New to Linux? This 10-day checklist will help you settle in nice and easy

Tech Home Tech Services & Software Operating Systems Linux New to Linux? This 10-day checklist will help you settle in nice and easy I wish I had followed this 10-day plan when I started using Linux 30 years ago. Written by Jack Wallen, Contributing WriterContributing Writer July 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.

m. PT Written by Jack Wallen, Contributing WriterContributing Writer July 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

PT Jack Wallen/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET key takeawaysIf you're just starting with Linux, follow this calendar.In 10 days, you'll feel right at home.

Just remember to take it slow and easy.So, you've finally decided to give Linux a try, but you're worried because you've never used anything but MacOS or Windows. What's in store for you?

Can you make this work? Change is hard, and leaving an operating system that you've used for decades is certainly a big change. But if you're serious about giving Linux a try, you don't have to expect to become a pro overnight.

It took me months to get to a point with Linux that I felt I truly knew what I was doing. Back then, I didn't have any help, and the OS was exponentially harder to use than it is today. But if I could go back in time, I would remind myself to take it slow and handle one task at a time.

To that end, I've devised a 10-day plan that can help you ease into Linux.Also: What made me finally switch to Vivaldi as my default Linux web browserOnce you've been convinced to install a Linux distribution, here's how I would advise you to go about the first 10 days of your journey. Day 1: Familiarize yourself with the desktop environment The first thing you'll notice is that the user interface is probably different from what you're used to.

You may have chosen a distribution that uses KDE Plasma, so the layout might look familiar, but even then, there will be differences. Also: 5 of my favorite Linux distros ready to use out of the box - no setup requiredThis could be the most important step you take, because if you're not familiar with the desktop, everything else will feel like a challenge. Get to know the panel and the desktop menu.

Learn how to add app launchers to the panel and to the desktop (if you're so inclined). Figure out what favorites are and how to add them to the desktop menu (if your desktop environment of choice includes the feature). Don't worry about learning to customize the desktop; that will come later.

Day 2: Discover the file manager and how it works The file manager is an important app that you should immediately become familiar with. After all, this is how you manage your files and keep them organized. At the same time, you'll want to get to know the different locations in your home directory.

The home directory is the equivalent of C:\Users\yourusername\ on Windows and /Users/username on MacOS. Also: The 6 Linux distros I expect to rule 2026 - and whyYou can also look into the Network location in your file manager, which will list any computers it finds on your network. At this point, I wouldn't bother poking around too much in the file system.

Instead, stick with your home directory. Learn how to create a new folder in the file manager, move that folder, copy that folder, etc. Keep it basic.

Day 3: Learn how the upgrade process works This one is pretty important, and you'll most likely be prompted by the desktop's notification system that an upgrade is available. This might even happen soon after your first log in; if it doesn't, don't worry. If you've not been prompted for an upgrade by day three, go through the desktop menu, find the app used for upgrades, and run it today.

The process should be very simple and entirely point-and-click, so there's no reason to worry that this will cause you problems. Upgrading desktop Linux is incredibly easy and reliable. Day 4: Check out the preinstalled applications Your distribution will have shipped with several preinstalled applications, and the distribution you chose will determine which apps are available on first login.

You will definitely find a web browser (probably Firefox, Brave, or Chromium), which functions exactly as it did on MacOS or Windows. You might also find an email client (such as Thunderbird), an office suite (such as LibreOffice), or both out of the box. Also: I have a new favorite Linux email client in 2026 - and I've tested them allDig through the desktop menu and see what there is to see.

There will be utilities (like text editors and disk managers) and possibly even some games. Day 5: Learn how to install applications If you don't find the apps you need, fret not because nearly all Linux distributions (except Arch and some Arch-based distros) have GUI app stores where you can search for the apps you need to install and use. Many Linux app stores (such as GNOME Software) offer a welcome page that categorizes the apps to make it even easier to find what you need.

And then there's KDE Discover, which is equally easy to use. Using a GUI app store on Linu