Getting Started with Linux: What It Is and Why It Matters in DevOps

Table of contents
- What is Linux?
- 🛠 Linux v/s UNIX:
- 🧠 Linux as a Kernel vs. Linux as an Operating System
- 🔹 What is a Linux operating system?
- 🕰️ A Brief History of Linux
- 🌍 Linux Today
- 🚀 Why Linux Is Important — Especially in DevOps
- 💼 Why DevOps Needs Linux
- 🧭 Bottom Line
- 📌 What is a Linux Distribution (Distro)?
- 🎯 Why Are There So Many Linux Distros?
- 🌟 Top 5 Linux Distributions You Should Know
- 🧭 So, Which Linux Distro Should You Use to Learn?
- 🧰 Beginner’s Guide: How to Install Linux Using VirtualBox (Step-by-Step)
- 🔻 What You’ll Need:
- 🧱 Step 1: Download VirtualBox
- 🧱 Step 2: Download a Linux ISO File
- 💻 Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox
- 🧠 Step 4: Allocate Memory (RAM)
- 💾 Step 5: Create a Virtual Hard Disk
- 📂 Step 6: Load the Linux ISO
- 🟢 Step 7: Start the Virtual Machine and Install Ubuntu
- 🖥️ How to Use Linux on a Windows or Mac:
- 🛠️ Linux in DevOps: Real-World Use Cases (And Why It Matters So Much)
- 🧰 What Does DevOps Actually Mean?
- 🔍 Real-World DevOps Use Cases Where Linux Is Essential
- 🎯 Final Thoughts: You Can’t DevOps Without Linux

What is Linux?
At its core, Linux is an open-source operating system (OS) — just like Windows or macOS — but with a key difference: it's built around the Linux kernel, and it's freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.
But let’s break that down even more simply:
An operating system is the software that acts as a bridge between your computer hardware and the applications you use.
The Linux kernel is the heart of the operating system — it manages system resources like the CPU, memory, and hardware devices.
When people say “Linux,” they usually mean a full Linux-based operating system, which combines the kernel with a collection of useful tools and programs (like command-line utilities, package managers, system libraries, etc.). These complete systems are called Linux distributions (or distros), such as Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, and Debian.
🛠 Linux v/s UNIX:
Linux is heavily inspired by UNIX, a powerful OS developed in the 1970s. While UNIX is often proprietary, Linux is its free, community-driven cousin — designed to follow similar principles but accessible to everyone.
In Short
Linux is the engine that powers everything from smartphones to supercomputers. If you're aiming for a DevOps career, learning Linux is not optional — it's essential.
🧠 Linux as a Kernel vs. Linux as an Operating System
Many people are surprised to learn that “Linux” originally refers only to the kernel, not the entire operating system.
🔹 What is the Kernel?
The kernel is the core part of an operating system. It sits between your computer's hardware and software, handling low-level tasks like:
Managing CPU and memory
Controlling input/output devices (like keyboard, mouse, disk)
Enabling communication between hardware and software
Think of the kernel as the “engine” of the operating system.
🔹 What is a Linux operating system?
A full Linux operating system (commonly called a Linux distribution, or distro) is much more than just the kernel. It includes:
The Linux kernel
Command-line tools and utilities (like
ls
,cp
,grep
, etc.)Package managers (like
apt
,yum
, ordnf
)Optional desktop environments (like GNOME or KDE)
System libraries, services, and other software
Together, this makes a complete system you can use — whether you're running a server, a personal desktop, or a cloud environment.
💡 In short:
Linux (strictly) = just the kernel
Linux OS or distro = kernel + tools + software = usable system
🕰️ A Brief History of Linux
To understand Linux today, it's helpful to look back at where it came from — a journey rooted in the spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and open-source philosophy.
🔹 The UNIX Influence
In the 1970s, an operating system called UNIX was developed at AT&T’s Bell Labs. UNIX was fast, stable, and designed for multi-user systems — features that made it popular in academic and enterprise environments. However, it was proprietary, meaning you had to pay to use or modify it.
Over time, many "UNIX-like" systems emerged, but none were completely free and open until...
🔹 Enter: Linus Torvalds (1991)
In 1991, a Finnish computer science student named Linus Torvalds started a personal project: he wanted to create a free, open-source alternative to UNIX that could run on his personal computer.
He posted the first version of the Linux kernel online, along with this now-famous message:
"I'm doing a (free) operating system — just a hobby, won't be big and professional..."
Little did he know, that small project would become a foundation for modern computing.
