Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
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:
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 BasicsIn 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.
Before getting started with Linux, we need to set it up on your system. Here are two common ways to do this:
2. Linux CommandsLinux 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 SystemThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
#!/bin/bash)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.
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 LinuxHere’s the step-by-step approach to learn and master Linux efficiently and effectively:
ls, cd, pwd, cp, mv, rm, and mkdir. Practice navigating directories and managing files./home, /var, /etc, and /usr. Learn how permissions work using chmod, chown, and ls -l.apt (Debian-based) or yum/dnf (Red Hat-based).ps, top, and kill to manage processes and explore system services using systemctl.ifconfig or ip), checking connectivity (ping), and managing firewall settings (ufw or iptables).grep, awk, sed, and cron for text processing and task scheduling.By following this structured approach, you’ll gain both the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to use and manage Linux systems effectively.
Linux CertificationsEarning 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?
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 – $120,000List of Companies Use LinuxAlso read - 5 Tips to Make a Career as a Linux Kernel Developer
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.RetroSearch is an open source project built by @garambo | Open a GitHub Issue
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