01 Introducing Linux

01- Introducing Linux
Ahmed Sultan
Senior Technical Instructor
ahmedsultan.me/about
1
Outlines
1.1- Identify Linux Characteristics

1.2- Understand Bash Interaction with Linux
1.3- Use Help in Linux
Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 2


CHARACTERISTICS OF FREE AND OPEN-SOURCE
SOFTWARE
• Much of today’s software is closed-source software, or proprietary software
that’s released under copyright law.
• These laws restrict intellectual property, such as closed-source software, from
duplication and re-release by competitors.
• Open-source software takes a different approach.
• In general, software licensed as open-source can be duplicated, shared, and
modified, and the modified versions can be released to consumers.
• Code licensed as free and open-source software (FOSS) can be used and changed
without cost.

THE HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF UNIX AND LINUX
• Unix is one of the oldest operating systems still in use.

• It was created in 1969, and it was not released as open-source software.
• Instead, Unix versions were associated with many different tech organizations,
including IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and AT&T.
• These various Unix versions are referred to as Unix “flavors" and were
proprietary to each company.

(cont.)
• In 1991, Linus Torvalds created a new Unix-like operating system kernel.
• He released this kernel, which he called Linux, under the GPL license.
• The Linux kernel, as well as much of the software released with it, is open-source;
it can be modified, shared freely, and re-released.
• This collaborative approach allows Linux to grow and evolve rapidly.
• As a result of this approach, there are now more than 200 Linux versions, or
distributions (abbreviated "distros").

(cont.)
• Of the three primary operating systems in the marketplace today (Linux, macOS,
and Windows), two can trace their roots back to Unix.
• The macOS kernel evolved from a Unix flavor named BSD and shares many of the
same standards and some software as Linux.
• However, Apple’s OS is not FOSS.
• Microsoft Windows also uses a proprietary kernel with a more restrictive
licensing method.

(cont.)

TRAITS OF THE LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM
• Like any operating system, Linux has characteristics that may or may not fit the
needs of a given organization.
• Here are a few general considerations:
✓Free: No licensing fees or tracking associated with most Linux distributions.
✓Security: Because of the open-source nature of Linux and its associated software,
many developers can and do review code for vulnerabilities. Such vulnerabilities tend
to be addressed quickly.
✓Support: Community-driven support may provide easy, efficient, and cost-effective
solutions. However, support may be limited to the community, without a strong
corporate support structure implemented by the distribution’s vendor.

TRAITS OF THE LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM (cont.)
• Here are a few general considerations (cont.)

✓Performance: Linux often provides greater performance and stability compared to
other operating systems.
✓Hardware requirements: Linux may consume fewer hardware resources, making it
easier to retain older systems for longer.
✓Hardware flexibility: Linux runs on a wide variety of hardware platforms, adding to its
flexibility in areas such as Internet of Things (IoT). Specialized hardware may require
specific drivers that may not exist for Linux.
✓Distribution creation: If existing Linux distributions do not fit your needs, you are
welcome (and encouraged) to create your own.

UNDERSTAND LINUX DISTRIBUTIONS
• Because anyone can create and release their own version of Linux, there are
thousands of different options.
• These individual releases are called distributions (or "distros" for short).
• Distributions are purpose-specific versions of Linux that address a specific need,
such as system security or application hosting.
• Many distributions trace their history back to one of two specific Linux
distributions: Red Hat Linux or Debian Linux.
• One of the main differentiators between these two distros is how they manage
software.
• Those distros derived from Red Hat Linux use different software managers than
those derived from Debian Linux.
UNDERSTAND LINUX DISTRIBUTIONS (cont.)
• Some of the most common distros include:

✓Fedora Linux
✓Ubuntu Desktop, Server, Core
✓Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
✓Linux Mint
✓Debian
✓openSUSE


• Many of these distributions fulfill specific roles in the marketplace, including

desktop or workstation computer, server, IoT device, mobile device, or other
functions.
• While mobile and IoT implementations are common, the focus of this course is on
server deployments.
• Some distributions contain end-user applications, such as word processors or
presentation software.
• Others contain server services, such as web services or file storage.
• Still other distributions include security software or creative applications, such as
music editing.