🔹 Growth of the Linux Community
Thanks to its open-source license (specifically, the GNU General Public License), developers from around the world began contributing to Linux. Over time, full Linux distributions (combining the Linux kernel with GNU tools and software) emerged — such as:
Debian (1993)
Red Hat Linux (1995)
Ubuntu (2004)
And many others
Each of these distributions tailored Linux for different needs — desktops, servers, cloud computing, enterprise systems, and more.
🌍 Linux Today
Fast forward to now, and Linux is everywhere:
96.5% of the top 1 million web servers run on Linux
Android, the most widely used smartphone OS, is based on the Linux kernel
Most DevOps tools, cloud platforms, and container technologies (like Docker and Kubernetes) are designed to run on Linux
🔑 Key Takeaway: Linux started as a student project — now it powers the world. Its open nature, community support, and adaptability have made it the backbone of modern IT and DevOps.
🚀 Why Linux Is Important — Especially in DevOps
So, you might be wondering:
"Why should I learn Linux? Can’t I just use Windows or macOS for DevOps work?"
Great question — and here's the honest answer:
If you're aiming for a career in DevOps or cloud computing, Linux isn’t just helpful — it's essential.
🌐 Linux is Everywhere in Tech
From powering major websites to running on smartphones, Linux is literally all around us:
Web servers like Apache and Nginx mostly run on Linux.
Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) deploy Linux-based virtual machines by default.
Containers and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes are built with Linux in mind.
CI/CD pipelines, automation scripts, and configuration tools (e.g., Jenkins, Ansible, Terraform) are often Linux-first.
🧠 In fact, over 90% of public cloud workloads run on Linux. That’s why Linux is the go-to OS for developers, system admins, and DevOps engineers.
💼 Why DevOps Needs Linux
DevOps is all about automating infrastructure, deploying apps quickly, and managing systems efficiently. Here’s where Linux shines:
🔧 1. Command-Line Power
Linux gives you full control through its terminal. You can:
Automate tasks with shell scripts
Manage servers remotely using SSH
Monitor system performance in real-time
📦 2. Package Management
Installing and updating software on Linux is smooth with package managers like:
apt
for Ubuntu/Debianyum
/dnf
for CentOS/RHEL
This makes DevOps pipelines more predictable and consistent.
🔒 3. Security and Permissions
Linux has a powerful user permission model. You’ll learn how to:
Manage user roles
Set file-level permissions
Harden servers against attacks
☁️ 4. Cloud-Native Compatibility
Linux is designed for cloud-native environments. You’ll often find:
Linux containers (Docker)
Kubernetes clusters
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools built for Linux systems
🧭 Bottom Line
If you're serious about becoming a DevOps engineer, cloud architect, or SRE, learning Linux is the first (and most important) step.
And the good news?
You don’t need to be a coding genius to learn Linux. With a little practice — and this article series — you'll become confident using it for real-world DevOps scenarios.
🧱 Popular Linux Distributions Explained (Which One Should You Choose?)
If you’ve ever searched for “how to install Linux,” you’ve probably been hit with a bunch of confusing names: Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Fedora, Kali, Arch... and more.
You might be thinking:
“Wait — I just want to learn Linux… why are there so many versions?”
Don’t worry — you’re not alone. In this section, we’ll break down what a Linux distribution is, why they exist, and which ones are best for beginners and DevOps use.
📌 What is a Linux Distribution (Distro)?
A Linux distribution, or distro, is a complete operating system built around the Linux kernel, packaged with different software tools, desktop environments, utilities, and a way to install new software (called a package manager).
🔁 Think of it like Android phones:
The base Android OS is the same, but Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus all put their own style, apps, and features on top.
Same with Linux — every distro has the same engine (kernel) but a different experience.
🎯 Why Are There So Many Linux Distros?
Linux is open-source — that means anyone can modify and share it freely. So, over time, different communities and companies created their own versions to meet specific needs:
Beginners who want a user-friendly desktop
Developers who want full control and customization
Servers that need speed, security, and reliability
DevOps professionals who deploy automation and infrastructure tools
Each distro offers different default software, system tools, update cycles, and performance tweaks.
🌟 Top 5 Linux Distributions You Should Know
Let’s break down the most popular distros you might encounter — and which one’s best for learning DevOps.
1. Ubuntu
Best For: Beginners, Developers, DevOps learners
Base: Debian
Why it’s awesome:
Very beginner-friendly
Massive online support and community
Used widely in cloud servers (especially on AWS, Azure)
Comes with the
apt
package manager — super easy to use
Variants: Ubuntu Server (for DevOps), Ubuntu Desktop (for personal use)
🏆 If you’re just getting started with Linux for DevOps, Ubuntu is the best place to begin.
