how do i connect my Arduino Nano to my Linux Laptop update:
I uninstalled the portable package of Arduino IDE, completely, and installed the IDE using sudo apt install arduino. yes, I verified that my Nano was plugged in, the status on the bottom right says Arduino Nano w/ ATmega328 on COM1, but sadly the IDE won't explain to me why the Tools &gt; Serial Port section is still unavailable. 

Also, the online version doesn't recognize the board even though it's plugged in and configured in the settings to look for a "Nano". I also used a reliable USB Hub I use for my drawing tablet, because that was one of the remedies to troubleshoot the lack of connection, and because the Hub seems to do a lot of good things around here.

end of update

I received an Arduino Nano as a gift a couple months ago and had to place it on a shelf as a mere dust collector, because it was not as easy as I thought it would be to get it working. 
I plugged the Nano into my computer with a cable, and attempted to load an example "blink" program and it gives errors saying "no device connected" in the errors. 

It does light up and flash, so I know it is receiving power, so how do I specify where the Nano is? 
I am familiar with the /dev category and how to use code in Linux, but I don't know how to communicate with the Arduino, as in, know which block device the Nano is in /dev

now that Thomas has brought to my attention the "port" setting in the drop down menus, I just realized that the port is greyed out. that could be a good detail in troubleshooting this issue.
In the Arduino IDE, the mcu will show up in Tools &gt; Port.
Your Arduino Nano will probably be visible at /dev/ttyUSB0 or /dev/ttyUSB1 following whatever is already plugged on USB. Make sure to select it.

Select Nano in Tools &gt; Board.

Last step is  Verify/Compile your code (^R), then Upload (^U).

This link sounds to be a good read to start.