Learning Linux? Start Here
Admittedly, getting into Linux can be a bit confusing if you're doing it for the first time but hear me out, this is easier now than ever before! Getting started won´t be scary at all, with plenty of
Admittedly, getting into Linux can be a bit confusing if you're doing it for the first time but hear me out, this is easier now than ever before! Getting started won´t be scary at all, with plenty of resources going from tutorials to interactive courses and many beginner-friendly distributions. The real challenge? Figuring out the best way to approach your learning journey.
This guide is here to help you map out a clear path, highlighting the key areas to focus on as you dive into the world of Linux. If you are considering a career change, preparing to take an exam or just learning for the sake of it then this article is your roadmap. The idea with all of this is to introduce you to specific concepts and let them know how much they need in common so that I can direct you specifically where each section will take place. Therefore, one step at a time; Let's start with your Linux journey.
Get into Linux Fundamentals
If you are a new user who has installed an operating system based on linux, before drowning into the complexities of command-line world (the way most people do it), make sure to learn basics first. Consider this the foundation for all the rest of what you are going to learn. It finishes the first step of learning Linux for a beginner which is to know what is linux, why it so famous and how linux works internally. You will need to become accustomed to using the Linux command line, since that is how all of the really spicy things happen in a typical Linux server setup.
Now, have a look at the various Linux distributions (or “distros”). All of them has their flavor and to help improve your learning experience, it would be best if you can find the one for yourself. The next is start with a very noob friendly distro like Ubuntu or Linux Mint, then go to some more advanced as you feel comfortable.
For a more detailed and hands-on approach, check out our "Linux Playbook For Hackers". This guide is packed with practical tips, exercises, and real-world scenarios designed specifically for those looking to master Linux from a cybersecurity perspective. This playbook is for everyone out there, whether you are a total newb or know some stuff and want to go deeper. Don't wait — click through here and dig in.
Command Line Essentials
The command line is the heart and soul of Linux, and once you get comfortable using it, you’ll unlock a whole new level of control over your system. It may seem a little daunting at first — just an empty screen, waiting for you type something… But fear not, it really is as simple as it looks. Just a reminder, basic stuff — moving between directories, creating/deleting files/folders and running system commands. And right away, you will notice how incredibly helpful these simple commands are.
A new face to the software industry might look at that list and think, ‘I'll have all of them please’ but knowing how to use command line isn't just about learning commands — it's going little deeper into understanding those set of elements work together. You can, for instance chain commands with pipes to work on input-output of multiple stages; or redirect the output to a file. They are those little things that help you work faster and more efficiently, plus playing around with these will be quite fun!
Here's a quick look at some basic commands to get you started:
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
ls | Lists files and directories | ls |
cd | Changes the current directory | cd /home/user |
pwd | Shows the current directory path | pwd |
mkdir | Creates a new directory | mkdir new_folder |
rm | Deletes files or directories | rm file.txt / rm -r folder |
cp | Copies files or directories | cp file.txt /path/to/dest |
mv | Moves or renames files | mv oldname.txt newname.txt |
cat | Displays file contents | cat file.txt |
echo | Prints text to the terminal | echo "Hello, Linux!" |
man | Shows manual pages for commands | man ls |
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User and Permission Management
Managing users and permissions is an important task for any Linux system admin, to control who has access (read or write) over your folder. Linux is all about control; who can access what, and to do what. Understanding how Linux deals with users, groups and permissions is essentail in order to handle your system successfully.
Every user of Linux has its own privilege to do what you can read, write and or execute. Knowing a little about how to manage users and their permissions will go along way in helping you setup your system as securely as possible, whether it is only for you or multiple user server. It might sound more complex, but it is very simple and after learning a few commands you are going to be navigating users and permissions as easily as counting 1, 2!
Here's a quick table of basic commands to get you started with user and permission management:
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
adduser | Adds a new user to the system | adduser newuser |
deluser | Removes a user from the system | deluser username |
usermod | Modifies an existing user account | usermod -aG sudo username |
passwd | Changes a user's password | passwd username |
chmod | Changes file or directory permissions | chmod 755 file.txt |
chown | Changes file owner and group | chown user:group file.txt |
groups | Shows groups a user belongs to | groups username |
ls -l | Lists files with permissions displayed | ls -l |
chgrp | Changes the group ownership of a file | chgrp groupname file.txt |
su | Switches to another user | su - username |
Learning and mastering these commands gives you the necessary tools for ensuring that everyone has just enough access to pwn in your Linux environment. Play around with these, and play a lot until you realize how cool user/group/other permisisons on Linux keep your system in shape.
