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Linux for Beginners

Introduction to Linux

  • a powerful and flexible operating system

    • offers flexibility, security, and a vast ecosystem of software and applications

    • powers a wide range of devices, from smartphones to servers

  • developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991

What is Linux

  • open-source operating system

  • developers worldwide collaborate, improve, and customize the OS

Key Features

  • stability

  • security

  • customizable

  • compatibility

  • performance

Who Uses Linux

  • internet and tech giants

  • scientific research

  • financial institutions

  • government agencies

  • education

Linux Distributions

  • popular versions

    • Ubuntu (most popular)

    • Fedora

    • Debian

    • Linux Mint

    • etc.

What is the Terminal

  • aka the Command Line Interface (CLI)

  • allows the user to interact the OS by using commands

    • date will give the current date and time in the terminal

  • provides a way to execute commands, navigate the file system, manage applications without the need for the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Other Terminals

  • MacOS

    • Built-in Terminal

    • iTerm

  • Windows

    • CMD

The Shell

What is the Shell?

  • a program for interacting with the OS

  • an application that allows users to input commands to the shell and receive text-based outputs from the shell's operation

Shells

  • Bash (Bourne-Again Shell)

    • one of the most widely used shells

    • it is the default shell on many linux distributions

    • known for its scripting capabilities and extensive support

  • ZSH (Z Shell)

    • higly customizable

    • offers advanced features like auto-complete, spelling correction, and a powerful plugin system

  • Fish (Friendly Interactive Shell)

    • designed to be user friendly with syntax highlighting, auto-suggestions, and a focus on ease of use for interactive sessions

  • Many others

cat /etc/shells: list system available shells

Last modified: 10 March 2024