Linux is a widely-used open-source operating system, similar to Windows, Mac, and Android. It shares similarities with Unix, another operating system known for its commercial use. Unix and Linux have comparable components, including the kernel, shell, and programs. Many commands in Unix and Linux exhibit similar behavior and syntax.
What is Linux Used For? – Linux is mostly used in servers, cloud computing, supercomputers, embedded systems, and developer environments. Its reliability, scalability, and security make it the backbone of web hosting, data centers, and IoT devices
This Linux tutorial designed for both beginners as well as experienced professionals, covering basic and advanced concepts of Linux such as Linux commands, directory and file management, man pages, file permissions, shells, and more.
Additionally, we also provide a collections of Linux interview questions and all about Linux certifications and career with Linux to enhance your understanding.
Getting Started with Linux: Beginner to Advance Guide
This Linux tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for mastering Linux. You’ll begin with Linux basics and gradually progress to advanced topics like networking, file permissions, and package management. By the end of this Linux tutorial, you’ll have a strong foundation in Linux and its practical applications.
Introduction to Linux
Learning the basics of Linux helps you understand how this powerful operating system works, why it’s widely used in various fields, and how it differs from Windows with its open-source nature, better security, and flexibility in customization.
Installing Linux
In this section you will learn diffrent ways to install and run Linux in your system:
Complete Linux Commands
Linux commands are instructions entered in the terminal to perform tasks such as navigating directories, managing files, monitoring system performance, and installing software. Here are all the Linux commands in order:
Basic Linux Commands
Linux File System
File Management in Linux
Here you can get the basic of File – File Management in Linux
File Permissions in Linux
Searching Files in Linux
Viewing Files in Linux
Package Management
Package management in Linux involves installing, updating, and removing software using package managers like apt, yum, or dnf. It simplifies handling software dependencies and ensures systems stay updated and secure.
User and Group Management
Managing users and groups in Linux involves creating, modifying, and controlling user accounts, assigning permissions, and organizing users into groups for efficient access control and system security.
Introduction to User and Group Management
User Management
Linux Networking
Linux networking covers everything from configuring IP addresses and managing network interfaces to setting up firewalls, monitoring traffic, and enabling communication between devices and servers:
Linux Firewall
Shell Scripting
Shell scripting is writing a series of commands in a script file to automate tasks in a Linux or Unix shell. It simplifies repetitive tasks like file management, system monitoring, and process automation, using languages like Bash or other shell environments:
Linux Shell and Shell Scripting
Types of Shells
Basics of Shell Scripting
Creating and Running Shell Scripts
Variables in Shell Scripting
Bash Scripting
Control Structures in Shell Scripting
Advanced Topics in Shell Scripting
System Administration
System administration in Linux involves managing and maintaining Linux systems, including tasks like user management, file permissions, software installation, network configuration, and monitoring system performance. It ensures the system operates efficiently and securely.
Introduction to Linux System Administration
Core Topics in Linux System Administration
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Linux Systemd and Boot Process
Managing Systemd Services
Advance Linux Concepts
Linux Kernel
Virtualization
Networking Services
Web Server Administration
Linux Cloud
Some working with different package managers (dpkg, yum, dnf, apt-get):
Best Approach to Learn Linux
Here’s the step-by-step approach to learn and master Linux efficiently and effectively:
- Understand Linux Basics: Start by learning what Linux is, its distributions (distros), and its core components like the kernel, shell, and file system.
- Install a Linux Distro: Choose a beginner-friendly distribution like Ubuntu or Fedora and set it up on your system (dual boot or virtual machine).
- Learn Basic Commands: Familiarize yourself with essential commands like
ls, cd, pwd, cp, mv, rm, and mkdir. Practice navigating directories and managing files. - Explore the File System: Understand the Linux file structure, including
/home, /var, /etc, and /usr. Learn how permissions work using chmod, chown, and ls -l. - Work with Text Editors: Get comfortable with terminal-based editors like Vim or Nano for creating and editing files.
- Understand Package Management: Learn how to install, update, and remove software using package managers like
apt (Debian-based) or yum/dnf (Red Hat-based). - Explore Shell Scripting: Start writing basic shell scripts to automate repetitive tasks and understand how shell scripting integrates with Linux commands.
- Manage Processes and Services: Use commands like
ps, top, and kill to manage processes and explore system services using systemctl. - Networking in Linux: Understand networking basics like IP configuration (
ifconfig or ip), checking connectivity (ping), and managing firewall settings (ufw or iptables). - Learn Advanced Tools: Explore tools like
grep, awk, sed, and cron for text processing and task scheduling. - Work on Real Projects: Set up a web server using Apache or Nginx, configure SSH for remote access, or create a simple home automation script.
- Stay Updated: Regularly practice and stay updated with the latest Linux features, commands, and best practices by joining Linux forums and following tutorials.
