Top 12 howlers Linux novices must avoid

Life need not be frustrating for new Linux users, provided they avoid certain obvious errors, says Jack Wallen.

If new desktop users know what mistakes to avoid, they can save themselves a lot of grief. Here are some of the most common Linux desktop mistakes that I regularly see new users make.

1. Assuming it's Windows
It might seem surprising, but the average user has no idea different operating systems exist. In fact, most average users couldn't tell Windows XP from Windows 7.

Because of this failing, new users might believe that everything works as in Windows. Make your end users aware that they are using a different operating system — and that it works differently.

2. Trying to make .exe files work
Unless you have done your homework and installed Wine, double-clicking .exe files produces no result. I have seen many end users download an app made for Windows assuming that it will work for Linux.

Make it clear to users that Linux, like Windows, will only run applications made for that operating system. Of course, that situation no longer holds true when Wine is involved. But new users won't be using Wine anyway.

3. Choosing the wrong distribution
One of the biggest problems for users is choosing the wrong distribution. Imagine being a new user and selecting Gentoo or Slackware or Fedora. Those are all good distributions, but they would send a new user running away in fear. If you are in the initial stages of helping a new user, do yourselves a favour and choose the distribution carefully.

Consider the user's ability, needs and hardware before you make that selection. Don't just pick Ubuntu because everyone says you should. Many distributions are made specifically for new users. Examine them all closely before making the choice.

4. Not finding software
Because so many new Linux users are migrating from Windows, they think software can be obtained from the same channels. This assumption is usually false.

The new user needs to become familiar with their package-management tools immediately — especially tools such as Synaptic, PackageKit and Ubuntu Software Center. Each of those tools is a mecca for software where users can probably find all the applications they need.

5. Sending OpenOffice documents to Microsoft Office users in the default format
I see this so often. New Linux users are proud of the strides they have made but dumbfounded — and sometimes turned back to Windows — because the people they share files with can't read their formats.

Remember, Microsoft products are not good at getting along with other operating systems and other applications. Make sure your new users are saving in file formats that are readable by the Microsoft equivalents.

6. Avoiding the command line
I fail to understand why people avoid the command line as if it were the most complex tool there is.

I know people who can work magic with Photoshop but can't type a simple rm command at the command line. New users should try the command line. Knowing how to use it...