What is Linux?
Linux is a free and open-source operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. The Linux kernel is the core component of Linux operating systems (often called Linux distributions or distros).
Key characteristics of Linux:
- Open Source: The source code is freely available and can be modified and distributed.
- Multi-user: Multiple users can use the system simultaneously.
- Multi-tasking: Can run multiple applications concurrently.
- Security: Strong user-permission model and security features.
- Stability: Known for its reliability and uptime.
- Flexibility: Can be customized for various purposes from embedded systems to supercomputers.
Why Learn Linux?
- Career Opportunities: Knowledge of Linux is in high demand across various IT roles.
- Server Dominance: Powers a majority of web servers, cloud infrastructure, and supercomputers.
- Development Environment: Preferred by many developers for programming and development.
- Free and Open: No licensing costs and access to the source code.
- Customization: Highly configurable to meet specific needs.
- Terminal Power: Command-line interface offers powerful and efficient system control.
Common Linux Distributions
- Ubuntu: User-friendly, great for beginners
- Fedora: Cutting-edge features, backed by Red Hat
- Debian: Stable and reliable
- CentOS/Rocky Linux: Enterprise-focused
- Arch Linux: Minimalist and highly customizable
- Linux Mint: Easy to use, great for Windows migrants
The Terminal: Your Gateway to Linux
The terminal (also known as the command line or shell) is a text interface to your computer. It's where you'll type commands to interact with the Linux system. While modern Linux distributions provide graphical user interfaces (GUIs), the terminal remains the most powerful way to interact with Linux.
In the next section, we'll dive into essential Linux commands to get you started.