Learn Linux in Easy Steps
- Sharon Rajendra Manmothe
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Step 1: Understanding Linux Basics to Learn Linux in
What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source operating system based on Unix.
It powers servers, desktops, smartphones (like Android), and IoT devices.
Key Terms:
Kernel: The core of Linux that communicates with hardware.
Distribution (Distro): A version of Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Kali, CentOS).
Shell: A command-line interface (CLI) for interacting with the OS (e.g., Bash).
Step 2: Installing Linux
Option 1: Install Linux on a Virtual Machine (Recommended for Beginners)
Download a VM software (e.g., VirtualBox or VMware).
Install Linux on a Virtual Machine Download a Linux distribution ISO file (e.g., Ubuntu or Fedora).
Create a virtual machine in your VM software and install Linux.
Create a virtual machine in your VM software and install Linux
Option 2: Dual-Boot or Full Installation
Dual-boot Linux alongside Windows/Mac or replace your current OS.
Option 3: Live USB
Use a Linux live USB for experimentation without installation.
Step 3: Learn Basic Linux Commands
Open the Terminal:
Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + T (on most distros).
Terminal is your gateway to Linux power.
Essential Commands:
pwd- Print the current working directory.
ls- List files and directories in the current location.
cd <dir>:- Change directory to <dir>.
mkdir <dir> - Create a directory named <dir>.
touch <file> - Create an empty file named <file>.
rm <file> - Delete a file.
cp <src> <dest> - Copy a file/directory to another location.
mv <src> <dest> - Move or rename a file/directory.
cat <file>- Display the contents of a file.
man <command> - Show the manual for a command (e.g., man ls).
sudo <command> - Run a command with administrative privileges.
Step 4: Learn the File System Structure
Root (/): The base of the Linux file system.
Home (/home): Stores user files (like C:\Users in Windows).
Bin (/bin): Contains essential command binaries (e.g., ls, cp).
Var (/var): Stores variable data like logs and caches.
Etc (/etc): Contains configuration files.
Tmp (/tmp): Temporary files.
Use tree to view the directory structure (install with sudo apt install tree).
Step 5: Managing Users and Permissions
User Management:
whoami - Show the current user.
adduser <username>- Add a new user
su <username> Switch to another user.
Command | Description |
whoami | Show the current user. |
adduser <username> | Add a new user. |
passwd <username> | Change a user’s password. |
su <username> | Switch to another user. |
File Permissions:
Understand Permissions:
Use ls -l to view file permissions.
Example: -rw-r--r--
r: Read, w: Write, x: Execute.
Divided into Owner, Group, and Others.
Change Permissions:
Use chmod to modify permissions.
Example: chmod 755 <file> (Owner: full, Group/Others: read/execute).
Step 6: Master File Manipulation and Searching
Search Files:
find /path -name <filename>: Find files.
grep <pattern> <file>: Search for text in files.
File Archiving and Compression:
Create archive: tar -cvf archive.tar files/
Extract archive: tar -xvf archive.tar
Compress: gzip file
Decompress: gunzip file.gz
Step 7: Software Management
Install Software:
Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt install <package>
Fedora: sudo dnf install <package>
Arch: sudo pacman -S <package>
Update System:
sudo apt update (Update package list).
sudo apt upgrade (Upgrade installed packages).
Step 8: Networking in Linux
fconfig or ip
ping <host> Test connectivity to a host
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