Linux Fundamentals for Beginners: Understanding the File System & Essential Commands
History & Introduction
Topic 1 Linux Structure
Linux is an operating system utilized in various devices, including personal computers and servers, and is essential in cybersecurity due to its robustness, flexibility, and open-source nature. This overview addresses Linux’s structure, history, philosophy, architecture, and file system hierarchy, providing vital knowledge for cybersecurity professionals. Linux differs from other operating systems like Windows or macOS by offering various distributions, or “distros,” tailored to specific needs and preferences.
Topic 2 History
Many events contributed to the development of the Linux operating system, starting with the release of Unix by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie in 1970. The Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) faced legal challenges due to Unix code ownership, while Richard Stallman initiated the GNU project in 1983 to create a free Unix-like OS, leading to the GNU General Public License. In 1991, Linus Torvalds began the Linux kernel as a personal project, which has since evolved into a robust system exceeding 23 million lines of code under GPL v2. Today, Linux supports over 600 distributions, notably Ubuntu and Fedora, and is recognized for its security, stability, and high performance, although it poses challenges for beginners. As an open-source platform, Linux can be freely modified and serves as a foundation for various systems, including Android. Parrot OS exemplifies a Linux distribution that prioritizes security and privacy, which will be used in upcoming modules. Furthermore, Linux is likened to a thriving company where its architecture mirrors organizational structure, promoting core values like simplicity and cooperation among its components.
topic 3 Philosophy
The Linux philosophy centers on simplicity, modularity, and openness. It advocates for building small, single-purpose programs that perform one task well. These programs can be combined in various ways to accomplish complex operations, promoting efficiency and flexibility. Linux follows five core principles:
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topic 4 Linux Architecture
The Linux operating system can be broken down into layers
topic 5 File System Hierarchy
The Linux operating system is structured in a tree-like hierarchy and is documented in the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS). Linux is structured with the following standard top-level directories:
