Linux is one of the most widely used open-source operating systems. It's fast, secure, stable, and powers everything from smartphones and servers to cloud platforms and IoT devices. Linux is especially popular among developers, system administrators, and DevOps professionals.
Linux is:
- A Unix-like OS used in servers, cloud infrastructure, supercomputers, personal computers and embedded systems.
- Reliable and secure, making it ideal for web hosting, networking, and automation.
- Preferred in DevOps, where it's used for scripting, configuration, containerization (Docker), and CI/CD pipelines.
- Open-source and customizable, giving users full control over their systems and workflows.
This Linux tutorial is designed for both beginners and experienced professionals. It covers everything from basic commands and file management to advanced topics like file permissions and shell scripting.
1. Understanding Linux Basics
In this section, we will cover the basics of Linux operating system, how it works, and how it's different from Unix. We'll learn about the concept of Linux distributions (distros), why they exist, and how to choose the right one based on your needs—whether you're a beginner, developer, or system admin.
Installing Linux
Before getting started with Linux, we need to set it up on your system. Here are two common ways to do this:
2. 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 the most commonly used Linux commands along with a complete list:
3. Linux File System
The Linux file system organizes data in a hierarchical structure, starting from the root ("/"). It defines how files and directories are stored, accessed, and managed, ensuring efficient system navigation and resource organization. In this section, we’ll explore its key components including the directory structure, file types, absolute and relative paths, and mount points.
4. File Management in Linux
File management in Linux is all about creating, viewing, editing, moving, copying, and deleting files and directories using both the command line and graphical tools. In this section, we’ll cover essential file management commands like ls, cd, cp, mv, rm, and touch, along with concepts like file paths, wildcards, and hidden files.
File Permissions in Linux
5. 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.
Linux Packages Manager
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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:
Creating and Running Shell Scripts
Variables in Shell Scripting
Bash Scripting
Advanced Topics in Shell Scripting
9. 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.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Linux Systemd and Boot Process
10. Advance Linux Concepts
Networking Services
Web Server Administration
11. Linux Cloud
Linux Interview Questions
Here are the top 70 most commonly asked Linux interview questions, covering essential topics like commands, shell scripting, system administration, networking, and troubleshooting:
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 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 their 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. |
Explore
Linux/Unix Tutorial
10 min read
Getting Started with Linux
Installation with Linux
Linux Commands
Linux File System
Linux Kernel
Linux Networking Tools
Linux Process
Linux Firewall
Shell Scripting & Bash Scripting