Linux: A complete guide to Linux command line for beginners, and how to get started with the Linux operating system!

Introduction

Thank you for taking the time to pick up this book about Linux.

Linux is an operating system that is seriously underrated, and in the eyes of many is far superior to any Windows or Mac OS available. Using Linux as your operating system can allow you to better improve the performance of your computer, save yourself money on licensing and applications, and even protect you from malicious viruses.

This book covers the basics of Linux, explaining the different versions that are available, along with their varying capabilities. In the following chapters you will discover how the Linux OS functions, how to install it on your computer, and even how to begin using the command line to perform various tasks.

Whether you want to use Linux for all of your computing needs, or if you’re simply curious about this revolutionary open-source operating system, this book provides a solid foundation of knowledge to get you started!

Once again, thanks for choosing this book, I hope you find it to be helpful, and enjoy using Linux!

Chapter 1: What Is Linux?

Despite being one of the most widely used operating systems, those who are unfamiliar with computer technology and operating systems may not realize what Linux is or just how important it can be. Linux was created in the mid-1990s, when Windows began to dominate the market for operating systems installed on personal computers. For that reason, most people with a computer today are only familiar with Microsoft Windows. They may also be familiar with the more recent Apple operating systems, used in iPhones and MacBooks, but Linux tends to be overlooked by those not specifically interested in operating systems.

The fact is that Linux can be found anywhere from your smartphone to your vehicle, from the supercomputers in large institutions to everyday home appliances such as your refrigerator. Linux is strongly centered around the internet and technology-heavy supercomputers which help perform the calculations necessary for many of the scientific breakthroughs of our time. Linux has grown into one of the most stable and secure operating systems and is tasked with running a wealth of systems around the world, so why are many of us still out of the loop when it comes to such a powerful and prominent system?

How Does an Operating System Work?

Before we can have a full understanding of what Linux is and how it works, we first need to understand what an operating system is in general and how works. The operating system can be thought of as the middleman of communication between the software and hardware installed on your computer. You use a number of operating systems each and every day, but the one you most likely are familiar with is the system installed on your personal computer. This could be Windows XP, especially for older computers, Windows 7, Windows 8, or the most recent Windows 10. MacBook users will likely be familiar with a version of Mac OS such as Mac OS X. In any case, these operating systems are tasked with managing all the resources within your desktop or laptop.

There are many pieces to an operating system, each with its own set of functions to help your computer perform the tasks that you assign to it. For Linux, these pieces include:

The Bootloader - This is the software that enables your computer to boot up or start the programs that