1.
Linux File System
The Linux file system is a structured way to store and manage files and directories on a Linux-based
system. It is hierarchical, starting with the root directory (/), and includes a variety of subdirectories
designed for specific purposes.
Key Linux File Systems
1. Ext (Ext2, Ext3, Ext4):
Ext4 is the most widely used file system in Linux due to its performance and reliability.
2. XFS: High-performance journaling file system for large files and data.
3. Btrfs: Known for advanced features like snapshots and built-in RAID.
4. NTFS: Supported by Linux for compatibility with Windows file systems.
File Structure in Linux
1. Root (/) Directory:
o The top-most directory in Linux.
o Contains all other directories and files.
2. Important Subdirectories:
o /bin: Essential user command binaries (e.g., ls, cp, mv).
o /boot: Files for booting the system, including the kernel.
o /dev: Device files (e.g., hard drives, USB devices).
o /etc: System configuration files.
o /home: Personal directories for users.
o /lib: Libraries required by system binaries.
o /mnt: Temporary mount points for filesystems.
o /opt: Optional software packages.
o /proc: Virtual filesystem providing system information.
o /tmp: Temporary files.
o /usr: Secondary hierarchy for user programs and data.
o /var: Variable files like logs and caches.
2. Commands for Managing Files and Directories
File Management Commands
1. ls: Lists files and directories.
ls -l
2. cp: Copies files and directories.
cp file1 file2
3. mv: Moves or renames files.
mv oldname newname
4. rm: Removes files or directories.
rm filename
5. cat: Displays the contents of a file.
cat filename
6. touch: Creates an empty file.
touch newfile
7. less/more: View files page by page.
Directory Management Commands
1. mkdir: Creates a new directory.
mkdir newdir
2. rmdir: Removes an empty directory.
rmdir dirname
3. cd: Changes the current directory.
cd /path/to/dir
4. pwd: Prints the current directory.
pwd
5. find: Searches for files or directories.
find / -name file.txt
6. du: Shows disk usage of directories.
du -h /path
Other Common Commands
1. find: Searches for files and directories.
find / -name "filename"
2. grep: Searches within files.
grep "text" filename
3. chmod: Changes file permissions.
chmod 755 filename
4. df: Displays disk space usage.
df -h
3. Software Management
Linux provides tools for installing, updating, and managing software packages.
Package Managers
Debian-based Systems: Use apt or dpkg.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install package_name
Red Hat-based Systems: Use yum or dnf.
sudo yum install package_name
Generic Methods:
o Source Code Installation: ./configure, make, make install.
o Flatpak, Snap, or AppImage for universal packages.
4. Office and Database Applications
1. Office Tools:
o LibreOffice: Open-source office suite.
o OnlyOffice and WPS Office for MS Office compatibility.
2. Database Applications:
o MySQL/MariaDB: Relational database management.
o PostgreSQL: Advanced object-relational database.
o SQLite: Lightweight, file-based database.
5. Graphics Tools and Multimedia
1. Graphics Tools:
o GIMP: Image editing.
o Inkscape: Vector graphics design.
o Blender: 3D modeling and animation.
2. Multimedia Applications:
o VLC: Media player for various formats.
o Audacity: Audio editing.
o Kdenlive: Video editing.
6. Internet and Network Services
Linux excels in internet and network-related tasks, offering robust tools and services.
Web Services
Apache and Nginx: Popular web servers.
PHP, Python, Ruby: Languages for web application development.
FTP Services
vsftpd and ProFTPD: File Transfer Protocol servers.
ftp and sftp: Command-line clients for file transfers.
Java Clients
Java Development Kit (JDK): For compiling and running Java applications.
NetBeans, Eclipse, or IntelliJ IDEA: IDEs for Java development.
Linux supports a vast range of applications and services, making it a versatile and powerful operating
system for both personal and professional use.