• Linux server deployments are put to use in the following ways:

✓Webserver: Hosts one or more websites.
✓Name resolution: Hosts Domain Name System (DNS) name resolution services.
✓File: Stores business data, usually in some form of text document.
✓Print: Manages the print process and access to print services.
✓Log: Centralizes and stores log files from other systems.
✓Virtualization/container: Hosts virtual machine or container virtualization software.
✓Database: Hosts one or more databases.
✓Cluster: Works with other cluster nodes to host high-performance, fault-tolerant
services.

THE COMMAND-LINE INTERFACE (CLI)
• One distinguishing characteristic of Linux compared to other operating systems is

its reliance on the command-line interface (CLI).
• Linux administrators frequently use the CLI for everyday tasks, while
administrators of other platforms often use graphical user interface (GUI) utilities.
• A GUI consumes a great many hardware resources, specifically memory and
processor time.
• On a server, these resources should be dedicated to the service provided, such as
handling database queries or managing print jobs.
• Desktop systems might need a user-friendly GUI but servers usually do not.

THE COMMAND-LINE INTERFACE (CLI) (cont.)
• CLI advantages:
✓Quicker: It’s usually quicker to execute a series of commands at the CLI (assuming
you know the commands).
✓Performance: CLI environments consume fewer hardware resources, leaving those
resources free to support the server’s purpose.
✓Scriptable: CLI commands can be written into a text file, which the system then reads
and executes in a consistent, efficient, repeatable, and scheduled manner.

• Command-line interfaces are available in Linux, Windows, and macOS.

• Users type commands using a specific syntax, and the system processes the
commands.
• At first, such input may seem intimidating or difficult, but CLI environments get
easier with use.
• These environments are usually faster and offer automation options that are not
available in GUIs.

• Shells provide the CLI.

• Each shell has its own syntax, or way of structuring commands.
• Common Linux shells:
✓Bash: Default Linux shell
✓ksh: Korn shell
✓zsh: Z shell

COMMON GUIs
• Just as there are many different Linux distributions, there are also many different
Linux graphical environments.
• Windows and macOS users have one GUI available to them—whatever graphical
environment Microsoft and Apple choose to provide.
• Linux users have the freedom to install zero, one, or many GUI environments and
switch between them.

COMMON GUIs (cont.)
• These GUIs are usually distinguished by two characteristics: user-friendly

interface and performance.
• Some users like the look and feel of a particular GUI over others.
• In addition, some GUIs consume more processor time and memory than others
do.
• Luckily, many options are available in the Linux world.
• Common GUI environments include GNOME, KDE Plasma, Cinnamon , and MATE
.


COMMAND SHELLS
• The CLI is provided by software called a shell.

• The shell accepts user input, processes the input for syntax, and provides output
back to the user.
• The default shell for most Linux distributions is Bash, and this is the shell that
sysadmins should be prepared to work with.

COMMAND SHELLS (cont.)
• Other common Linux shells include ksh, or KornShell, which is common among
Unix servers; Zsh, or Z Shell, with quite powerful scripting capabilities; and Fish,
or friendly interactive shell, an interface that provides a user-friendly experience
and web-based configurations.
• By way of comparison, Windows Server also uses shells: the traditional, DOS-like
cmd.exe shell and Microsoft PowerShell.
• The current (at the time of this writing) default shell for macOS is the Zsh.

BASH CHARACTERISTICS AND SYNTAX
• Commands must be entered into Bash using a specific structure, or syntax.

• Each component of the syntax has a name to make it easier to understand.
• The syntax components are:
✓Command: The primary instruction given to the system.
✓Subcommand: A secondary, more detailed instruction supporting the primary
command.
✓Option: A command modifier that slightly changes the way a command is processed.
✓Argument: The object on which the command acts. For example, in a command to
delete a file, the argument is the name of the file to be deleted.

