No idea where you are in your trek, but if you can find the time learn how to use virtual machines (or use an old laptop) so you can test stuff without fear of breaking a machine you rely on.

When I want to use a new package or make a change to my setup I will do it in a virtual machine as many times as it takes until I get it right, then use my notes to do it on my daily driver. I went from a Windows only user to daily driving Linux in about a year thanks to keeping good notes.