ABC of Linux: Learn the Basics :Decode the Terminal Like a Pro

Tarun NayakTarun Nayak
9 min read

Welcome to My Linux & Internet Learning Journey!

If you’ve ever wondered how the internet actually works or how developers use that mysterious black screen called the Linux terminal, you’re in the right place.

I’ve recently started learning everything from internet basics to hands-on Linux commands — and in this blog series, I’m going to share it all with you, step by step.

No technical background? No problem.
We’ll keep it simple, practical, and beginner-friendly.

Let’s decode the world of servers, networks, and Linux together — one topic at a time.

All Topics We Will Follow Below

  1. How does the Internet Work? What are Servers?

  2. What is Linux OS? How to Set Up a Linux Server?

  3. Linux Basic Commands

  4. Advanced Linux Commands

  5. Users and Groups Management in Linux

  6. File Management in Linux

  7. File Transfer Commands

  8. Linux Networking Commands

  9. AWK, GREP, FIND, SED (Pro Linux Commands)

  10. Linux Volume Management

  11. LVM (Logical Volume Manager) in Linux

Start with Internet & Server Basics

Before jumping into the Linux terminal, it's important to understand:

  • How the Internet Works
    What really happens when you type a URL in your browser? We’ll break it down — from your device to the server and back.

  • What is a Server?
    A server is a computer that stores and shares data. You’ll also learn how to set up a basic Linux server on your own.

Then Dive Into Linux – Step by Step

Next, you'll explore the world of Linux with real hands-on commands and concepts:

  1. Linux Basic Commands
    Commands like cd, ls, pwd, mkdir, touch, and more — everything you need to start using the terminal confidently.

  2. Advanced Linux Commands
    Learn commands for permissions, processes, and automation — like chmod, ps, and kill.

  3. Users and Groups Management
    Understand how Linux manages access and how to add or organize users.

  4. File Management
    Copy, move, rename, and delete files like a pro.

  5. File Transfer Commands
    Transfer files across systems using scp, rsync, or sftp.

  6. Networking Commands
    Explore tools like ping, ifconfig, curl, and netstat to work with networks.

  7. Pro Commands – AWK, GREP, FIND, SED
    Learn to search, filter, and process data using powerful text-processing tools.

  8. Linux Volume Management
    Understand how to manage storage — including mounting and formatting drives.

  9. LVM (Logical Volume Manager)
    Get into advanced storage with flexible volume setup and resizing.

Why Follow This Series?

Whether you're a student, self-learner, or beginner in tech, this series will help you:

  • Understand how technology works

  • Practice real-world Linux commands

  • Build confidence in using the terminal

Each blog will be short, focused, and written for absolute beginners.

Understanding the Internet, Servers, and Applications

Whether you're a student, job seeker, or tech enthusiast, having a basic understanding of how the internet and applications work is essential. Let’s break it down into simple terms.

How Does the Internet Work?

The internet is like a huge network of computers connected around the world. When you type a website name (like www.google.com), your device sends a request through your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This request travels through routers and switches until it reaches the server that hosts the website. The server then sends the webpage data back to your device, which your browser displays. This process happens in milliseconds!

What Is a Server?

A server is a powerful computer that stores, processes, and delivers data to other computers (called clients). It can serve websites, files, emails, and more. Think of it like a waiter in a restaurant—taking orders (requests) and bringing food (data).

Web Server vs. Application Server

  • Web Server: Delivers static content like HTML, CSS, images (e.g., Apache, Nginx).

  • Application Server: Handles business logic and dynamic content processing (e.g., Tomcat, WebLogic).

Types of Applications

  1. Standalone Applications – Installed and run on a single device (e.g., MS Word, VLC).

  2. Web Applications – Accessed via a browser; runs on remote servers (e.g., Gmail, Facebook).

  3. Mobile Applications – Designed specifically for smartphones (e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram).

  4. Enterprise Applications – Used by organizations for business operations (e.g., ERP systems).

What Are Standalone Apps?

These apps do not require an internet connection or a server. They are fully self-contained and run independently on your device. Examples: Calculator, Notepad.

What Are Web Applications?

Web apps run on a browser and require internet access. The user interface is delivered by a web server, and business logic is handled by an application server. Example: Online banking portals, YouTube.

What Is Application Support?

Application support ensures an app runs smoothly after it's been deployed. It includes monitoring performance, resolving bugs, handling user queries, and updating the software as needed.

What Is Application Maintenance?

Maintenance involves improving or modifying applications post-deployment. This could include:

  • Fixing bugs

  • Enhancing features

  • Adapting to new environments

  • Ensuring security updates

Conclusion

Understanding these basic concepts helps you grasp how digital systems work and prepares you for deeper learning or technical interviews. In a world that runs on software, a little knowledge goes a long way!

Introduction to Linux – A Beginner’s Guide

Linux powers everything from smartphones to servers and is a vital skill for anyone in tech. If you're just starting out, this guide will give you a clear, non-technical overview of Linux fundamentals without going into installation steps or commands.

What is Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system (OS), like Windows or macOS, but with a key difference: it’s free and fully customizable. It manages hardware resources and provides the foundation for running applications.

Linux is known for:

  • High performance

  • Security and stability

  • Use in servers, supercomputers, cloud platforms, and even Android

Difference Between Linux and Windows

FeatureLinuxWindows
CostFree and open-sourcePaid (licensed)
CustomizationHighly customizableLimited
SecurityLess vulnerable to virusesNeeds antivirus
User ControlFull control (root access)Restricted admin features
Use CasesServers, development, cloudOffice work, gaming

Bottom Line: Linux is ideal for developers, system admins, and anyone who values privacy and control.

