VitePress

Appearance

Day 1: Introduction to Linux ​

Objectives ​

  • Understand the basic concepts of Linux.
  • Learn the differences between Linux and Windows.
  • Familiarize with different Linux distributions and why we are using Ubuntu.
  • Grasp essential Linux concepts.

1. Differences Between Linux and Windows ​

Brief Introduction and Comparison

Linux and Windows are both operating systems, but they differ significantly in terms of design, usage, and philosophy.

  1. Open Source vs. Proprietary

    • Linux: Open-source, free to use and modify. Community-driven development.
    • Windows: Proprietary software, requires a license. Developed by Microsoft.

  2. Customization

    • Linux: Highly customizable. Users can modify almost every aspect of the OS.
    • Windows: Limited customization options compared to Linux.

  3. Security

    • Linux: Generally considered more secure due to its permission and user management model.
    • Windows: More targeted by malware and viruses, requiring regular updates and antivirus software.

  4. Software Availability

    • Linux: Extensive repositories of free and open-source software. Some proprietary software may not be available.
    • Windows: Wide range of proprietary software available. Extensive support for gaming and commercial applications.

  5. Performance

    • Linux: Can be more efficient and faster on older hardware due to its lightweight nature.
    • Windows: Requires more resources, which can impact performance on older hardware.

  6. File System

    • Linux: Supports various file systems like ext4, Btrfs, XFS.
    • Windows: Primarily uses NTFS, FAT32.

User Experience and Usage

  • Linux: Preferred by developers, IT professionals, and those who require a high level of control over their OS.
  • Windows: Popular among general users, gamers, and businesses due to its user-friendly interface and widespread software support.

2. Linux Distributions ​

Common Linux Distributions

  1. Ubuntu

    • User-friendly, suitable for beginners.
    • Strong community support and regular updates.
    • Default choice for this course due to its ease of use and widespread adoption.

  2. Debian

    • Stable and reliable.
    • Focus on free software.
    • Basis for many other distributions, including Ubuntu.

  3. Fedora

    • Cutting-edge features and technologies.
    • Sponsored by Red Hat.

  4. CentOS

    • Community-supported version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
    • Suitable for servers and enterprise environments.

  5. Arch Linux

    • Rolling release model.
    • Highly customizable but requires advanced knowledge.

Why Ubuntu?

  • User-friendly Interface: Easy to navigate, especially for beginners.
  • Strong Community Support: Large user base and extensive documentation.
  • Regular Updates: Frequent updates and a predictable release cycle.
  • Comprehensive Software Repositories: Access to a wide range of software.

3. Essential Linux Concepts ​

Kernel

  • The core of the operating system.
  • Manages system resources and hardware interaction.

Shell

  • Command-line interface for interacting with the system.
  • Examples: Bash, Zsh, Fish.

File System

  • Hierarchical structure of files and directories.
  • Root directory (/) is the top-level directory.

Process Management

  • Each running program is a process.
  • Processes have unique IDs (PIDs) and can be managed using commands like ps, top, kill.

Package Management

  • Software is distributed in packages.
  • Package managers like APT (Advanced Package Tool) are used to install, update, and remove software.

Detailed Explanation of Key Concepts ​

Kernel

  • Acts as a bridge between applications and hardware.
  • Manages CPU, memory, and peripheral devices.
  • Example: Linux kernel.

Shell

  • Interface for executing commands.
  • Shell scripting allows automation of tasks.
  • Popular shells: Bash, Zsh.

File System Hierarchy

  • Organized into directories and subdirectories.
  • Important directories:
    • /: Root directory.
    • /home: User home directories.
    • /etc: Configuration files.
    • /var: Variable data like logs.
    • /usr: User applications and utilities.

Process Management

  • Commands to manage processes:
    • ps: View current processes.
    • top: Real-time system monitoring.
    • kill: Terminate processes.

Package Management

  • Commands for package management:
    • apt-get update: Update package list.
    • apt-get upgrade: Upgrade installed packages.
    • apt-get install package_name: Install a new package.
    • apt-get remove package_name: Remove a package.

Day 1: Practical Exercises ​

Exercise 1: Basic Navigation

  1. Open the terminal.
  2. Display the current directory:
    $ pwd
  3. List files and directories:
    $ ls
  4. Change directory:
    $ cd /path/to/directory

Exercise 2: File System Exploration

  1. Navigate to the root directory:
    $ cd /
  2. List contents of /etc directory:
    $ ls /etc
  3. Navigate to your home directory:
    $ cd ~

Exercise 3: Process Management

  1. View current processes:
    $ ps
  2. Monitor system processes in real-time:
    $ top
  3. Kill a process (use with caution):
    $ kill <PID>

By the end of Day 1, users will have a foundational understanding of Linux, its differences from Windows, key distributions, and essential system concepts, preparing them for more advanced topics.