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What Is Linux? A Beginner’s Guide to the Open-Source OS

• May 11, 2025
• 33
• Leo

Linux is an open-source operating system (OS), like Windows or macOS, but it’s free and can be modified by anyone. It's based on UNIX and powers everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Technically, Linux refers to the kernel (the core part of the OS), but we often use “Linux” to mean a Linux-based operating system, like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian.

How Do We Use Linux?

• Install it on your computer (alone or alongside Windows/macOS).
• Use it to browse the internet, write documents, code software, or run servers.
• Choose from different desktop environments (like GNOME or KDE).
• Manage files, software, and settings using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) or Command Line Interface (CLI).

You can use it in different ways:

• Desktop OS for personal use
• Server OS (web, database, file servers)
• Cloud/DevOps platforms
• Embedded devices (like smart TVs or routers)
• Programming & ethical hacking

Why Do We Use Linux?

• Free and Open-Source – No need to buy a license, and you can change or study the code.
• Secure and Stable – Rarely gets viruses, often used in servers.
• Lightweight – Can run even on older hardware.
• Highly Customizable – From the interface to the kernel, everything can be tweaked.
• Powerful for Developers – Includes great tools for programming, automation, and system control.
• Huge Community Support – Tons of free guides, forums, and tutorials.

Some Types of Linux:
These are different "flavors" or versions of Linux, each designed for specific purposes or users.

For Beginners:

• Ubuntu – User-friendly, widely supported, great for newcomers.
• Linux Mint – Easy to use, Windows-like interface.
• Zorin OS – Ideal for users switching from Windows.

🔧 For Developers & Advanced Users:

• Fedora – Cutting-edge software, backed by Red Hat.
• Debian – Very stable, the base of many other distros (like Ubuntu).
• Arch Linux – Lightweight and customizable, but not beginner-friendly.

🛡️ For Security & Hacking:

• Kali Linux – Built for penetration testing and cybersecurity tasks.
• Parrot OS – Another security-focused OS, lighter than Kali.

☁️ For Servers:

• CentOS / Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux – Great for enterprise servers.
• Ubuntu Server – Server version of Ubuntu, popular in cloud hosting.

Some Important Linux Commands:

Command	Description
pwd	Show current directory (Print Working Directory)
ls	List files in the directory
cd	Change directory (cd /home, cd ..)
mkdir	Create a new directory
rm	Delete file or directory (rm file.txt, rm -r folder/)
cp	Copy files or folders (cp file1.txt backup/)
mv	Move or rename files (mv old.txt new.txt)
touch	Create a new empty file (touch test.txt)
nano, vim	Text editors in the terminal (nano file.txt)
sudo	Run a command with admin (root) permission (sudo apt update)
apt or yum	Package managers (apt install, yum install)
top or htop	Monitor running processes
df -h	Show disk space usage
man	Show manual/help for a command (man ls)