Introduction to linux

Introduction to GNU/Linux
Operating Systems
By:
Ahiante Stephen Oriasotie

What is Linux?
Linux is an open source Operating System that was
initially developed for intel x86 processors. It has
however been ported to other platforms.
The Linux Kernel was created by Linus Torvalds.
The Linux Kernel is the brain of any GNU/Linux
operating system (distribution). The Kernel glues both
applications and hardware together.

Generally, A Linux System has two operatable modes:
 The Command Line Interface (CLI): provided by the
shell.
 The Graphical User Interface (GUI): provided by the X
server.
Every distribution that offers a GUI employs the X server
to provide a Desktop environment e.g GNOME D.E, KDE,
etc.
Linux

Linux
LINUX SYSTEM
X ServerSHELL
Command Line
Interface
Graphical User
Interface

What is a Distribution (Distro)?
A Distribution is the collection of software making
up a linux based operating system.
There are Literally over hundreds of Linux
Distributions; with some based on others.
The Linux Kernel is common to all Linux
Ditributions; else, it won't be a Linux Operating
system.

Examples of Linux Distros
• Debian
• Ubuntu (and its derivatives)
• Linux Mint, Linux Mint Debian Edition
• Kali Linux
• Linux lite
• Raspbian
• Tails OS
• Knoppix, etc
Debian based OS use the Debian Package
(dpkg) for managing software (.deb), -apt

• Red Hat Linux
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
• Fedora
• CentOS
• EduLinux
• Scientific Linux, etc
These distros utilize the Redhat Package
Manager (.rpm), yum for managing software.

• Arch Linux
• Antergos Linux
• ArchBang
• Manjaro
Arch Linux and the distributions based on it
utilize the pacman (package manager) for
managing software

• Gentoo Linux
• Funtoo Linux
• Chromium OS
• Argent
• Pentoo
• Ututo, etc
These utilize the portage package manager
(emerge) for managing software.

There are hundreds of Linux Operating system
with many developed for special Purposes

There are three basic categories of Linux Distributions:
 Embedded Distros
 Desktop Distros
 Server Distros
Categories of Linux Distributions

Embedded Distros
Embedded Linux Distributions are those Distributions
that run on embedded devices such as mobile phones,
some ATMs, IoT devices, etc.
Examples Include:
• Android
• Tizen
• Meizu's Ubuntu, etc

Desktop Distros
Desktop Distributions are Linux Distros that are
installed on Personal Computers and is used for user
defined purposes.
Examples Include:
• Ubuntu Desktop
• Linux Mint
• Fedora
• Linux Lite, etc

Server Distros
Server Distributions are Linux Distros that are installed
on Dedicated Computers.
Examples Include:
• Ubuntu Server
• CentOS
• RHEL
• openSUSE, etc.
Linux servers are usually installed without X; and even
if X is installed, it doesn't lauch during system startup.

A File system is a way of organizing files. Every thing in
Linux is a File.
Figure I Basic form of the FHS
Linux Filesystem

Linux relies heavily on command line tools. Using the
command line provides the following advantages:
 Basically, all tasks can be done using the CLI
 Tasks and series of procedures can be scripted
 Networked machines on the internet can be logged
on to remotely
 GUI apps can be launched from the CLI
CLI: Terminals & Virtual Terminals

Examples of terminals include:
 bsh
 zsh
 bash
 ksh, etc

Virtual terminals are full screen terminals that do not
run inside the X-window (the GUI). All GNU/Linux
systems possess virtual terminals even ones that do
not employ the X server.
They are usually accessed by pressing the Ctrl + alt +
Fn 1 - 6 keys, and then can be left by pressing the Ctrl
+ alt + Fn 7 or Fn 8 key (s); depending on the system.

Introduction to linux

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Introduction to linux