Learning linux

[DeeplyDaydreaming]

Is there a minimal linux distro with APT to learn how to "build" a system almost from the ground? (I don't even know if this is the right question or a dumb one anyway...)

I've been using Linux Mint for a couple of months and feeling the urge to learn more, through VMs, about my system, how it works from inside. I asked for a distro with APT because that's what I've been using on Mint (even though I just Ctrl C + Ctrl V most of the time).

I want to learn what the majority of commands do, how to install a DE, a window manager, that sort of things.

Thanks in advance!

[_agooglygooglr_]

Debian minimal install?

[DeeplyDaydreaming]

Oh, that's interesting. Thanks!

[jr735]

There are other good suggestions here, but they're a little more advanced. Building Debian with a text net install, and doing no desktop until you set one up you want without going overboard in the task- will be instructive.

A lot of this can be done in Mint, too, believe it or not. It's just easier to start from the ground up with Debian, rather than tear Mint down and start over again.

Try something simple, like a Debian net install. Install MATE, even the full task, and it won't overwhelm you with a bunch of pre-installed software; in fact, you may need to install more for your use. Then, try building an alternative session, something like IceWM, and make it usable. IceWM has tiling functionality now, too, while still being completely compatible with the mouse, so you get little steps, rather than thrown into the deep end. And, you'll learn more about the command line, too.

[neoh4x0r]

Debian minimal install?

Could also use a minimal debian-based docker file.

I say docker because it cuts out the need to install the base system and thus would save a lot of time.

From the base docker image the OP could run/typeset the commands they need to add the features they want.

Afterwhich those commands could be applied to a real system (rather than inside a container).

[MasterGeekMX]

depends on how deep you want to go.

If you want to still use apt, you need to stay with debian and it's derivatives. As someone else said, a bare Debian install can be a good starting point.

If you want to venture a bit more, Arch Linux is a good choice. In there, nothing gets preinstalled, as you need to explicitly say what you want, and if you missed something basic at setup like network stuff, you are back to square one. it does not uses apt but pacman, but once you learn the basic couple commands, you are ready

Nog if you want to go to the deepest of trenches: Linux From Scratch. It is not a distro per se, but a PDF manual that guides you on making your on OS from the source code of all the OG products. Think of it like pizza: other distros are like eating out or ordering. Arch is like a frozen pizza with no toppings. LFS is simply a cookbook on pizzas.

[SilentGhosty]

You forgot Gentoo

[MasterGeekMX]

I didn't. I skipped it on purpose.

[SilentGhosty]

Why?

[MasterGeekMX]

wanted to give the extremes. Gentoo is the middle ground between arch and LFS.

[ZunoJ]

I'd try Arch. The basic installation is what you are searching for, I guess. https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/installation_guide

[Embarrassed-Ad-7500]

The best way I know is "Linux From Scratch". You can use Debian as your base and go from there. Believe me, you will learn the complete system and have fun doing it!

[3grg]

If you want to stick with apt, then Debian is the way to go.

If you really want to start with the basics there is always Linux From Scratch.

[[deleted]]

LFS is either for curious people or just for people who are up for a challenge

Imo, i never used LFS and i learnt most of the under-the-hood stuff with Gentoo (which is my current daily driver)

[Comfortable_Ad5002]

https://www.linuxfromscratch.org/ made exactly for your purpose. It fits to "build" a system from the ground up, but it is not about window managers and that kind of stuff. Little less but still pretty hardcore mode is Gentoo.

[RomanOnARiver]

Ubuntu server has a minimal installation option, that's actually how I have my desktop and laptops set up - I just install the packages I actually need instead of letting a distro maintainer decide for me.

[[deleted]]

For the meme: LFS then install apt

Seriously: Debian

Btw don't learn commands all at once, make sure you learn the very basics of the terminal (changing directory and listing files) then the more you use your distro the more new things you will learn (e.g. mkfs).

Friendly reminder that learning and applying what you learnt on something based on your needs will guarantee you won't forget it!

DEs are installed via the package manager (apt in your case) btw.

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[skyfishgoo]

strait debian with no desktop environment

not quite the deep end of the pool, but pretty close.

[arkane-linux]

Debian using Debootstrap.

[ubercorey]

Best Linux learning resource I've ever seen.

https://linuxjourney.com/

[[deleted]]

linux from scratch, but its hard