It’s not easy to switch from Windows to Linux. While Linux Lite is designed to make the transition easier, it’s not uncommon to still have a few questions about how Linux works.

With the right guidance, you can start your journey towards becoming a Linux power user. Here are some of the best tips for getting started with Linux Lite.

1. Learn to Use the Terminal

You can’t fully enjoy Linux without using the terminal. Though it may look intimidating, the basic commands you’ll use on a day-to-day basis are very easy to learn.

If you want to install a new application, use the following commands to update your packages (software archive files) and install the specified program:

 sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get install programname 

You may also use commands like cd and ls as you begin to navigate and manage your files through the terminal—though there’s nothing wrong with using the built-in Files application to start. You’ll benefit from using a guide to learn basic terminal commands during your first few weeks of using Linux Lite.

2. Use Linux Lite’s Fantastic Tools

The terminal isn’t just for working with files—it’s also incredibly useful for learning more about your system. Need to know what active processes are consuming the most CPU resources? The top command can help. tcpdump will let you view packets going in and out of your network, while netstat lets you learn more about your network.

Incredible command-line tools exist for almost any purpose you can think of—and you’re just one Google search away from discovering them. There are tools for viewing the content of files, utilities for monitoring the performance of your system, and even fun command-line programs.

3. Install Hardware and Device Drivers

If you notice that Linux Lite doesn’t seem to run efficiently out-of-the-box, you may need to install the right hardware and device drivers. By default, proprietary drivers aren’t installed on Ubuntu and its derivatives—Linux Lite included. You can check whether any proprietary drivers are available by opening the menu and navigating to Settings > Install Drivers.

4. Understand the Linux Directory Structure

The directory structure used in Linux is drastically different than that of Windows. The OS directory itself exists in the root (/) directory rather than the C: drive.

System files are stored in directories like boot (for the bootloader), dev (for hardware-related files), and etc (for system configuration files). Your account files are stored in the home directory.

5. Install Your Favorite Software

Linux Lite includes an impressive suite of software by default. Some of the applications that come preinstalled on Linux Lite include:

• LibreOffice Suite, an impressive and free alternative to Microsoft Office
• Lite Themes, which offers an easy-to-use GUI for customizing your system
• GIMP Image Editor, an open-source Photoshop alternative
• TimeShift, an application that can automatically create system snapshots

These applications won’t always cut it, however. You can try downloading snaps if you want a seamless installation experience, or use Linux Lite’s built-in Lite Software application to download new programs. You can even try downloading new programs through the terminal if you’re up to a minor challenge.

Make the Best of Your New Linux Lite System

It’s not easy switching to a new operating system, but you can rest assured that using Linux Lite will make the process a lot easier.

Experiment with the terminal, download new software, and tweak your drivers and system configurations until you’re happy with your new system. Don’t feel intimidated, as the best way to learn is to try new things.