2. CentOS / Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux
Best For: Enterprise servers, RHEL-based environments
Base: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Why it’s used in DevOps:
Known for stability and security
Common in corporate infrastructure
Great for learning tools like Ansible, SELinux, and YUM/DNF package managers
CentOS Note: CentOS has been replaced by CentOS Stream, but Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux now serve as its alternatives.
📦 If you're preparing for real-world DevOps jobs in enterprise environments, you’ll definitely come across one of these RHEL-based systems.
3. Debian
Best For: Developers, Sysadmins who want stability
Base: Original (Ubuntu is based on Debian)
Why it matters:
Extremely stable
Less frequent updates, but very reliable
Used as a base for other distros (like Ubuntu, Kali)
🤓 If you want to get closer to the "roots" of Ubuntu, Debian is worth checking out.
4. Fedora
Best For: Developers, tech enthusiasts
Base: Red Hat
Why it’s interesting:
Has the latest features (cutting edge)
Great for testing the future of enterprise Linux
Uses the DNF package manager
Not as common in production servers but great for development environments
5. Arch Linux (Advanced)
Best For: Power users, Linux purists
Base: Independent
Why it’s famous:
Super customizable (build your own system from scratch)
Great for learning how Linux works under the hood
Comes with
pacman
package manager
Warning: Not for beginners!
💡 Arch is a great teacher, but it doesn’t hold your hand. Start here only if you're confident with Linux basics.
🧭 So, Which Linux Distro Should You Use to Learn?
For DevOps beginners, I highly recommend starting with Ubuntu Server or Ubuntu Desktop. It’s user-friendly, well-documented, and widely used in cloud and DevOps environments.
Once you're comfortable, you can experiment with CentOS/Rocky for enterprise-level skills, or even try Debian/Fedora for variety.
📌 Summary: Choosing the Right Linux Distro
Distro | Best For | Package Manager | DevOps-Friendly |
Ubuntu | Beginners, Cloud | apt | ✅✅✅ |
CentOS/Rocky | Enterprise servers | yum / dnf | ✅✅ |
Debian | Stable environments | apt | ✅✅ |
Fedora | Latest tech/devs | dnf | ✅ |
Arch | Power users (advanced) | pacman | ❌ |
🧰 Beginner’s Guide: How to Install Linux Using VirtualBox (Step-by-Step)
Installing Linux inside a virtual machine (VM) is the safest and easiest way to learn Linux on your current computer — whether you're using Windows or macOS. This method uses Oracle VirtualBox, a free virtualization software.
🔻 What You’ll Need:
A computer running Windows or macOS
At least 8 GB RAM (4 GB minimum, but 8+ recommended)
Oracle VirtualBox installed (we’ll show you how)
A downloaded Linux ISO image (we’ll link you to Ubuntu)
20–30 GB of free disk space
🧱 Step 1: Download VirtualBox
Go to the official VirtualBox website:
👉 https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Select the installer for your system:
Windows hosts → download
.exe
fileOS X hosts (macOS) → download
.dmg
file
📥 Install it like any normal software (double-click and follow the on-screen instructions).
🧱 Step 2: Download a Linux ISO File
For beginners, we recommend Ubuntu Desktop LTS (Long Term Support) — stable, user-friendly, and great for DevOps.
👉 Download Ubuntu Desktop LTS ISO:
🔗 https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
Choose the latest LTS version (e.g., Ubuntu 22.04 LTS) — it’s more stable for beginners.
💻 Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox
Once VirtualBox is installed and Ubuntu ISO is downloaded, follow these steps:
✅ For both Windows & macOS users:
Open VirtualBox and click New
Name: “Ubuntu-Linux” (or whatever you prefer)
Type: Linux
Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)
Click Next
🧠 Step 4: Allocate Memory (RAM)
Recommended: 4096 MB (4 GB)
Minimum: 2048 MB (2 GB)
Click Next
💾 Step 5: Create a Virtual Hard Disk
Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now”
Disk type: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
Storage: Dynamically allocated
Size: 25 GB (minimum 15 GB, but 25+ GB preferred)
Click Create
📂 Step 6: Load the Linux ISO
Now let’s mount the ISO so the VM can install Ubuntu:
Select the VM you created (Ubuntu-Linux)
Click Settings > Storage
Under Controller: IDE, click the empty disk icon
On the right side, click the disk icon > Choose a disk file
Select the Ubuntu
.iso
file you downloadedClick OK
🟢 Step 7: Start the Virtual Machine and Install Ubuntu
Click Start (green arrow)
Ubuntu will boot from the ISO file
Choose “Install Ubuntu”
Select:
Keyboard layout: Default (e.g., English)
Normal installation
Choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu (this only affects the virtual disk — your real system is safe!)