BASH CHARACTERISTICS AND SYNTAX (cont.)
There are two basic syntax forms, normal command and

command-subcommand.

• Normal Command Syntax

✓The normal command syntax relies on the three primary components of the Bash
syntax: the command, options to modify the command, and an argument for the
command to act upon.

• Command-Subcommand Syntax
✓Many Linux commands support subcommands to specify particular information that
the sysadmin needs.
✓The sysadmin enters the primary command, then follows it with a space and a
subcommand, and then a space and argument.

USE BASIC BASH COMMANDS
• There are many Bash commands.

• Some of the most often-used commands deal with file management functions,
such as displaying files and file contents, moving from one directory (or folder) to
another, or editing files.
• The upcoming commands exemplify the Bash syntax and enable users to begin
working with the files and directories that make up Linux.
• These commands are used throughout this course and will quickly become
familiar.

USE BASIC BASH COMMANDS (cont.)


• Two common commands do not use options to generate an output.

• Use whoami to display the current user, and use pwd to display the present
working directory.

• Bash supports tab completion.

• Users can type in enough of a command to make it unique from any other
command.
• Select the Tab key, and Bash automatically completes the command.
• This feature also works with file and directory names.
• Tab completion reduces typographical errors and increases speed at the CLI.

• Bash also keeps a record of previously entered commands in a history file.

• This file can be referenced and used to repeat or edit commands.
• The simplest way to work with history is by using the Up and Down Arrow keys.
• Select the Up Arrow key one time to recall the most recently used command.
• You can cycle through the command history by pressing Up Arrow or Down Arrow
multiple times.
• Select Enter once the appropriate command is displayed.

• Typing the history command displays the contents of the history file.
• Each entry in the file is numbered.
• Type ! and the command number executes that command.

INTRODUCING VIM AND NANO
• Linux stores its configurations in text files.

• When a sysadmin needs to change system settings, these text files must be
edited.
• There are many familiar text editors in GUIs, but what about Linux systems that
do not have a graphical interface available, such as Linux server installations?
• Two standard text editors exist that are run from the CLI and do not need a
mouse or graphical interface: Vim and Nano.
• Here is a very brief overview of using these two editors.

VIM
• Vim is very powerful and complex. It uses three different modes, where each
mode maps keyboard keys to different functions.
• For example, in Insert mode the keyboard acts as normal, inserting text into the
file.
• If you’re in Insert mode and type "abc," those three characters appear in the file’s
content.

VIM (cont.)
• In Command mode, pressing a key on the keyboard issues commands to Vim

instead of entering text in the file.
• Selecting the i key tells Vim to switch from Command mode to Insert mode.
• The third mode is Execute.
• This mode is entered by selecting the colon character, : , and it provides a
command prompt to Vim where additional commands can be issued.
• For example, :wq places Vim in Execute mode, writes the files to the disk (save),
and then quits Vim (q).
• The many modes and commands can make Vim a little confusing.
• Strive to understand four basic functions: create/open, edit, save, close.

VIM (cont.)

NANO
• Nano is a popular and common alternative to Vim.

• It’s simpler but less powerful.
• However, in many cases, sysadmins don't need the power offered by Vim, which
makes Nano a useful choice for basic editing functions.
• Nano does not have modes.
• Pressing keys on the keyboard inserts text into the file, just as expected with most
editors.
• To save and close the file, use keyboard shortcuts using the Ctrl meta key.
• For example, Ctrl+O saves the file, and Ctrl+X exits the file.

NANO (cont.)
• Some Linux distributions install both Vim and Nano by default, while others will
include only one or the other.
• It is essential for you to be able to use both editors at a very basic level (open,
edit, save, close) so that you are capable of editing files with whichever tool is
available.