Software Remote Location Server Tools

In Linux, you often manage servers from a distance using remote tools. Some of the most common ones include:

  • SSH (Secure Shell): Securely connects to a remote Linux system from another device.

  • rsync / scp: Used for file transfer across systems.

  • FTP / SFTP: Protocols for transferring files between computers.

  • VNC / RDP: For graphical remote desktop access.

These tools help you control servers even if they are miles away—no physical access required!

What Are the Kernel, Bootloader, and Shell?

These are the core components that make Linux work:

  • Kernel: The heart of the OS. Manages hardware and system processes.

  • Bootloader: Runs first when the computer starts, and loads the kernel.

  • Shell: Interface between the user and the system. You type commands here (like Bash).

Bootloader → Starts the system
Kernel → Manages the system
Shell → Lets you talk to the system

Desktop Environment

A desktop environment is the graphical layer you interact with—icons, taskbars, windows, etc. Popular Linux desktop environments include:

  • GNOME (used in Ubuntu)

  • KDE Plasma

  • XFCE (lightweight and fast)

Each one offers a different look, feel, and performance.

Linux System Architecture

Linux follows a modular architecture:

sqlCopyEditUser Space
   ↑
System Libraries
   ↑
Kernel Space (core)
   ↑
Hardware

This layered design improves security, efficiency, and performance.

Information About Hardware

Linux has built-in tools to detect and monitor hardware such as:

  • CPU

  • RAM

  • Disk

  • Network interfaces

These tools help system administrators understand and optimize system performance.

Linux File System

Linux has a unique file system structure. Everything is treated as a file—even hardware devices.

Some key directories:

  • /home – User files

  • /etc – System configuration

  • /var – Logs

  • /bin – Basic system programs

  • /dev – Device files

No drive letters like “C:” in Linux — everything starts from a single root / directory.

Summary

Linux isn’t just for experts — it’s for anyone curious about how computers and servers truly work. With its modular design, security-first approach, and flexibility, Linux continues to be the backbone of modern computing.

Up next? You can explore Linux commands and start using it hands-on through a virtual machine or online terminal.

Basic Linux Commands – A Beginner’s Guide

Linux runs on the command line interface (CLI) — a powerful way to interact with the system using text commands. Here are some of the most essential commands every beginner should know.

Let’s break them down one by one:

ls – List Directory Contents

The ls command shows the files and folders in your current directory.

bashCopyEditls

Use it to see what’s inside a folder.
Add -l for detailed info (permissions, size, etc.):

bashCopyEditls -l

cd – Change Directory

cd is used to move between folders.

bashCopyEditcd Documents
cd ..

.. goes back one level.
Use cd / to go to the root directory.

pwd – Print Working Directory

Shows your current location in the file system.

bashCopyEditpwd

Example output: /home/tarun/Desktop

mkdir – Make Directory

Creates a new folder (directory).

bashCopyEditmkdir Projects

This makes a folder named Projects in your current path.

Deleting Files & Folders – rm, rmdir

  • rm is used to delete files.

  • rmdir deletes empty directories.

bashCopyEditrm file.txt
rmdir old_folder

Use with care! Files deleted this way don’t go to Trash.

To delete a folder with all contents:

bashCopyEditrm -r my_folder

cat, zcat – View File Content

  • cat shows the content of a file.
bashCopyEditcat notes.txt
  • zcat is for compressed files (like .gz).
bashCopyEditzcat archive.gz

touch – Create Empty Files

Used to create an empty file quickly.

bashCopyEdittouch newfile.txt

Also updates file timestamps if the file exists.

head – Show First Few Lines

Displays the top part of a file (default is 10 lines).

bashCopyEdithead file.txt

Add -n for custom number of lines:

bashCopyEdithead -n 5 file.txt

tail, tail -f – View End of File

  • tail shows the last 10 lines.

  • tail -f keeps watching the file in real time (great for logs!).

bashCopyEdittail logfile.txt
tail -f server.log

less, more – Scroll Through File

Both allow you to scroll through large text files page by page.

bashCopyEditless bigfile.txt
more bigfile.txt

Use arrow keys to navigate. Press q to quit.

Summary

CommandPurpose
lsList contents
cdChange directory
pwdShow current path
mkdirCreate directory
rm/rmdirDelete file/folder
cat/zcatView file contents
touchCreate empty file
headShow start of file
tailShow end of file
less/moreScroll through text files

Wrap Up

These basic Linux commands are your first step to mastering the terminal. Practice using them in a safe environment (like Ubuntu or an online Linux shell), and soon the CLI will feel like second nature.

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Written by

Tarun Nayak
Tarun Nayak

👨‍💻 Tarun Nayak | Tech Explorer | 3rd Year CSE Student | Future Cloud & DevOps Engineer I'm Tarun Nayak, a 3rd-year Computer Science student with a passion for building a career in the IT sector from the ground up. 🚀 I write about my journey in tech — from understanding the basics of programming and data structures to diving into Cloud Computing, DevOps, and Web Development. Through this blog, I aim to share what I learn, document my projects, and help others who are starting from scratch just like I did. 📌 Interests: AWS & Cloud Fundamentals ☁️ Full-Stack Web Development 🌐 DevOps Tools & Practices 🛠️ Learning by Doing: Real Projects & Use-Cases 📈 Preparing for a future in the IT industry, one step at a time. Let’s grow together. 💻✨