What is a power user?
Posted by Kopaka261@reddit | linux | View on Reddit | 25 comments
Relatively new to linux, installed a few different linux distros on an external ssd to see if anything stood out. Haven't made my mind up yet, but was thinking of dual booting kubuntu with kde plasma or cachy os with kde plasma for work and nobara for gaming, I dont play pvp games except for battlefield but im fine playing it on xbox, so im not worried about switching from windows. Ive used apt in the past a little thats why I was thinking of kubuntu for work. Im trying to learn to code in my free time. I dont really understand how config files work or how to know what to type, i would probably end up copy and pasting things and if they didnt work find another resource to copy and paste from. But wanted to know what is a power user and what should I start learning to become one.
dkopgerpgdolfg@reddit
There's no single definition, but a possible one: Someone that does more advanced and intensive things than average people, and has the knowledge to do so.
If someone uses a webbrowser and MS Word in their 9-5 job, it's not a power user. If someone knows about many ways configurations etc. to make the browser usage more secure, sets up a network printer that Word will use, writes shell scripts, runs several VMs that compile things 24/7, ... that's better.
Overlaps with being an IT administrator (for a company etc.) and/or software developer are possible (but not required, and sadly there are developers that don't qualify too)
This depends 100% on the specific software that you want to configure.
Other than that, I'd recommend you to not stick with one distribution.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Im familiar with and used about 40% of what you've mentioned. So this helps me to know what I should learn next. Thanks
Yaniekk@reddit
To become a "power user" you just need to practise. Linux follows the rule of practice makes perfect. The more you use it the easier it becomes. There are no shortcuts.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Thats great then, as I dont ever see myself going back to windows. Thanks
deanrihpee@reddit
in order to be power user, you at least need to delete/brick your OS a few times, it's a rite of passage
/s
DifferentVariety3298@reddit
It’s like those nineties ninja movies on VHS. Only with a kernel and a keyboard.
jafinn@reddit
A power user is just someone who understands the OS beyond normal use and can troubleshoot and optimize their own system. Maybe a bit simplified but the gist is basically someone who knows more about the OS than your average user.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Sounds similar to a windows power user, i think im starting to understand.
J2MES@reddit
A power user is just someone who goes more in depth in their system than most consumers do. There’s different levels to this sort of thing.
Ubuntu \ Linux mint >—— easiest distros, minimal configing Zorin OS /
Debian - stable releases every year. Ubuntu and mint are built from these and modify it to make it more accessible. More manual installing and configuration for example - you have to set up sudo manually
Arch - rolling releases (the second a packages updates you get it when you run sudo pacman -Syu). Very minimalist distro. It’s like building your car before you drive it. Notoriously annoying to install but completely removes bloat because the only software on your hardware is exactly what you put on it. Took me 6 hours to install mine because I barely knew what I was doing and I hit some snags following an incorrect YouTube tutorial. Use the wiki for sure
Gentoo - arch provides precompiled binaries that you choose to install. Gentoo is like arch in that you have to build the car before you drive it, but instead of just buying parts you fabricate them yourself. The philosophy is that a precompiled binary has support for LOTS of different hardware, you can even further reduce bloat and maximize your resources by only compiling what you need for your specific hardware. It also reduces the surface for attacks because there’s less code for vulnerabilities to be in. That’s useful for servers but a bit overkill for most use cases, but pretty secure
I run arch on my laptop and it’s not broken on me at all since I installed it. I’d 100% recommend using one that’s more accessible though. It’s all about the philosophy you want to live by
cigh@reddit
I think a power user is a person that does not think when doing something. A person who knows their environment.
So if you need to edit a config file, you know where it is and instantly can get it up to edit. A power user is not specific to OS. There are excel power users as well.
So to "be" a power user you need to get to know your environment and be curious in general.
I can never recommend using two distributions with different package managers. If you find a tool you like to help with your work flow, and you want to use it on your gaming pc, and it is not in the repos, this can mean different workflows on different machines.
My main "power user" benefits come from the fact that all machines (or at least in user space) they behave the same. So same commands, same tools, same scripts.
Before becoming a power user try becoming a user first. Be curious to look under the hood.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Good advice, so if i do decide to dual boot, ill try to use 2 OS's with the same package managers.
No-Camera-720@reddit
It's the "alpha male" equivalent of computer administration: A meaningless term that fascinates the weak and useless.
FryBoyter@reddit
This is how I define a power user.
In my view, the latter is the key point. Just because someone uses a particular distribution or tool doesn't necessarily mean they're a power user.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Ok so I'll try to learn the skills ill use the most in as much detail as possible.
mina86ng@reddit
Just start using Linux. It’ll come to you.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Thanks
raurentsu@reddit
My recommendation if you're new to linux is not to dual boot and just take one beginner friendly distro and stick with it. Kubuntu seems like an okay choice.
I don't think the term power user is well defined, it's just a vague word for someone who's good at linuxing.
This is where everybody starts and most people don't go beyond that. For most services you'll develop a good enough understanding on dos and don'ts and what you can and can't do. If you stick with it and keep a curious mind you'll be an expert user in no time.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Thats good advice, thanks. Ill try to stick with one OS then.
NotQuiteLoona@reddit
Well, starting with Cachy is probably one of the best ways. While it's generally easy to use, it also doesn't hide you from terminal and it's very flexible. It does require you to use terminal though, to install packages. Just use your system and see what you need to do - this will allow you to learn better than all those guides and courses.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Thats good to know, thanks.
Four_Muffins@reddit
I suggest looking at rule 1 for resources.
Kopaka261@reddit (OP)
Good idea, thanks
MatchingTurret@reddit
Comes with a power cord.
SwizzleTizzle@reddit
They're the root user's liutenants
elusivemoods@reddit
...linux user who lifts weights. 💪