INTRODUCING SU AND SUDO
• There are three types of accounts on Linux systems: root, standard user, and
service.
• The administrator account in Linux is called root.
• Logging in to the system with administrator access is frowned upon.
• The security best practice is to log on with a standard user account, and then, if
necessary, switch your user account to root.
• The command to accomplish this is su.
• Type su root to switch from the standard user to root.
• Type exit to leave the root user and return to the standard user.

IDENTIFY COMMON DIRECTORIES
• With so many Linux distributions available, administrators rely on the Filesystem

Hierarchy Standard to understand the default location of particular resources.
• There are three common directories that administrators work with on a regular
basis.
# /home/username: Each standard user has a specific and private directory used to
store personal files, profile settings, and other data. These user directories are
subdirectories of /home.
# /etc: Most system configuration files are stored in the /etc directory.
# /var/log: Log files for the system and applications are stored in the /var/log directory.


LINUX DOCUMENTATION
• There are several ways of getting help in Linux.

• The most common are the manual pages, referred to as "man pages" for short.
• There is built-in documentation for the system and some applications, too.
• Many online resources also exist, and they are often the most up to date.
• Because there are so many commands, and because each command has so many
options, it’s very common to use the man pages as a quick reference for
displaying the available options.

MANUAL PAGES
• It’s common for new Linux users to ask for help and then be asked, “Did you
check the man pages?” That’s because man pages are the primary reference for
standard Linux commands.
• The man pages provide syntax information and usage examples.
• Perhaps most important, the available options are displayed.
• Because of the number of options for each command, and the fact that many
options differ from command to command, the man pages provide an essential
quick reference.
• The syntax for using man pages is man {command}
• For example, to display help for the ls command, type man ls.

BUILT-IN DOCUMENTATION
• Most commands include help references.

• Add the -h option, or help after the command to display this reference material.
• The whatis command provides a brief description of the specified command.
• The syntax for whatis is whatis {command}
• Finally, built-in documentation can be found at /usr/share/doc.
• This directory contains some Linux and application help files.
• Not all applications store documentation at this location, but it’s worth checking.

ONLINE DOCUMENTATION
• There is a great deal of information available online that covers Linux

administration, applications, security configurations, and network services.
• This documentation may be provided by vendors, community groups, online
forums, article repositories, and other sites.
✓Linux distribution vendors: Vendors such as Red Hat and Ubuntu have large
repositories of reference information.
✓Linux application vendors: Vendors for products such as Apache web server, Vim,
and Firefox provide many references for their applications.
✓Linux Documentation Project: This is a community project dedicated to providing
documentation for Linux, including how-to documents, man pages, and guides.

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01- Introducing Linux

1.1- Identify Linux Characteristics

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 2

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 3

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 4

• Unix is one of the oldest operating systems still in use.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 5

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 6

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 7

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 8

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 9

• Here are a few general considerations (cont.)

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 10

• Some of the most common distros include:

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 12

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 13

• Many of these distributions fulfill specific roles in the marketplace, including

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 14

• Linux server deployments are put to use in the following ways:

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 15

• One distinguishing characteristic of Linux compared to other operating systems is

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 16

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 17

• Command-line interfaces are available in Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 18

• Shells provide the CLI.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 19

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 20

• These GUIs are usually distinguished by two characteristics: user-friendly

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 21

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 22

• The CLI is provided by software called a shell.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 23

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 24

• Commands must be entered into Bash using a specific structure, or syntax.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 25

There are two basic syntax forms, normal command and

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 26

• Normal Command Syntax

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 27

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 28

• There are many Bash commands.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 29

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Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 31

• Two common commands do not use options to generate an output.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 32

• Bash supports tab completion.

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• Bash also keeps a record of previously entered commands in a history file.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 34

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 35

• Linux stores its configurations in text files.

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 36

Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 37

• In Command mode, pressing a key on the keyboard issues commands to Vim

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Linux+ (XK0-005) © netriders.academy 39

• Nano is a popular and common alternative to Vim.