What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source operating system. An operating system is the software that directly manages a system's hardware and resources, like CPU, memory, and storage. The OS sits between applications and hardware and makes the connections between all of your software and the physical resources that do the work.
Why use Linux?
There are countless reasons to use Linux, but some of them are mentioned below: -
Open-Source: Linux is free and open-source, meaning that the source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute.
Flexibility: Linux is highly customizable, allowing users to modify and tailor the operating system to meet the needs of specific applications.
Scalability: Linux can run on a wide range of hardware platforms, from small embedded devices to large-scale server clusters.
Security: Linux is known for its robust security features, including support for secure boot, encryption, and access controls.
Stability: Linux is known for its stability and reliability, with many systems running for years without any downtime or issues.
Package Management: Linux comes with a powerful package management system that makes it easy to install, upgrade, and remove software packages. This system provides a centralized repository of software that can be easily accessed and managed by users.
Architecture of Linux
The architecture of the Linux system is a layered structure that comprises several components, each with a specific function.
The main components of Linux operating system are:
Application: This is the topmost layer of the Linux architecture and consists of the various applications that run on top of the operating system and interact with its components.
Shell: The shell is a command-line interface that allows users to interact with the system through a set of commands.
Kernel: The kernel is the central component of the Linux operating system architecture. It manages system resources and provides services to applications and processes running on the system.
Hardware: This is the bottommost layer of the Linux architecture and represents the physical hardware components of the computer, such as the processor, memory, and storage. The hardware layer is responsible for interacting with the various hardware devices and providing access to them for the rest of the operating system.
Basic Linux Commands
pwd(present working directory) -> Prints the current working directory
cd(change directory) -> To change the current working directory
cd .. -> To go one step back from the current working directory
ls(List) -> Lists the contents of a directory
ls -a -> Lists all the contents of the directory including the hidden ones
touch filename -> To create a new empty file
vi/vim filename -> To edit the content of the file
cat filename -> To read the content of the file
rm filename -> To delete the file
mkdir dir_name -> To create a new directory
mkdir dir1 dir2 -> To create multiple directories
mkdir -p A/B/C/D/E -> To create a nested directory
rmdir dir_name -> To delete a directory
cp source destination -> To copy file/dir from source to destination
Ex:- cp test.txt /home/Smriti
Here,
source is test.txt which is in the current directory
destination is /home/Smriti where we want to copy the test.txt file
mv source destination -> To move file/dir from source to destination
Ex:- cp test.txt /home/Smriti
Here,
source is test.txt which is in the current directory
destination is /home/Smriti where we want to move the test.txt file
NOTE : mv is also used for renaming the file/dir
Syntax:- mv old_name new_name
Ex:- mv test.txt test1.txt
Here , test.txt will get renamed by test1.txt
sudo(superuser do) -> To run command as a root user
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Linux is a powerful and versatile open-source operating system that offers a wide range of benefits, including stability, security, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. It is highly customizable and supports a vast array of software applications. Linux is widely used in various industries and has a strong community support. Linux has become a key player in server environments, powering a significant portion of the internet, and it has also gained traction in desktop and mobile computing.
Overall, Linux is a reliable and efficient choice for individuals and organizations seeking a powerful operating system.
~Smriti Sharma✌