A helpful way to think of Linux is to think of it as a hobby. Linux can be simple and fairly easy to install (Ubuntu or Mint for example), but it can also go very deep with options and configurations to keep most computer hobbyists (hackers) happy.
Video gaming is a hobby that requires that you pay $60 every time you need a new fix depending on how quickly you get bored of a game. Many gamers get bored in about 1-2 weeks. On the other hand, most Linux software is available for free, so you can explore new Linux distros and software anytime you get bored and it's won't cost you anything other than your time.
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| You don't need a 32 GB flash drive for Linux installation. A 8 GB or even 4 GB will do fine. |
Linux Supply Kit
Before you get started, you will need to create a Linux Supply Kit. The supply kit will make Linux installation much quicker and easier. The kit consists of the following:
1 - USB Flash Drive (Also called USB thumb drive)
2 - Second hard drive (Optional)
The USB flash drive allows you to install and re-install Linux distros as fast and easy as plugging a USB device into your computer. The 2nd hard drive is to protect your existing important files (like photos, email, personal data) from being accidentally deleted when you install, upgrade, or change different versions of Linux. The 2nd hard drive does not need to be very large because it's just for your operating systems (Windows, Linux, etc.). It only has to be 40 to 80 GB depending on how many operating systems you want to install at a time. Bigger is of course better, but you can get away with 40 GB just fine. You can usually find a 250 GB on Craig's list for about $10 to $20, so it's not expensive to have piece of mind. Therefore, you don't really need a 2nd hard drive to start playing with Linux, but it gives extra protection for your important data files.
All in all, if you are going to dabble in the world of Linux, go out to the store (or shop online) and slap down a whole $5 to $10 for a flash drive and it will make your new Linux hobby that much more enjoyable.
2015 Linux Beast Magazine
