INTRODUCTION
TO LINUX
Understanding the Basics of Linux Operating System 1
Teaching Assist Shams Urahman Rashidy
Lecturer, Kandahar University | Cybersecurity Specialist
11/23/2024
WHAT IS LINUX?
Definition:
Linux is a free, open-source operating system based on UNIX.
multi-user, multi-tasking operating system.
It was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
Importance:
Widely used in servers, supercomputers, and embedded systems.
Known for its stability, security, and flexibility.
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LINUX HISTORY
July 1991: Linus Benedict Torvalds from Helsinki
starts his hobby: Linux
October 1991: version 0.02
2004: version 2.2
today: look at www.kernel.org
C, assembly languages, Rust
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LINUX VS. OTHER
OPERATING SYSTEMS
• Comparison with Windows & macOS:
Cost: Free vs. Paid.
Open-source nature: Linux is open-source; Windows and macOS are
proprietary.
Customization: Linux allows for extensive customization; Windows and macOS
are more restrictive.
Security: Linux is generally considered more secure due to its permissions and
community oversight.
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LINUX VS. OTHER
OPERATING SYSTEMS
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KEY COMPONENTS OF LINUX
Kernel: The core part of Linux, managing hardware and system
resources.
Location /boot/vmlinuz
Source files /usr/src/linux
Shell: Interface between the user and the kernel, area of
execution of a program.
File System: A hierarchical structure that organizes data and
files.
User Interface: GUI (e.g., GNOME, KDE) and CLI (e.g., Bash).
Applications: Open office, firefox, gedit, gftp. konqueror, evince,
kdevelop, kview, emace, vim etc.
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KEY COMPONENTS OF LINUX
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LINUX FILE SYSTEM
Every file in Linux can be one of the following four types:
Ordinary File (contain data, info)
Directories (hold files & other directories)
Devices (for accessing the hardware)
Links (Pointer to another file)
Hard Link
Soft Link
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TYPICAL DIRECTORY
STRUCTURE
Linux Filesystem is laid out in a hierarchical tree
structure.
Top level directory is called root “/”
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THE LINUX FILE SYSTEM
STRUCTURE
/: Root directory.
/home: User directories.
/bin: Essential command binaries.
/etc: Configuration files.
/var: Variable files (logs, spools, etc.).
/dev: Device files.
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POPULAR LINUX
DISTRIBUTIONS
Ubuntu: User-friendly, popular for desktops and beginners.
Fedora: Cutting-edge technology, sponsored by Red Hat.
Debian: Known for stability and reliability.
Arch Linux: Highly customizable and rolling release.
CentOS: Community-driven, enterprise-level OS.
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POPULAR LINUX
DISTRIBUTIONS
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ADVANTAGES OF USING
LINUX
Cost: Free to use and distribute.
Security: Strong security features and fewer vulnerabilities.
Stability: Rarely crashes and can run for years without
rebooting.
Performance: Efficient use of system resources.
Open Source: Freedom to modify and distribute.
Text interface is good for batch processing and management.
Multitask and Multiuser
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DISADVANTAGES OF USING
LINUX
Text interface is not as user-friendly as Windows.
But, has StarOffice software which looks much like Windows.
Less commercial software available.
But more scientific software is available.
More difficult to set up.
But, once set up, easy to manage.
There are far too many different distributions
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BASIC LINUX COMMANDS
ls: List directory contents.
cd: Change directory.
pwd: Print working directory.
cp/mv: Copy/Move files and directories.
rm: Remove files or directories.
chmod: Change file permissions.
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LINUX IN THE REAL WORLD
Servers: Most web servers run on Linux.
web hosting, database management, file sharing, game servers, and
virtualization
Supercomputers: Over 90% of supercomputers use Linux.
NASA’s Pleiades supercomputer
Embedded Systems: Used in routers, smart TVs, and other
devices.
Development: Preferred environment for developers and DevOps.
Kubernetes: Manage containerized applications with Kubernetes.
CI/CD: Tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, and CircleCI can be set up for
continuous integration and deployment.
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CONCLUSION
Linux is a powerful, secure, and flexible OS.
Offers a variety of distributions tailored to different needs.
Essential for anyone interested in IT, cybersecurity, or
development.
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Q&A
Any questions?
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