Republic of the Philippines

BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Magsija, Balilihan, 6342, Bohol, Philippines
Office of Instruction
Balance I Integrity I Stewardship I Uprightness

System Administration and Maintenance

MODULE 2: Linux/Unix Fundamentals

I. Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate basic file navigation and manipulation using Linux/Unix commands.
2. Understand and apply file permissions in a Linux/Unix environment.
3. Differentiate between various Linux distributions and understand their specific
use cases.

II. Introduction to Linux/Unix

Linux and Unix are highly robust and extensively utilized operating systems
renowned for their exceptional security measures, unwavering stability, and remarkable
adaptability. Proficiency in the core principles of these systems is essential for individuals
seeking opportunities in the fields of information technology, software development, or
systems administration. Linux, which is an open-source iteration of Unix, is available in a
multitude of distributions designed to cater to diverse requirements.

III. Basic Commands in Linux/Unix

Linux/Unix systems provide a powerful command-line interface (CLI) that allows
users to interact directly with the operating system. Mastering basic commands in
Linux/Unix is fundamental for file management, system navigation, and controlling user
permissions. These commands are essential tools for IT professionals, system
administrators, and developers alike. Here's an overview of the key command categories
and their functions:
1. File Navigation
Understanding how to navigate the filesystem is the first step toward working
effectively in Linux/Unix. Users can move between directories, list contents, and
check their current location within the system.
o pwd (Print Working Directory): Displays the path of the current directory.
o ls (List): Lists the contents of the current or specified directory.
o cd (Change Directory): Allows the user to move to a different directory.

2. File Creation and Manipulation

Linux/Unix provides simple yet powerful commands for creating, deleting, copying,
and moving files and directories.
o touch: Creates an empty file or updates the timestamp of an existing file.
 Republic of the Philippines
BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Magsija, Balilihan, 6342, Bohol, Philippines
Office of Instruction
Balance I Integrity I Stewardship I Uprightness

System Administration and Maintenance

o mkdir (Make Directory): Creates a new directory.

o rm (Remove): Deletes files or directories.
o cp (Copy): Copies files or directories from one location to another.
o mv (Move): Moves or renames files and directories.

3. Viewing and Editing Files

These commands allow users to display file contents or edit them directly from the
terminal.
o cat (Concatenate): Displays the contents of a file.
o less/more: Paginates large files, allowing the user to scroll through the
contents page by page.
o nano/vi: Text editors available within the terminal for creating or editing
files.

4. File Permissions
Linux/Unix uses a robust permission system that controls who can read, write, or
execute files. These commands enable users to view and modify file permissions
and ownership.
o chmod (Change Mode): Modifies file permissions for the owner, group, and
others.
o chown (Change Ownership): Changes the owner or group of a file or
directory.
o ls -l: Displays files with detailed permission information.

5. Understanding File Permissions:

o Permissions are represented by three sets: owner, group, and others. For
each set, three types of permissions exist:
▪ r (read): The ability to read the contents of a file or list the contents
of a directory.
▪ w (write): The ability to modify or delete the file or directory.
▪ x (execute): The ability to run a file as a program or enter a
directory.

IV. What is a Linux Distribution?

A Linux distribution, often referred to as a “distro,” is a customized version of the
Linux operating system. While all Linux distributions are built around the same core — the
Linux kernel — they differ in the software packages, desktop environments, and package
 Republic of the Philippines
BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Magsija, Balilihan, 6342, Bohol, Philippines
Office of Instruction
Balance I Integrity I Stewardship I Uprightness

System Administration and Maintenance

management systems they include. These differences make each distribution suited to
various user needs, from beginners to enterprise-level professionals.

Here’s an overview of what defines a Linux distribution:

1. Core Components of a Linux Distribution
o Linux Kernel: At the heart of every distribution is the Linux kernel, which
manages hardware, processes, and system resources.
o GNU Utilities and Libraries: A set of basic utilities and libraries that
provide essential functions for the system (e.g., shell commands, file
handling, and device management).
o Package Management System: A package manager helps install, update,
and remove software on the system. Each distribution comes with its own
package management system (e.g., apt for Debian/Ubuntu, dnf/yum for
Fedora/CentOS, pacman for Arch Linux).
o User Interface: Distributions can offer different desktop environments
(e.g., GNOME, KDE, XFCE), which provide a graphical interface for
interacting with the system.

2. Popular Linux Distributions

o Ubuntu: Known for its user-friendliness, Ubuntu is one of the most popular
distributions for beginners and general use. It has an active community and
long-term support (LTS) releases for stability.
o Debian: A highly stable, community-driven distribution, known for its
conservative approach to software updates, making it ideal for servers and
systems that require stability.
o Fedora: A cutting-edge distribution that often includes the latest Linux
technologies. It’s great for developers and those who want to experience
the latest features before they are widely adopted.
o CentOS/Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL): CentOS is a free, community-
driven version of RHEL, an enterprise-grade distribution designed for
servers and mission-critical systems. RHEL is known for its long-term
support and security.
o Arch Linux: A minimalist and highly customizable distribution that provides
total control over what software is installed. It is preferred by advanced
users who want to build their system from the ground up.
 Republic of the Philippines
BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Magsija, Balilihan, 6342, Bohol, Philippines
Office of Instruction
Balance I Integrity I Stewardship I Uprightness

System Administration and Maintenance

o Kali Linux: A distribution designed for penetration testing and security

auditing. It includes a wide array of security tools, making it popular for
ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals.

3. Differences Between Distributions

o Package Management: Each distro uses a different package manager.
For example:
▪ Ubuntu/Debian: Uses apt (Advanced Package Tool) for managing
software packages. APT (Advanced Package Tool) is the package
management system used primarily in Debian-based distributions
like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Debian
▪ Fedora/CentOS: Uses dnf or yum. DNF (Dandified Yum) is the
newer package manager for Red Hat-based distributions, replacing
the older yum in newer versions of Fedora, CentOS, and RHEL
(Red Hat Enterprise Linux).
▪ Arch Linux: Uses pacman. Pacman is the package manager
designed for Arch Linux and its derivatives, such as Manjaro.
o Desktop Environments: Distributions may come with different desktop
environments, such as GNOME, KDE, or XFCE, each offering unique
interfaces and workflows. Users can often install additional desktop
environments or window managers if desired.
o Stability vs. Cutting-Edge: Some distros, like Debian, prioritize stability
and only release updates after thorough testing, while others like Fedora
and Arch Linux offer the latest software and features at the expense of
stability.
o Target Audience and Use Case: Different distributions are tailored for
different audiences. For example, Ubuntu is perfect for beginners and
casual users, while Arch Linux is designed for advanced users who want
complete control over their system. RHEL/CentOS is widely used in
enterprise environments for its stability and long-term support.

V. Assessment Tasks
o Assignment
o Activity
o Quiz