Getting started with Linux can be exciting! Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you navigate the essentials of using a Linux operating system.

[Shubham Kumbhalwar]

1. Introduction to Linux​

What is Linux?

• Linux is an open-source operating system based on Unix.
• It’s known for its stability, security, and flexibility.
• Linux distributions (distros) are versions of Linux with different software and settings, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.

2. Choosing a Linux Distribution​

Popular Distros for Beginners:

• Ubuntu: User-friendly, large community, and extensive documentation.
• Linux Mint: Similar to Windows, easy to use.
• Fedora: Cutting-edge features, backed by Red Hat.
• Debian: Very stable, good for servers.

3. Installing Linux​

Creating a Bootable USB:

1. Download the ISO file of your chosen distro from its official website.
2. Use tools like Rufus (Windows), Etcher (cross-platform), or UNetbootin (cross-platform) to create a bootable USB drive.
3. Boot your computer from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install Linux.

4. Basic Command Line Usage​

Opening the Terminal:

• Use Ctrl + Alt + T or search for "Terminal" in your application menu.

Basic Commands:

• pwd: Print working directory. Shows your current directory.
• ls: List directory contents.
• cd [directory]: Change directory.
• mkdir [directory]: Create a new directory.
• rm [file]: Remove a file.
• cp [source] [destination]: Copy files or directories.
• mv [source] [destination]: Move or rename files or directories.
• cat [file]: Display the contents of a file.

5. File Management​

Navigating Files and Directories:

• Use the file manager application (similar to Windows Explorer or Finder on macOS) for a graphical interface.
• Use terminal commands for more control and efficiency.

6. Software Installation​

Using Package Managers:

• Ubuntu/Debian: apt
  • sudo apt update: Update the package list.
  • sudo apt upgrade: Upgrade installed packages.
  • sudo apt install [package]: Install a new package.
• Fedora: dnf
  • sudo dnf update: Update the package list.
  • sudo dnf upgrade: Upgrade installed packages.
  • sudo dnf install [package]: Install a new package.

7. User and Permission Management​

Adding a New User:

• sudo adduser [username]

Switching Users:

• su [username]
• sudo su: Switch to the root user (superuser).

File Permissions:

• chmod [permissions] [file]: Change file permissions.
  • Example: chmod 755 [file]
• chown [owner]:[group] [file]: Change file owner and group.
  • Example: chown user:group [file]

8. Networking​

Checking Network Configuration:

• ifconfig or ip addr
• ping [host]: Check connectivity to another host.

Managing Network Services:

• systemctl start [service]: Start a service.
• systemctl stop [service]: Stop a service.
• systemctl enable [service]: Enable a service to start on boot.
• systemctl disable [service]: Disable a service.

9. Basic Scripting​

Creating and Running Scripts:

• Create a script file with a .sh extension.
• Add #!/bin/bash at the top of the file to specify the script should be run in the Bash shell.
• Make the script executable: chmod +x [script.sh]
• Run the script: ./[script.sh]

10. Troubleshooting and Help​

Getting Help:

• man [command]: Show the manual for a command.
• --help: Most commands can show help information.
  • Example: ls --help

11. Exploring Advanced Topics​

System Monitoring:

• top: Display system processes.
• htop: An enhanced version of top (install with sudo apt install htop).

Cron Jobs:

• crontab -e: Edit the cron table to schedule tasks.

Resources for Further Learning​

Online Resources:

• Linux Journey
• The Linux Command Line
• Ubuntu Documentation

Books:

• "The Linux Command Line"
• "Linux for Beginners"

 

[wizardfromoz]

@Shubham Kumbhalwar you leave me wondering whether or not you are planning to pay credit to the AI used to generate the above, all of which has been widely circulated on this site previously.

Chris Turner
wizardfromoz

 

[Brickwizard]

Looks like the typical opening post of a spammer,

 

[Condobloke]

AI generated.

DO you intend to drop spam next ?

 

[Shubham Kumbhalwar]

@Shubham Kumbhalwar you leave me wondering whether or not you are planning to pay credit to the AI used to generate the above, all of which has been widely circulated on this site previously.

Chris Turner
wizardfromoz

No

 

[Condobloke]

You are not going to pay credit to the AI site you ""borrowed"" this from ?

That is called plagiarism

 

[wizardfromoz]

Oh well, you won't mind my locking this thread then