8 Critical Mistakes to Avoid After Installing Linux

1. Copying and Pasting Random Commands from the Internet

Most beginners make the mistake of copying and pasting commands without understanding them. While the risk of data theft is low, it still exists. Before pressing Enter, always try to understand what a command does. Linux commands can be complex, but you can dissect a command and search for its keywords online to grasp its function in minutes. For example, if someone asks you to run sudo rm -rf --no-preserve-root /, search it first to realize it would wipe your entire filesystem.

2. Running All Commands as Root

Linux assumes you know what you are doing and rarely warns before executing commands, especially as root. Tools like sudo, su, and doas let you run commands as another user (typically root). While sometimes necessary, prefixing every command with sudo gives programs full system access, allowing them to delete the OS or compromise security. Malicious programs exploit this. Only use sudo when absolutely necessary and when you trust the program and its developers.

3. Deleting Files in the Root Directory Arbitrarily

The Linux directory structure isolates user and system files. Your home directory holds personal files; directories under root (/) contain system and package files. To maintain stability, never delete files outside your home directory. Removing system files can cause programs to misbehave due to missing configuration files, or render the machine unbootable, leaving you with a black screen.

4. Adding Unknown PPAs and Package Sources

Most Linux software is open source, with many eyes reviewing code for vulnerabilities. However, hundreds of thousands of repositories exist, and monitoring every line for malicious code is impossible, especially for unknown PPAs (Personal Package Archives) and third-party sources. Official distribution repositories have hundreds of contributors and maintainers ensuring code integrity. You can generally trust software from them. For repositories created by unknown individuals, inspect the code before installing. If you cannot read code, wait until the project gains popularity and more contributors vet it.

5. Switching Back to Windows or Distro-Hopping

Switching from another OS to Linux involves an adjustment period. Discomfort may tempt you to return to Windows, but spending more time with Linux is essential. Linux can be customized to resemble Windows or macOS with time and tutorials. Distro-hopping (constantly changing distributions) worsens confusion because each distribution family uses different tools and offers unique desktop environments. You will struggle with multiple package managers and desktop environments. The best approach is to pick a beginner-friendly distribution and stick with it for several months.

6. Fearing the Command Line

The command line is your friend. If you installed Linux thinking you could avoid the terminal, you will eventually need to type commands depending on the severity of issues you face. Many distributions try to minimize command-line usage, but the terminal has been integral to Linux for decades and is nearly inseparable from it.

7. Pestering Friends and Family to Switch to Linux

After a successful install, you may love Linux's stability, customizability, and cost. Recommending it is fine, but do not obsessively talk about Linux at gatherings or explain why it is better than Windows to people who do not care. Everyone has different use cases and may not be impressed. If you want to advocate, contribute to online forums where people actively seek OS advice.

8. Underestimating the Power of Backups

Programs can break your installation. A reliable backup ensures your files remain safe even if the OS fails to boot. Better yet, set up a snapshot utility to take system snapshots at regular intervals. When problems arise, you can restore the last saved snapshot to return your computer to a working state. Configuring backups or snapshots on Linux is easy and far better than regretting data loss later.

Related backup resources:

8 File Backup Applications for Linux

Pika Backup – Linux Data Security Made Simple

3 Best Free Disk Imaging Backup and Recovery Tools

Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure. As a beginner, knowing what is strictly forbidden helps you understand your machine's limits and the ways you could inadvertently render it useless. If you choose Linux as your next OS, also learn what you should do immediately after the first boot.