Continue with the installation
Create a username and password for the system
Wait for installation to complete (~5–10 mins), then restart the VM
🎉 Congrats! You now have a working Linux system on your machine.
🖥️ How to Use Linux on a Windows or Mac:
Open VirtualBox
Select your Linux VM
Click Start
You can now practice Linux commands, install software, and follow along with the rest of this series!
⚙️ Mac-Specific Tip:
If VirtualBox gives you a "security blocked" error on macOS:
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy
Click Allow next to Oracle America, Inc.
Reopen VirtualBox
🧠 Bonus Tip:
Want a faster, more DevOps-like experience?
Install Ubuntu Server ISO instead of the Desktop
It’s command-line only (no GUI) and feels more like a real production server
Download Ubuntu Server ISO here:
👉 https://ubuntu.com/download/server
🛠️ Linux in DevOps: Real-World Use Cases (And Why It Matters So Much)
By now, you’ve understood what Linux is, why it’s important, and even how to install it on your system. But you might still be thinking:
“Okay, cool — but how exactly is Linux used in real DevOps work?”
That’s exactly what we’re going to explore in this section.
This part is important because once you start seeing how Linux fits into the DevOps workflow, things will really begin to click — and you'll start learning with purpose, not just theory.
Let’s break it down in a simple, real-world way.
🧰 What Does DevOps Actually Mean?
DevOps (short for Development + Operations) is all about:
Building apps
Deploying them fast
Automating everything
Monitoring systems to make sure they don’t go down
And guess what?
Almost every tool, pipeline, and cloud environment that supports this magic — runs on Linux.
🔍 Real-World DevOps Use Cases Where Linux Is Essential
Let’s walk through real things DevOps engineers do and how Linux plays a direct role in them.
⚙️ 1. Server Management
Most production servers run on Linux (especially Ubuntu, CentOS, or Debian). A DevOps engineer needs to:
Login via SSH
Check logs using commands like
tail
,journalctl
,cat
,grep
Restart services using
systemctl
orservice
Manage users and file permissions
🧠 Example:
bashCopyEditssh devops@192.168.1.10
sudo systemctl restart nginx
If you don’t know how Linux works, you simply can’t manage real infrastructure.
🛠️ 2. Automation with Shell Scripting
Automation is the heart of DevOps. Linux makes this super easy using Bash scripts.
You’ll automate tasks like:
Creating backup files
Cleaning up logs
Deploying apps
Setting up cron jobs (scheduled tasks)
🧠 Example:
bashCopyEdit#!/bin/bash
tar -czf backup-$(date +%F).tar.gz /var/www/html
With just a few lines of shell script, you can automate your day-to-day tasks.
📦 3. Working with Configuration Management Tools
Tools like Ansible, Chef, and Puppet run commands on remote Linux systems to configure and maintain them.
You’ll need to:
Understand file paths like
/etc/nginx/nginx.conf
Know how to restart services
Modify config files via terminal
🧠 Ansible Example:
yamlCopyEdit- name: Restart nginx
service:
name: nginx
state: restarted
These tools all expect you to be comfortable with Linux internals.
🐳 4. Containers & Docker
Docker containers are lightweight virtual environments that run on Linux by default.
To use Docker effectively, you must understand:
How Linux file systems work
The
Dockerfile
syntaxPermissions and user access
🧠 Example:
DockerfileCopyEditFROM ubuntu:22.04
RUN apt update && apt install -y nginx
CMD ["nginx", "-g", "daemon off;"]
Even if you’re using Docker on Windows or macOS, it’s still using a Linux VM in the background.
☁️ 5. Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Every major cloud platform uses Linux virtual machines as their default option.
As a DevOps engineer, you’ll regularly:
Spin up EC2 instances (AWS Linux/Ubuntu)
Install and configure services via terminal
Use Linux commands to monitor cloud resource usage
🧠 Common tasks:
bashCopyEditsudo apt update
sudo apt install nginx
Without Linux skills, navigating the cloud becomes 10x harder.
🔒 6. Security, Access & Networking
Linux offers deep control over security and access. You’ll need to:
Manage SSH keys
Set firewall rules with
ufw
oriptables
Understand permissions (
chmod
,chown
)
🧠 Example:
bashCopyEditchmod 600 ~/.ssh/id_rsa
ufw allow 22/tcp
In DevOps, securing systems is just as important as deploying them.
🎯 Final Thoughts: You Can’t DevOps Without Linux
If DevOps is the engine, Linux is the fuel.
If DevOps is the control room, Linux is the keyboard.
From running servers to scripting automation, deploying containers, or scaling cloud infrastructure — Linux is everywhere in the DevOps world.
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