Table of Contents
- What is Linux?
- History of Linux
- Basic Linux Commands
What is Linux
Linux is a free and open-source operating system modeled on UNIX. It’s the software that sits between your computer’s hardware and the applications you run, managing resources and enabling communication between them. Unlike proprietary systems like Windows or macOS, Linux is built collaboratively by developers around the world and is known for its stability, security, and flexibility
Key Features of Linux
- Open source: Anyone can view, modify, and distribute the code.
- Stable: Rarely crashes and handles long uptimes.
- Secure: Fewer viruses and robust user permission control.
- Flexible: Can be customized for desktops, servers, embedded devices.
- Multi-user and multitasking: Supports multiple users and concurrent tasks efficiently.
History of Linux
How Linux Took Over the Tech World—In Simple Terms
Early 1990s: A curious student named Linus Torvalds builds a small program (kernel) as a personal project. He shares it online, inviting others to join the ride.
1991: The first version of “Linux” is born. It's like the central engine (or heart) of a computer—but it needs other pieces to become fully usable.
Mid-1990s to 2000s: Developers across the globe start adding the missing tools and features. Different versions, called "distributions" like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Red Hat—start popping up.
2000s: Linux becomes a go-to for powering servers. It later grows into mobile tech, forming the foundation for Android.
Today: Linux is everywhere—in phones, laptops, smart devices, cloud infrastructure, supercomputers, and even spacecraft. Thanks to open collaboration, it keeps evolving.
Basic Linux Commands
Command | Description |
---|---|
ls |
List files and directories |
pwd |
Show current directory path |
cd [dir] |
Change directory |
mkdir [dir] |
Create new directory |
rmdir [dir] |
Remove empty directory |
rm [file] |
Delete file |
rm -r [dir] |
Delete directory and contents |
cp [src] [dest] |
Copy file or directory |
mv [src] [dest] |
Move/rename file or directory |
touch [file] |
Create empty file |
cat [file] |
View file content |
nano [file] |
Edit file using nano editor |
sudo apt install [pkg] |
Install package |
sudo apt remove [pkg] |
Remove package |
✅ Why Use Linux?
- Free to use and distribute
- Highly customizable
- Supported by a large global community
- Used in cloud computing, DevOps, cybersecurity, AI, and more
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