Performing Basic Linux Tasks

• Identify the Linux Design Philosophy

• Enter Shell Commands
• Get Help with Linux

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Open Source Software (OSS) (Slide 1 of 2)

Computer code that any user is permitted to view, copy, and modify for
any reason, as well as distribute to anyone.

• Users are granted rights when author releases source code under an OSS license.
• Opposite of proprietary software.
• Released under a license that restricts rights.
• Provides several advantages.
• Encourages ongoing improvement of software.
• Encourages collaboration and community-driven development.
• Developers can customize/enhance others' code.
• No legal issues.
• The Linux kernel is OSS.

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Open Source Software (Slide 2 of 2)

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Free Software vs. Open Source Software (Slide 1 of 2)

• Free software often conflated with OSS.

• Very similar with a lot of overlap.
• Some draw a distinction.
• According to Richard Stallman:
• "Open source is a development methodology; free software is a social movement."
• OSS focuses on collaborative development.
• Free software focuses on user rights.
• "Free" as in freedom, not a lack of cost.
• Free and open source software (FOSS):
• Used as an alternative term.
• Embodies values of both movements.

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Free Software vs. Open Source Software (Slide 2 of 2)

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The Unix Philosophy

A set of best practices and approaches to software

development.

• Emphasizes simplicity and modularity.

• Created by lead Unix developers.
• Key high-level points:
• Do one thing and do it well.
• Worse is better.
• Support interactivity.
• Handle I/O streams.

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Advantages of Using Linux

• FOSS nature promotes transparency.

• Design emphasizes simplicity and modularity.
• Highly customizable.
• Highly reliable and stable.
• Strong integration with common programming languages.
• Emphasis on security and privacy.
• Most distributions are free of monetary cost.
• Has a passionate community that offers support.

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Disadvantages of Using Linux

• Sharper learning curve.

• Desktop software is not as well-supported.
• No official version; might confuse new users.
• No official support for the most part.

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Linux Distributions

Distinct members of the Linux OS family.

• No official "Linux" OS.

• All distros (Linux Distribution) based on Linux kernel.
• Different distros have different additional software and kernel version.
• Kernel + additional software = fully functional OS.
• Also differences in community, release rate, etc.
• Choosing a distro is a matter of:
• Identifying your business needs.
• Familiarity with provided tools.
• There are hundreds of distros.

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List of Linux Distributions (Slide 1 of 2)

Distro Notes
• Oldest distro still maintained.
Slackware
• Most Unix-like, for advanced users.
• Earlier distro composed entirely of free software.
Debian
• Basis for many derivative distros.
• One of the most popular distros for general use.
Ubuntu
• Based on Debian.
• Debian-based distro.
Kali Linux
• Used in penetration testing/other cybersecurity tasks.
• Comes with paid customer support.
RHEL
• Common for servers in corporate environments.

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List of Linux Distributions (Slide 2 of 2)

Distro Notes
• No-cost version of RHEL.
CentOS
• Same functionality, no support provided.
• Upstream source of RHEL.
Fedora
• Multiple editions targeting different computing roles.
• Sponsored by SUSE Linux GmbH.
openSUSE
• Incorporates FOSS tools.
• Shares code base with openSUSE.
SLES
• More stable, comes with paid customer support.
• For experienced users; emphasizes simplicity.
Arch Linux
• ArchWiki provides comprehensive documentation.

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Uses for Linux
Role Description
• Provide services to multiple users over a network.
Servers
• Linux dominates web, cloud, and other server markets.
• Powerful desktops geared toward technical use.
Workstations
• Slightly better Linux adoption than PCs.
• Mainframes excel at processing concurrent transactions.
Mainframes and
• Supercomputers excel at performing complex calculations quickly.
supercomputers
• Linux dominates both markets.
• Includes smartphones, tablets, etc.
Mobile devices
• Android has over 80% of mobile device market.
• Includes desktops and laptops.
PCs
• Only around 2% run Linux.
• Have specific functions in a larger system.
Embedded systems
• Majority of market runs Linux.

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The Command-Line Interface

A text-based interface between the user and the OS that accepts

input in the form of commands.

• Presents prompt to user.

• User enters command to interact with system.
• Important tool in any admin's arsenal.
• Developers and admins use CLI, end users tend to use GUI.
• Comfort at CLI is essential, and an assumed skill.
• A GUI is not required, and may not even be installed.
• You can perform all administration at the CLI.

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CLI Advantages and Challenges

• Advantages:
• Faster for system to process.
• Faster for admins to enter info.
• Commands can be stored as scripts to run a series of tasks.
• Scripts can be scheduled to run on a regular basis.
• Additional options available that may not be in GUI.
• Challenges:
• More difficult to learn than GUI.
• Commands have many options and are not always consistent.
• Often mistakenly thought of as legacy.
• Many command-line environments in different OS platforms.

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Shells (Slide 1 of 2)

A system component that permits users to pass commands and

information to the kernel.

• Interpreter between human and kernel languages.

• Users issue commands in shell to tell OS what to do.
• OS responds with results.
• Can be either CLI or GUI.
• CLI shells:
• Bourne shell
• Bash
• C shell
• KornShell

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Shells (Slide 2 of 2)

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Bash Syntax (Slide 1 of 2)

• Basic syntax: command [-options] [arguments]

Syntax Format Command Description

Command only ls Lists directory contents with default output.