Linux Hardware and System Components
The more you know about how Linux interfaces with your hardware and other system components, the better off you'll be in making it work for its intended purpose. Knowing how to manage these components can make your Linux journey more effortless and convenient, from handling hardware devices all the way through monitoring system resources.
In Linux, Hardware management means interacting with different system components i.e. disks, printers and Network Interfaces etc… You will also need to know how to actively manage the state of these components as well as set them up in the right manner for any drivers that may be required. You also have to focus on your CPU, memory and storage among the other components of you system as they affect how well it performs.
Here’s a handy table of commands to help you get familiar with managing hardware and system components:
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
lspci | Lists all PCI devices | lspci |
lsusb | Lists all USB devices | lsusb |
lsblk | Lists information about block devices (disks) | lsblk |
df -h | Shows disk space usage | df -h |
du -sh | Displays disk usage of a specific directory | du -sh /home/user |
free -h | Displays memory usage | free -h |
top | Displays real-time system resource usage | top |
htop | An interactive process viewer (more user-friendly than top) | htop |
uname -r | Shows the kernel version | uname -r |
dmesg | Displays boot and system messages | dmesg |
lshw | Lists detailed information about hardware | lshw |
With these commands, you'll be able to keep tabs on your hardware, check system resources, and troubleshoot issues that might arise.
Linux Distributions: Pick, Install, and Customize
Choosing the right Linux distribution (distro) is a bit like picking a new phone or computer—there are many options, each with its own strengths and quirks. The good news is, there’s a distro out there for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro. The key is to find one that fits your needs and preferences.
Once you've picked a distro, installing it is usually a straightforward process. Many distributions offer easy-to-follow installation guides, and some even provide live versions that let you try them out before making a commitment. After installation, the fun begins with customization—personalizing your Linux environment to suit your style and workflow. This could include changing your desktop environment, installing additional software, or tweaking system settings to make your experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Here’s a quick guide to help you through picking, installing, and customizing your Linux distribution:
| Step | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pick a Distro | Choose a distribution that fits your needs | Ubuntu for beginners, Fedora for a cutting-edge experience, Arch for advanced users |
| Download | Download the ISO file from the distro’s website | https://ubuntu.com/download |
| Create Bootable Media | Create a bootable USB drive or DVD | Use tools like Rufus or Etcher |
| Install | Boot from your installation media and follow the prompts | Install Ubuntu by selecting language, keyboard layout, and partitioning options |
| Customize | Adjust settings to your liking and install additional software | Change desktop environment (e.g., GNOME to KDE), install tools like GIMP, or set up a custom theme |
Additional Tips:
- Try Before You Install: Many distros offer live versions that let you test them out without making changes to your system.
- Backup First: Always back up your important data before installing a new OS.
- Explore the Community: Check out forums, user guides, and online communities for tips and support specific to your chosen distro.
System Updates and Performance Tuning
It is very important to keep your Linux system support and running at the end of its power, both for security reasons as well as anything beneficial. Users should make a point of updating their systems on regular basis so that they are equipped with latest security patches, bug fixes and the extended functionalities. In simpler terms, while Distros has to do with the platform itself and some default tools customized within them in a certain way as well perhaps added software bundled together by developers who mantain this distro… performance tuning on your Linux box is where you make changes at system levels tweaking or configuring resources giving away things that could speed up what just feels slow.
System Updates
System upgrades are usually trivial, as most distributions offer very user-friendly package managers to take care of updating. Everyone wants to have the latest features; however, regular updates are also key for system security and stability.
Performance Tuning
It is the process of changing system settings to make better use out of your CPU, memory and disk resources. For instance, perhaps you could disable unnecessary services, adjust the swappiness (the frequency with which Linux uses swap space), or use performance monitoring tools to uncover any bottlenecks and take steps to alleviate them.
