1.
Overview of Linux
Linux is a free, open-source, Unix-like operating system kernel.
The kernel is the core part of an operating system (OS). It acts as a bridge between the
hardware and the software.
Whenever you run an application or a command on your computer, the kernel is what actually
talks to the hardware (CPU, RAM, hard drive, etc.) to carry out that task.
Functions of a Kernel
The kernel handles several critical responsibilities:
Function Description
Manages running programs (processes), decides which process gets
1. Process Management
CPU time.
2. Memory Management Allocates RAM to processes, ensures safe memory access.
Communicates with hardware via drivers (e.g., keyboards, disks,
3. Device Management
printers).
4. File System
Helps read/write data from/to storage (e.g., hard drives).
Management
5. System Calls & Provides an interface for user programs to request hardware access
Security securely.
It is widely used in servers, desktops, mobile devices (like
Android), IoT devices, and more.
Linux is known for its stability, security, and flexibility.
2. Overview of Linux Distributions (Distros)
A Linux Distribution (or distro) is an operating system made from
the Linux kernel and a collection of software tools, utilities, and
package managers.
Popular Linux Distributions:
Distributio Package
Target Users Description
n Manager
Beginners, User-friendly and widely
Ubuntu apt
Desktop Users supported
Debian Stable Systems apt Parent of Ubuntu; very stable
Cutting-edge features, backed
Fedora Developers dnf
by Red Hat
CentOS / Servers, Stable, production-level (RHEL
yum / dnf
RHEL Enterprises is paid, CentOS was free)
Advanced
Arch Linux pacman Minimal, rolling release
Users
Security Used for ethical hacking and
Kali Linux apt
Professionals penetration testing
Very user-friendly, based on
Linux Mint Desktop Users apt
Ubuntu
3. Linux File System Hierarchy
In Linux, everything is organized in a hierarchical directory
structure, starting from the root directory (/).
Important Directories:
Direct
Description
ory
Root directory – the top of the
/
hierarchy
Home directories for users (e.g.,
/home
/home/alex)
Home directory for the root (admin)
/root
user
/bin Essential binary commands (like ls,
Direct
Description
ory
cp, etc.)
/sbin System binaries used by root
/etc System configuration files
/usr User-related programs and files
/var Variable data like logs, spools
/tmp Temporary files (deleted after reboot)
/dev Device files (e.g., hard drives, USBs)
Virtual directory for process and
/proc
system information
Essential shared libraries for binaries
/lib
in /bin and /sbin
4. Basic Linux Commands
Here are the most commonly used basic commands in Linux:
1. ls – List Directory Contents
ls # Lists files and folders in the current directory
ls -l # Long format listing (with permissions, size, date)
ls -a # Shows hidden files (those starting with .)
2. cd – Change Directory
cd /home/user # Move to a specific folder
cd .. # Go one level up
cd ~ # Go to home directory
cd / # Go to root directory
3. pwd – Print Working Directory
pwd # Shows the full path of your current directory
4. mkdir – Make New Directory
mkdir newfolder # Create a single folder
mkdir -p folder1/folder2 # Create nested folders
5. rm – Remove Files or Directories
rm [Link] # Delete a file
rm -r myfolder # Delete a folder and its contents
rm -rf folder # Force delete without prompt (use with
caution!)
Other Useful Basic Commands
Command Description
touch [Link] Creates a new empty file
cp [Link]
Copies a file
[Link]
mv file1 file2 Moves or renames a file
clear Clears the terminal screen
Opens the manual for a
man command
command, e.g., man ls
