Linux is a powerful and versatile operating system kernel that forms the foundation of many operating systems, collectively known as Linux distributions or “distros.” Created by Linus Torvalds in 1991, Linux is open-source, meaning its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This openness has fostered a vibrant community of developers and users who contribute to its ongoing development and improvement. Despite its widespread use, many beginners find Linux impossible to decipher at first. It has a learning curve that can seem steep, but in this article we’ll talk about a few ways to learn Linux.
How is Linux Used?
First of all, if Linux is so powerful and versatile, why don’t I see it being used in my everyday life? Well, that’s worth exploring actually. Linux is the OS of choice in the server and data center world, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Apple all have uses for Linux in their backend technology stacks. Weather forecast models are run on supercomputers, which run on Linux, given the performance and scalability required for their operation. In embedded systems (i.e.smartphones and other smart home devices), Android is based on the Linux kernel. You may be surprised to learn just how much Linux touches our daily lives.
What Version of Linux Should I Use?
When people start learning Linux, one of their initial questions is which version to use. Opinions on this vary widely! Newbies can opt for reliable choices like Debian, Ubuntu, or Linux Mint, which provide regular security updates and require less frequent updating (Hello Arch BTW). Different distros prioritize aspects such as reliability, leading edge features, or ethical hacking. Keep in mind that some distros are meant to be used in virtual machine environments.
Getting Started with Linux
Now that we understand what Linux is, we review some of our top tips and resources for learning Linux.
Explainshell.com
One of the first resources that a newbie should keep in their toolbox is explainshell.com. This website uses color-coding to break down each flag or switch on a command, providing insights into its function when executed. This is handy for not only learning purposes, but also for troubleshooting when a command isn’t working the way you expected. It helps users understand why a set of flags is required to achieve the desired output.
Command Line
Additionally, you can learn to execute commands and navigate using only the keyboard through the command line if you really want. But first, let’s take a step back: what is a command line? And what else is there? The command line is simply a text-based interface to a Linux machine. If you’re coming from Windows or macOS, you’re probably more familiar with what’s known as a GUI, or Graphical User Interface. For example, when you click the save button on a work website, tap “post” on LinkedIn, or transfer money into your savings from a smartphone app, you’re using buttons or graphics that make up the interfaces you are familiar with.
Linux 100: Foundations on TCM Security Academy
After checking out explainshell.com for a few minutes, you might feel a little overwhelmed. Thankfully, the TCM Security Academy is here to help. We have a brand new Linux 100: Foundations course designed to teach beginners the basics. And did we mention it is FREE? In the course, you will learn how to:
- Install and configure Linux in a virtual machine environment
- Navigate the Linux file system and understand user privileges
- Execute basic commands to manage files, users, and network services
- Create and edit files using command-line tools
- Automate tasks with Bash scripting
- Maintain a Linux system by installing and updating software tools
Read the Manual
Finally, once you have become adept at using Linux, you’ll get told to “read the manual.” This sounds silly, after all, no one handed you a manual when you downloaded and ran Linux! So, where do you find this thing? If you’re interested in going all in on the command line and want to know what the command “ping” does just type ‘man ping’ and the output will explain all the functionality and options available for ‘ping.’
Throughout this article, we’ve debunked the myth that Linux is difficult to learn. Like anything else, learning Linux requires practice and some patience, but it is certainly a doable task. If you find yourself forgetting the commands and what they do, use explainshell to get a deeper understanding or use the man command to view the manual. These resources are invaluable for gaining confidence and proficiency with Linux.
About TCM Security
TCM Security is a veteran-owned, cybersecurity services and education company founded in Charlotte, NC. Our services division has the mission of protecting people, sensitive data, and systems. With decades of combined experience, thousands of hours of practice, and core values from our time in service, we use our skill set to secure your environment. The TCM Security Academy is an educational platform dedicated to providing affordable, top-notch cybersecurity training to our individual students and corporate clients including both self-paced and instructor-led online courses as well as custom training solutions. We also provide several vendor-agnostic, practical hands-on certification exams to ensure proven job-ready skills to prospective employers.
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