Linux Fundamentals

What Is Linux?

Answer: Linux is an open-source operating system created by Linus Torvalds. It's used in a wide range of applications, especially in servers and software development, making up a large portion of the market. While it typically uses a command-line interface (CLI), many versions also offer user-friendly graphical interfaces (GUI). One of its standout features is strong built-in security, reducing the need for antivirus software. Linux supports multiple users and allows running several tasks simultaneously through its shell, which is why it's popular for both servers and desktops.

Why is Linux Different from Windows?

Answer: Linux and Windows are different in several important ways. Linux is known for being very stable because it has a strong community that quickly fixes problems. It's also highly customizable, with many versions made for different kinds of users, so it's easy to find one that fits your needs, whether you're used to Windows or Mac. Security is another big advantage of Linux—it's less likely to get viruses compared to Windows. Plus, Linux cares more about your privacy by default, with less tracking of your activities. And Linux is usually free, so you don't have to pay for the operating system or most of the software you use. Overall, these things make Linux a great choice if you want a stable, customizable, secure, private, and cost-effective operating system.

Architecture of Linux Diagram

Architecture of Linux

Essential Linux Commands for System Management?

Answers:

  • File and Directory Management

    • ls: Lists directory contents

    • pwd: Shows current directory path

    • cd: Changes directory

    • mkdir: Creates a new directory

    • rm: Deletes files or directories

    • cp: Copy files or directories

    • mv: Moves or renames files or directories

    • touch: Creates an empty file

    • file: Checks file type

    • zip, unzip, tar: Archives and extracts files

  • Text Editing and Manipulation

    • nano, vi, jed: Text editors for file editing

    • cat: Concatenates and displays file content

    • grep: searches for patterns in files

    • sed: Stream editor for modifying files

    • head, tail: Displays beginning or end of file

    • awk: Pattern scanning and processing language

    • sort, cut, diff: Sorting, cutting, and comparing file contents

  • System and Process Management

    • ps, top, htop: Displays running processes and system resources

    • kill: Terminates processes

    • jobs: Manages shell jobs

    • shutdown: Shuts down or restarts the system

    • ping: Checks network connectivity

    • wget, curl: Downloads files or transmits data

    • scp, rsync: Securely copies or synchronizes files

    • ifconfig, netstat, traceroute: Network configuration and diagnostics

  • User and Permissions Management

    • sudo, su: Executes commands as superuser or another user

    • chmod: Modifies file permissions

    • Chown: Changes file ownership

    • useradd, userdel: Adds or removes user accounts

  • System Information and Utilities

    • uname, hostname: Displays system and network information

    • time: Measures command execution time

    • systemctl: Manages system services

    • watch: Executes a command repeatedly

    • history: Lists command history

    • man: Displays command manuals

    • echo: Prints messages

  • Networking and Connectivity

    • ifconfig, netstat: Network interface and routing information

    • ping, traceroute, nslookup, dig: Network diagnostics and DNS queries

  • Miscellaneous Utilities

    • Cal: Displays a calendar

    • apt-get: Manages package libraries on Debian-based systems

    • ln: Creates links between files or directories

    • alias, unalias: Sets or removes command aliases

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bodhiswatwa chowdhury
bodhiswatwa chowdhury