Linux Environment

Linux Desktop Environments (GUI)

Operating system (OS) GNOME
• the sum of all programs which are required to • was once the most popular Linux desktop
operate a computer. environment
• it is also used to control and monitor • was used by default on Ubuntu, Fedora,
application programs. Debian, and most other big Linux distributions.
UNIX • It was a simple, lightweight desktop
• originally written in the programming language environment.
C. KDE
• it is mainly used for scientific-technical • More complex than GNOME.
applications on mainframes and workstations. • Offers numerous configuration options and
• suited for application in networks. features.
• it is command-line oriented but can be used via • Windows-like layout with a single taskbar at the
a graphical user interface. bottom.
• Taskbar includes a menu, quick launch-type
Linux icons, a taskbar, a notification area, and a
• family of UNIX-like open-source operating clock.
system
• developed by Linus Torvalds Xfce
• Lightweight desktop environment.
Linux Kernel • Similar to GNOME but more traditional.
• (main component of a Linux OS) is used to form • Avoids full-screen application launchers,
another operating system. excessive graphical effects, and desktop
widgets.
Linux distribution (distro) • Ideal for older computers or those without
• collection of software on top of a Linux kernel stable 3D graphics drivers.
• It can bundle server software, system
management tools, documentation, and many Cinnamon
desktop applications in a central, secure • Developed for Linux Mint, based on GNOME.
software repository. • Utilizes up-to-date libraries and software.
• distro aims to provide a common look and feel, • Aims to create a more traditional-looking
secure and easy software management, and desktop environment.
often a specific operational purpose. • Offers modern graphical effects and a
redesigned application menu.
Linux environment
Shells
• interfaces to the operating system, the kernel of
the host.
• It provides the necessary instruction and
operation that an operating system may
process.
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
• is a graphical representation in which the users
can interact with software or devices through
graphical icons.
• When it comes to ease of use, the new users
will pick up a GUI much faster than a CLI.
• GUI users can do only simple and limited tasks
not flexible enough for controlling the system.
CLI (Command Line Interface)
• is a console or text-based representation in
which the user types the commands to operate
the software or devices.
• New users of CLI will have some difficulty
operating it because they are not familiar with
the commands.
• When it comes to controlling the system,
CLI users will have all the control over the file
system and operating system, and the tasks
become simple through scripting.
 File Management and Structure • /usr directory was where users’ home
File System directories were originally kept back in the early
• All files are organized into directories, organized days of UNIX. It contains a mish-mash of
into a tree-like structure directories, which in turn contain applications,
o Ordinary Files − An ordinary file is a file libraries, documentation, wallpapers, icons, and
on the system that contains data, text, a long list of other stuff that needs to be shared
or program instructions. by applications and services.
o Directories − Directories store both
special and ordinary files. For users • /tmp contains temporary files, usually placed
familiar with Windows or Mac OS, Unix there by applications that you are running. The
directories are equivalent to folders. files and directories often (not always) contain
o Special Files − Some special files data that an application doesn’t need right now,
provide access to hardware such as but may need later on.
hard drives, CD-ROM drives, modems,
and Ethernet adapters. Other special • /var was originally given its name because its
files are similar to aliases or shortcuts contents were deemed variable in which it
and enable you to access a single file contains files to which the system writes data
using different names. during the course of its operation.

Linux Directories
• / (root directory) refers to the root directory. The
root directory is the one from which all other
directories branch off from.

• /bin is the directory that contains binaries, that

is, some of the applications and programs you
can run.

• /boot directory contains files required for

starting your system.

• /dev contains device files. Many of these are

generated at boot time or even on the fly.

• /etc. is the dumping ground for system files

administrators were not sure where else to put.

• /home is where you will find your users’

personal directories.

• /lib is where libraries live. Libraries are files containing

code that your applications can use. They contain
snippets of code that applications use to draw windows
on your desktop, control peripherals, or send files to
your hard disk.

• /opt directory is often where the software you

compile. Applications will end up in the /opt/bin
directory and libraries in the /opt/lib directory.

• /proc and /dev are virtual directory in which it

contains information about your computers,
such as information about your CPU and the
kernel your Linux system is running. It is a
directory in which it contains the files and directories
are generated when your computer starts, or on the fly,
as the system is running and things change.

• /sbin is similar to /bin, but it contains

applications that only the superuser will need.
You can use these applications with the sudo
command that temporarily concedes you
superuser powers on many distributions.