By following this structured approach, you’ll gain both the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to use and manage Linux systems effectively.
Linux is Best Suitable For
- Web Servers & Hosting: Linux powers popular web servers like Apache and Nginx, making it a favorite for hosting websites and applications.
- System Administration: Ideal for managing servers, with tools like
cron, ssh, and systemctl for automation and maintenance. - Cloud Computing: Foundational for platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, offering scalability and reliability.
- Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking: Used in penetration testing with specialized distros like Kali Linux and tools like Metasploit.
- Data Science & Analysis: Supports powerful tools like R, Jupyter Notebook, and Python libraries such as Pandas and NumPy.
- Software Development: Offers robust support for languages like Python, Java, and C++, along with version control tools like Git.
- Gaming: With platforms like SteamOS and support for gaming engines, Linux is growing in the gaming industry.
Linux Interview Questions
Prepare for Linux interviews with these commonly asked questions, covering topics like commands, shell scripting, system administration, networking, and troubleshooting:
Linux Certifications
Earning a Linux certification validates your expertise in Linux administration, troubleshooting, and system management, opening doors to career opportunities in IT and networking.
| Certification | Experience | Details | Fees | Post-Certification Opportunities |
|---|
| CompTIA Linux+ | 12 months hands-on experience with Linux servers recommended. | Covers system management, security, scripting, and troubleshooting. | $369 (exam only) | Qualifies for roles like Linux Administrator, Network Administrator, and Technical Support Specialist. |
| Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) | Prior experience or training in Linux system administration beneficial. | Focuses on installation, configuration, and management of RHEL systems. | $400 per exam; two exams required | Opens opportunities as a Red Hat System Administrator, with an average salary of $130,000. |
| Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1) | Basic experience with Linux systems advantageous. | Validates ability to perform maintenance tasks, work at the command line, and install & configure a computer running Linux. | $200 per exam; two exams required | Entry-level positions in Linux system administration. |
| Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) | Practical experience with Linux systems beneficial. | Emphasizes command-line management and basic system administration tasks. | $375 for the exam | Validates skills for junior-level system administrator roles. |
| Oracle Linux Certification | Hands-on experience with Oracle Linux recommended. | Focuses on Oracle Linux system administration and implementation. | ₹10,475 per exam | Opportunities as an Oracle Linux System Administrator. |
Why Pursue a Linux Certification?
- Validates technical skills and increases job prospects.
- Enhances credibility for roles in system administration, DevOps, and cloud computing.
- Provides in-depth knowledge for efficient Linux management.
Career & Jobs in Linux 2025
Linux offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Here’s a list of the best career options available for professionals with Linux expertise, along with their average salaries.
| Career | Average Salary (INR) Per Annum | Average Salary (USD) Per Annum |
|---|
| Linux System Administrator | ₹400,000 – ₹1,000,000 | $50,000 – $90,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹800,000 – ₹2,000,000 | $80,000 – $140,000 |
| Cloud Engineer | ₹900,000 – ₹2,400,000 | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Security Analyst | ₹700,000 – ₹1,800,000 | $75,000 – $130,000 |
| Network Engineer | ₹500,000 – ₹1,200,000 | $55,000 – $100,000 |
| Linux Kernel Developer | ₹1,000,000 – ₹2,500,000 | $100,000 – $160,000 |
| Technical Support Engineer | ₹300,000 – ₹800,000 | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Automation Engineer | ₹500,000 – ₹1,200,000 | $55,000 – $100,000 |
| Embedded Systems Engineer | ₹700,000 – ₹1,500,000 | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Database Administrator | ₹600,000 – ₹1,500,000 | $60,000 – $120,000 |
Also read – 5 Tips to Make a Career as a Linux Kernel Developer
List of Companies Use Linux
These are some popular companies that use Linux in thier workflow:
| Company | Description |
|---|
| Google | Linux forms the backbone of Google’s servers, powering its search engine, cloud services, and data centers. |
| Amazon | Amazon Web Services (AWS) relies heavily on Linux for scalability, flexibility, and security in its cloud infrastructure. |
| Facebook | Uses Linux for its servers to handle massive data processing and ensure efficient social media operations. |
| NASA | Employs Linux for high-performance computing, simulations, and managing space exploration projects. |
| Twitter | Relies on Linux to power its servers and maintain seamless platform performance for millions of users. |
| IBM | A major supporter of Linux, IBM integrates it into its hardware solutions and enterprise systems. |
| Netflix | Uses Linux to run its cloud-based servers, ensuring uninterrupted streaming services worldwide. |
| Tesla | Tesla’s in-car systems, Autopilot, and backend infrastructure are powered by Linux for reliability and performance. |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia operates on Linux servers to manage its vast knowledge base and serve millions of daily users. |
| Airbnb | Utilizes Linux for its servers to handle booking systems, data processing, and backend services. |
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