Here's a table of basic commands to help you manage updates and tune your system’s performance:
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
sudo apt update | Updates the package list (Debian/Ubuntu-based) | sudo apt update |
sudo apt upgrade | Installs available updates | sudo apt upgrade |
dnf update | Updates packages (Fedora/RHEL-based) | sudo dnf update |
pacman -Syu | Updates packages (Arch-based) | sudo pacman -Syu |
top or htop | Monitors system resource usage | htop |
systemctl disable | Disables unnecessary services | sudo systemctl disable service_name |
sysctl | Modifies kernel parameters | sudo sysctl -w vm.swappiness=10 |
iotop | Monitors disk I/O usage | sudo iotop |
free -m | Shows memory usage | free -m |
ps aux | Lists running processes | ps aux |
Additional Tips:
- Automate Updates: Enable auto-updates so that your system remains up to date and protected without needing manual intervention.
- Use LTS Versions: Long-Term Support (LTS) versions of distros like Ubuntu provide stability and less frequent major changes.
- Monitor Regularly: Regularly check your system’s performance using tools like
htop,iotop, ornmonto catch issues early.
Staying on top of maintaining and optimizing your Linux will have a massive impact in all parts of using it, keeping your system up to date can prevent problems before they arise. Simply dive into those practices and you will be having a system that not only fulfills the needs but have surpassed them!
Networking 101: Connecting Your Linux Box
One of the first things you will have to do is get your Linux machine connected on the network, be it for using it as a server or workstation, browsing web etc. Networking is one of the powerful elements in Linux which can be sometime intimidating for some user. DO NOT BE AFRAID—all these can be easy once you understand the basics!
To get started, you'll need to know how to view and manage your network connections. This includes tasks like checking your IP address, connecting to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, troubleshooting network issues, and even configuring more advanced settings like DNS and static IP addresses. Here are some common commands to help you get connected:
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
ip addr | Displays IP address information | ip addr show |
ping | Tests connectivity to another network host | ping google.com |
ifconfig | Displays or configures network interfaces | ifconfig |
nmcli | Manages network connections (NetworkManager) | nmcli device status |
nmtui | A text-based user interface for NetworkManager | nmtui |
netstat | Displays network connections, routing tables | netstat -r |
curl | Transfers data from or to a server | curl https://example.com |
traceroute | Shows the route packets take to a network host | traceroute google.com |
ssh | Connects to a remote machine via SSH | ssh user@remote_host |
iptables | Configures packet filtering and NAT | sudo iptables -L |
These commands will give you a good foundation for managing your network connections on Linux. From setting up a basic internet connection to troubleshooting network issues, mastering these commands will keep you connected and productive.
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Introduction to Shell Scripting and Automation
Among the most powerful tools for a Linux user, no matter how experienced, is Shell scripting. Which can help you automate repeated tasks, do system administration in an efficient way as well execute large-scale workflows with few lines of code. If you're new to coding or just wanting to better understand shell scripting, learning the ropes will improve your workflow and save plenty of time on linux.
A shell script is a file which contain the series of commands executed by the shell(like bash). These scripts can automate anything from simple file operations to complex system management tasks, saving you time and reducing the likelihood of human error. By mastering shell scripting, you can automate backups, set up scheduled tasks, manage system configurations, and much more.
Here are some basic commands and concepts to get you started with shell scripting:
| Concept/Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
#!/bin/bash | Shebang line that specifies the script interpreter | #!/bin/bash |
echo | Prints text to the terminal | echo "Hello, World!" |
| Variables | Store data that can be reused in the script | NAME="Rocky"; echo $NAME |
if statements | Conditional statements for decision-making | if [ $AGE -gt 18 ]; then echo "Adult"; fi |
Loops (for, while) | Repeat commands multiple times | for i in {1..5}; do echo $i; done |
read | Reads input from the user | read -p "Enter your name: " NAME |
| Functions | Define reusable blocks of code | function greet() { echo "Hello"; } |
cron | Schedule scripts to run automatically | crontab -e and add 0 0 * * * /path/to/script.sh |
| File Operations | Automate file management tasks | mv file1.txt /backup/ |
chmod +x | Makes your script executable | chmod +x script.sh |
Example Script:
#!/bin/bash
echo "Welcome to Shell Scripting!"
echo "Today's date is: $(date)"
echo "The current directory is: $(pwd)"This simple script greets the user, displays the current date, and shows the working directory. It’s a basic example, but it highlights how shell scripting can make system tasks quick and effortless.
