home hobbyist instructions

My name is David.

I just got a Genmitsu 3018-PRO. I have very little idea what to do.
Will someone tell me where in linuxcnc or on the internet where I can get starting instructions.

Side question, can I use my desktop or should I get a dedicated laptop?

Thank you for your help.

Starting instructions for what? What do you want to do?

I can only point you to the documentation: linuxcnc.org/docs/html/
As your machine has stepper motors I would suggest just start with linuxcnc.org/docs/html/config/stepconf.html

I would suggest using a desktop PC instead of a laptop. The power saving functions and shared memory of a laptop might not lead to the best performance and latency.
A desktop PC you also can expand easily with PCI/PCIe cards.

I am looking for instructions about turning a picture into a 2D or 3D carving.
I want to learn CAD/CAM program.

I am running Linux Mint.

Well, there is a CAD/CAM subforum here so maybe you can get specific help with turning a picture into G-code for a carving there.

But LinuxCNC is an alternative to GRBL, so for instructions on how to control your machine, you are probably on the wrong forum. For figuring out what computer and OS you need to communicate with a GRBL controller you might want to turn somewhere else.

Last question. How do I close this thread?

Thank you for your help and guidance.
David

I don't think there's any way to close a thread; also there's no need.

Good luck on your CNC adventures! (And if you want to convert your machine to LinuxCNC in the future, you are of course welcome back. )