Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
When I first started using Linux, I was thrown to the wolves. I unwittingly installed Linux over Windows and, at the time, couldn't afford to purchase a new Windows license. Because of that, it was sink or swim.
I decided to swim. Within a week or so, I felt comfortable with the OS, but I wanted more, so I spent the time learning the ins and outs of Linux, and look at me now.
Also: This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy
You might be thinking, "I need to find a replacement for Windows 10, but I don't want to have to have elite IT skills to do so. Fortunately, you don't have to. With modern Linux distributions, you can get up to speed in no time, so that you're using Linux for all your needs."
Even so, if you're like me, you'll want more out of the OS. I'm not talking about reaching a skill level that requires a degree in Computer Science. I'm talking about gaining an understanding of the OS that makes you feel competent enough to maybe help others learn the OS. If that sounds like you, read on to find out how you can level up those skills.
1. Use it… a lot
This is the most obvious bit of advice, and it's what helped me develop enough skills to make a career out of using Linux. You have to use it… a lot. You know what they say: it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master something. That's over a year of 24‑hour days, so we're talking several years. But we're not talking mastery of the subject. You want to get proficient enough to feel comfortable helping others learn Linux. For that, you should consider installing Linux and making it your default operating system.
Also: Installing apps on Linux? 4 ways it's different than any other OS - and mistakes to avoid
After using Linux daily, you should start feeling comfortable enough that you can do just about anything with the OS. You'll no longer fear opening configuration files in /etc or installing services like Samba or a web server. Get familiar enough that you can troubleshoot issues and understand what's going on under the hood. This will take time, so have patience.
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