Getting Started with LTspice
LightningHawk 
Introduction to LTspice
Linear Technology provides useful and free design simulation tools as well as device models. This tutorial will cover the basics of using LTspice IV, a free integrated circuit simulator.
Getting Started
To download LTspice IV for Windows click here, and for Mac OS X 10.7+ click here. Linear Technology updates these packages so check the website for updates. I linked the executable because this is the version I will be using for the tutorial.
Here are some installation guides for PlayOnLinux:
Once you open an instance of LTspice IV check out the video below to see how to get started navigating through the menu, setting your schematic and waveform preferences, adding a new schematic, placing parts and organizing your schematic and finally running a simple DC operating point on a voltage divider.
Helpful Hints
Hot keys and Simulator Directives - Make your life easier with shortcuts. The Simulator Directives are your Dot commands. I suggest you look through these very carefully in the HELP menu in LTspice. The help menu will show you the syntax and give descriptions for each one. Specific commands will be covered one-by-one in future videos. If you are having trouble getting one or more to work please head over to the forum.
Labels- Turn to page 23 to see how to label values such as using 8k instead of 8000.