Notes

Unit-1 (No. of Session=9, Weightage = 30%)

Syllabus:
Introduction to Linux: History and evolution of Linux , Differences between Linux distributions
(Ubuntu flavors, Debian-based vs. others), Overview of Ubuntu and its derivatives (Ubuntu
Desktop, Ubuntu Server, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.). Installation and Configuration: Preparing for
installation (hardware requirements, partitioning with Gparted), Installing Ubuntu (Ubuntu
Desktop and Server), Initial system setup (users, passwords, timezone, and basic configuration).
Basic Command Line Skills: Introduction to the terminal and shell (bash shell in Ubuntu),
Navigating the file system (ls, cd, pwd, and Ubuntu directory structure), File and directory
manipulation (cp, mv, rm, mkdir, rmdir).
Basic Command Line Skills: Viewing and editing files (cat, less, head, tail, nano, vim), File
permissions and ownership (chmod, chown), Basic process management (ps, top, kill). Package
Management: Understanding package managers (APT on Ubuntu), Installing, updating, and
removing software (apt, dpkg)
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Introduction to Linux:

1. What is Linux?`​
Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system kernel created by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
Over time, it evolved into a full operating system with contributions from the global open-source
community. Linux powers everything from servers and desktops to embedded systems and
mobile devices.

2. Key Features of Linux

●​ Open Source: The source code is freely available, allowing users to modify and
distribute it.
●​ Multitasking and Multi-user: Supports running multiple tasks and allows multiple users
to work simultaneously.
●​ Portability: Runs on various hardware platforms, including desktops, servers,
smartphones, and IoT devices.
●​ Security: Offers robust built-in security features, including file permissions, user
authentication, and firewall tools.
●​ Customizability: Highly configurable, from the kernel level to desktop environments.
●​ Free Software Ecosystem: Comes with a wide range of free and open-source software.

3. Linux Components

●​ Kernel: Core of the system, managing hardware and system processes.

●​ Shell: Command-line interface for interacting with the OS (e.g., Bash, Zsh).
●​ File System: Organizes data into hierarchical structures (e.g., ext4, XFS).
●​ Desktop Environments: Graphical user interfaces like GNOME, KDE, Xfce.
●​ Package Manager: Tools for managing software installation and updates (e.g., APT,
Pacman, DNF).

4. Why Use Linux?

●​ Cost-effective: Free to use and distribute.

●​ Performance: Optimized for efficiency, especially on servers.
●​ Flexibility: Suitable for various applications, from personal use to enterprise servers.
●​ Community Support: Vast and active user base for troubleshooting and learning.

Linux is the backbone of modern technology, widely used for its stability, versatility, and
cost-effectiveness. It continues to shape the tech landscape, powering everything from personal
devices to enterprise systems.

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History and Evolution of Linux

1. Origins of Linux

●​ Unix Influence: Linux is inspired by Unix, an operating system developed in the late
1960s at AT&T's Bell Labs. Unix was portable, multitasking, and multi-user, but its
source code became proprietary over time.
●​ GNU Project: In 1983, Richard Stallman launched the GNU Project to develop a free
Unix-like operating system. The GNU tools (compiler, editor, etc.) were created, but the
kernel was incomplete.
2.​ Birth of Linux Kernel (1991)
●​ Linus Torvalds: A Finnish student, Linus Torvalds, developed the Linux kernel as a
personal project. He released it under the GNU General Public License (GPL) in 1992.
●​ The combination of the Linux kernel and GNU tools created the first fully functional,
free Unix-like operating system.
3.​ Key Milestones
●​ 1994: Linux kernel 1.0 released with basic networking support.
●​ 1996: Adoption of the Tux penguin as the Linux mascot.
●​ 1999-2000s: Surge in adoption for servers, embedded systems, and enterprise
environments.
●​ Present: Widely used across servers, cloud infrastructure, desktops, and IoT devices.
4.​ Community Development
●​ Open-source nature allows global collaboration.
●​ Development governed by the Linux Foundation and kernel maintainers.

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Differences Between Linux Distributions

Linux distributions (distros) package the Linux kernel with system tools, libraries, and software.
They differ based on goals, package managers, and targeted audiences.

1. Ubuntu Flavors

Ubuntu is a popular Debian-based Linux distribution with various flavors tailored to specific use
cases:

Ubuntu: Standard version with GNOME desktop environment.

●​ Kubuntu: Uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment, offering a visually appealing and
customizable interface.
●​ Xubuntu: Lightweight version with the Xfce desktop environment, suitable for older
hardware.
●​ Lubuntu: Focuses on minimal resource usage with the LXQt desktop environment.
●​ Ubuntu MATE: Features the MATE desktop environment, offering a classic desktop
experience.
●​ Ubuntu Studio: Designed for multimedia production (audio, video, graphics).

2. Debian-based vs. Other Distributions

●​ Debian-based Distros:
○​ Use Debian's APT package manager and .deb packages.
○​ Known for stability and vast software repositories.
○​ Examples: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS.
●​ RPM-based Distros:
○​ Use RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) and tools like dnf or yum.
○​ Common in enterprise environments.
○​ Examples: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Fedora, CentOS, openSUSE.
●​ Arch-based Distros:
○​ Use the rolling release model for up-to-date software.
○​ Pacman package manager for .pkg.tar.zst packages.
○​ Examples: Arch Linux, Manjaro.
●​ Other Distros:
○​ Gentoo: Source-based distribution, emphasizing customization.
○​ Slackware: One of the oldest, focusing on simplicity and UNIX-like design.
○​ Kali Linux: Tailored for penetration testing and cybersecurity.

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