Introduction to Linux
Linux is a free and open-source operating system (OS) based on the Unix architecture. It was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and has since grown into one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, powering servers, desktops, embedded systems, and even Android smartphones.
Key Features of Linux
- Open Source: The source code is freely available for modification and distribution.
- Multi-User & Multi-Tasking: Supports multiple users and processes running simultaneously.
- Security: Strong permission and user-role systems prevent unauthorized access.
- Stability & Performance: Linux is known for its reliability and efficiency, even under heavy workloads.
- Customizability: Users can modify the OS to suit their needs.
Popular Linux Distributions (Distros)
- Ubuntu: User-friendly, great for beginners.
- Debian: Stable and widely used in servers.
- Fedora: Cutting-edge features, backed by Red Hat.
- CentOS/RHEL: Enterprise-grade stability.
- Arch Linux: Lightweight and highly customizable.
- Kali Linux: Security and penetration testing.
Linux File System Hierarchy
Understanding the Linux file system structure is crucial for navigation and administration:
| Directory |
Purpose |
/ |
Root directory |
/bin |
Essential user binaries (commands) |
/etc |
System configuration files |
/home |
User home directories |
/var |
Variable data (logs, databases) |
/usr |
User programs and libraries |
/tmp |
Temporary files |
/boot |
Boot loader files |
/dev |
Device files |
/proc |
Process and kernel information |