Why Automate?
Automation not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors that come from manual repetition. It allows you to handle system maintenance, backups, user management, and much more without constant manual intervention.
Getting started with shell scripting is easy, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it! So, fire up your terminal, create your first script, and start automating your way to efficiency on Linux.
Exploring Linux for Daily Use
Linux isn't just for servers, developers, or tech enthusiasts—it's a powerful and flexible operating system that's perfect for everyday use. Whether you're browsing the web, working on documents, listening to music, or even gaming, Linux has a variety of distributions and tools that make it an excellent choice for your daily computing needs.
One of the best things about Linux is its adaptability. You can choose a distribution (distro) that fits your style and needs, whether it's something user-friendly like Ubuntu, visually appealing like elementary OS, or lightweight like Linux Mint. Once you've picked your distro, you'll find that Linux offers a rich set of applications and features that can easily replace or even surpass those found on other operating systems.
Here's a quick look at some common daily tasks and how Linux handles them:
| Task | Linux Solution | Example Application |
|---|---|---|
| Web Browsing | Browse the internet with powerful browsers | Firefox, Chrome, Brave |
| Document Editing | Create and edit documents, spreadsheets, slides | LibreOffice, WPS Office |
| Email Management | Manage emails with robust clients | Thunderbird, Evolution |
| Media Playback | Play music, watch videos, and more | VLC, Rhythmbox, MPV |
| Photo Editing | Edit photos with advanced tools | GIMP, Darktable |
| Gaming | Play games, both native and via emulation | Steam, Lutris, PlayOnLinux |
| System Customization | Customize your desktop environment | GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE |
| File Management | Organize and manage files easily | Nautilus, Dolphin, Thunar |
| Security and Privacy | Keep your system secure and protect your privacy | UFW, OpenVPN, TOR |
Getting Comfortable with Linux for Everyday Tasks:
- Web Browsing:
Linux supports all major web browsers, so you can continue using your favorite one or explore alternatives like Brave, which is focused on privacy. - Productivity:
Need to work on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations? LibreOffice offers a full suite of office tools that are compatible with Microsoft Office formats. - Multimedia:
Enjoy your music, videos, and photos with high-quality applications like VLC and GIMP. Linux also supports a wide range of audio and video formats out of the box. - Gaming:
Linux has come a long way in gaming. With Steam’s Proton compatibility layer, many Windows games now run seamlessly on Linux. Plus, there are native Linux games and tools like Lutris that make gaming even better. - Customization:
One of the joys of using Linux is the ability to customize your desktop environment to your liking. Whether you prefer a minimalist setup or a full-featured desktop with all the bells and whistles, Linux lets you design your workspace. - Security and Privacy:
Linux is known for its robust security features. With built-in firewalls like UFW and tools like OpenVPN, you can easily protect your data and maintain your privacy online.
Why Linux for Daily Use?
Using Linux for your daily tasks isn’t just about making a statement—it's about taking control of your computing experience. With Linux, you're using an open-source, community-driven operating system that respects your privacy, gives you more customization options, and offers a wide array of powerful applications. Plus, with the vast support community, you’ll never feel lost if you run into any issues.
Once you start exploring what Linux can do for your daily needs, you might find yourself wondering why you didn't make the switch sooner. It’s a versatile, secure, and reliable OS that’s more than ready to handle whatever your day throws at it. So why not give Linux a try and see how it fits into your everyday life?
If you’re serious about mastering Linux, one of the best resources to get you started is our book, Linux Playbook for Hackers. It’s packed with practical guides, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples that make learning Linux both easy and engaging. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this book has something for everyone. Plus, if you ever find yourself stuck or just want to connect with like-minded learners, you can join the Codelivly community on Telegram. It’s a great place to ask questions, share tips, and get support from fellow Linux enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on these valuable resources—dive in and start your Linux journey today!
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