I'm wondering if you have any advice for newbies innterested in Linux but intimidated by the learning curve and occasionally exclusive/gate-keeping culture behind it.
The first bit of advice is that if you've used a Mac before, you're already part of the way there! Many of the Unix and Linux commands are similar. So if you've done some command line work with the MacOS or already have a high-level understanding of how Macs install software, you're on the right track.
Another bit of advice that I'd give is that yes, the learning curve can be steep at times, but everything takes time. Be patient with yourself if you can. If you know the best way that you learn new things, try to find Linux tutorials that work well with that. There are so many videos, books, interactive tutorials out there waiting for you.
Re: the gate-keeping. It's unfortunate, but there so much gate-keeping around a lot of tech. When I run into gate-keeping I try to keep in mind that if someone is gate-keeping around anything it's because they likely are attaching a bit of their self-worth/personal value to that thing. They feel that their knowledge on that topic is special and the more that people know about that thing, the lower they'll perceive their personal value to be. Their gatekeeping is a means of control. This is 100% a them problem and not a you problem. Avoid the gatekeepers find someone/a source willing to share knowledge.
if someone is gate-keeping around anything it's because they likely are attaching a bit of their self-worth/personal value to that thing... This is 100% a them problem and not a you problem.
This is such a valuable reminder to share over and over again! Thank you for taking the time to reiterate it here.
Hi Courtney! Thanks so much for doing this AMA.
I'm wondering if you have any advice for newbies innterested in Linux but intimidated by the learning curve and occasionally exclusive/gate-keeping culture behind it.
No problem! Happy to be here!
Absolutely.
The first bit of advice is that if you've used a Mac before, you're already part of the way there! Many of the Unix and Linux commands are similar. So if you've done some command line work with the MacOS or already have a high-level understanding of how Macs install software, you're on the right track.
Another bit of advice that I'd give is that yes, the learning curve can be steep at times, but everything takes time. Be patient with yourself if you can. If you know the best way that you learn new things, try to find Linux tutorials that work well with that. There are so many videos, books, interactive tutorials out there waiting for you.
Re: the gate-keeping. It's unfortunate, but there so much gate-keeping around a lot of tech. When I run into gate-keeping I try to keep in mind that if someone is gate-keeping around anything it's because they likely are attaching a bit of their self-worth/personal value to that thing. They feel that their knowledge on that topic is special and the more that people know about that thing, the lower they'll perceive their personal value to be. Their gatekeeping is a means of control. This is 100% a them problem and not a you problem. Avoid the gatekeepers find someone/a source willing to share knowledge.
This is such a valuable reminder to share over and over again! Thank you for taking the time to reiterate it here.
Thanks!