend that you do the same.
Wayland vs Xorg
A Bit of Context
What is a Display Server?
If you use Linux or any BSD variant, you have likely heard of, and used, a display server.
A display server is the component required to load any graphics or graphical user interfaces (GUIs - most browsers, games, …) and display any video content.
The display server also handles input, manages the physical display, listens for requests to draw graphics, and supports hardware acceleration.
Local LLMs (ChatGPT-like AI)
Why Run AI Locally?
AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini can be very useful, however, they have a few issues:
- Price (Some tiers can be expensive and require a monthly subscription)
- Freedom (You may be limited by the moral beliefs of the company behind it)
- Internet Access
- Privacy (All your requests are sent to the company’s servers and can be seen and used by them for any purpose.)
- Ease of access (Sometimes you may encounter shortages or be unable to use AI efficiently with the tools you already have)
Local AI solves most of these issues: Your requests never leave your computer, and so they are private and can be done offline.
Dotfiles: Configuration Files
What Are Dotfiles and why Should I Care?
After using your system for a while, you will likely change settings everywhere: On your desktop environment, different programs, and even create scripts to automate your work. Most of these configurations are saved in your $HOME directory, in the form of .app_name. These files begin with a dot (making them ‘hidden’), hence the name dotfiles.
Some apps (like most browsers) are able to sync settings between different devices, but most programs can’t. Eventually, you may have to replace your device, switch to another system temporarily, or face any other situation where you either lose your files or need your configurations somewhere else.