Lists directory contents in long format/shows hidden

Command with options ls –la
files.
Lists directory contents of /var/log with default
Command with argument ls /var/log
output.
Command with options and Lists directory contents of /var/log in long
ls –la /var/log
argument format/shows hidden files.

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Bash Syntax (Slide 2 of 2)

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Basic Bash Commands
Command Description Examples

echo Repeats input back to user. echo 'Good morning!'

• ls
• ls -a
ls Lists contents of directory.
• ls -l
• ls /var/log

pwd Displays current working directory. pwd

• cd /var/log
cd Changes current working directory.
• cd /etc

touch Updates timestamp of file/creates file. touch file1

cp Copies a file or directory. cp file1 file2

mkdir Creates a new directory. mkdir newdir

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File Viewing Commands

• System configs are in text files.

• cat views contents of file.
• Example: cat file1 shows contents of file1 on screen.
• less breaks output into pages.
• Example: less file1 shows contents even if they go past screen.
• Press Page Up/Page Down to scroll.
• Press q to exit.

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File Editing Commands

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Power Management Commands

• shutdown -h now
• Shuts down with no delay.
• shutdown -h -t 90
• Shuts down in 90 seconds.
• shutdown -r now
• Reboots with no delay.

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Superuser Commands

• Superuser has admin credentials.

• Typically named root.
• Avoid logging in as root.
• Sometimes you'll need to assume superuser privileges.
• su – switches/substitutes user credentials.
• su - root switches/substitutes to root user.
• System will prompt you for root password.

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Shell History

• Bash keeps a history of commands entered.

• Use to repeat commands.
• Examples:
• history outputs list of recently entered commands.
• Up/Down Arrow keys cycle through history. Press Enter to reissue command.

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Tab Completion

A feature in which a command-line shell fills in the name of a

command you've partially typed.

• Supported by Bash.
• Reduces errors and speeds up entering commands.
• Examples:
• Type his and press Tab to fill rest of history command.
• Type cd /home/user1/Aug and press Tab to fill path to:
cd /home/user1/AugustProjects

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Shell Tips and Tricks

• Get in the habit of using tab completion.

• Use history instead of re-writing long commands.
• Read the command backward to troubleshoot issues.
• Clear the screen with the clear command.

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Linux Documentation

• Documentation is a necessity.
• Helps users perform activities and resolve issues.
• Any job role or experience level.
• No official comprehensive source of Linux documentation.
• Spread across multiple sources in multiple forms.
• Example sources:
• Manual pages
• Built-in help commands
• Online documentation projects
• Usenet newsgroups
• Internet mailing lists
• Q&A websites
• Forums/social media
• Books/other print resources

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Manual Pages (Slide 1 of 2)

The complete documentation for specific Linux commands.

• Available on Linux systems by default.

• Use the man command to display pages.
• Include information such as:
• Syntax
• Description
• Options
• Example usage
• Related commands
• Most immediate source of help for commands.
• Useful when you have no Internet access.

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Manual Pages (Slide 2 of 2)

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Other Built-In Help Options

Help Option Description

• Searches NAME section of man pages based on keyword.
apropos • Helps you find the right command to use for a certain task.
• Syntax: apropos {keyword}
• Displays brief description of given command.
whatis • Helps you figure out what a command does.
• Syntax: whatis {command}
• Displays info page of command.
• Similar to man pages, with some improvements.
info
• Not as widely adopted as man pages.
• Syntax: info {command}
• Displays quick summary of command usage and arguments.
--help
• Syntax: <command> --help
• Directory of documentation for software packages.
/usr/share/doc/
• Includes author, licensing, installation, README, etc.

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Online Documentation (Slide 1 of 2)

Online Source Description

Official distro • Some distros provide official documentation for that distro.
documentation • Includes release notes, installation guide, etc.

• All-volunteer project for comprehensive Linux documentation.

LDP
• Provides HOWTOs, Guides, FAQs, man pages, etc.

Linux man-pages • Official man pages for Linux kernel/C library function interfaces available to
project user space programs.
• Official source of documentation for GNU core utilities.
GNU coreutils manual
• coreutils is GNU software package compiled with Linux kernel.

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Online Documentation (Slide 2 of 2)

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Interactive Help

Online Source Description

• Online discussion similar to bulletin board systems.
Usenet newsgroups • Users post to group in threads.
• comp.os.linux.help, comp.os.linux.answers, comp.os.linux.admin
• Similar to newsgroups but threads are sent over email.
Mailing lists • Some distros have their own mailing lists.
• General mailing lists: https://lists.linuxfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo
• Users post questions and other users provide answers/comments.
Q&A websites • Posts are "liked" or "upvoted" by community.
• Example: https://unix.stackexchange.com/
• Threaded posts using web protocols.
• Some forums encourage questions and discussion on Linux topics.
Forums and social
• Example: https://www.linuxquestions.org/
media
• Social media sites can provide forum-like discussion platforms.
• Example: https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxquestions/

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The End
Any question.