Planning to learn Linux? We’ve got you covered. Before we begin with the complete guide on how to learn Linux as a beginner, it is important to understand what it is. We also recommend you taking a Linux course if you’re just starting out. 

So, Linux is an Operating System (OS) just like Windows and MacOS. However, the differentiating feature is that Linux is a customizable OS. Its main function is to help your computer work and run programs like games, browsers and tools.

In this blog, you’ll learn why you should learn Linux, various Linux distributions, setting up Linux environment, preparing for Linux interviews and a simple roadmap to follow.

Why Should You Learn Linux?

Linux powers multiple technologies in IT, DevOps, Cloud and Cybersecurity. In fact, Linux powers servers, containers and cloud infrastructure. There are multiple high-paying job roles after pursuing Linux. These include:

• Linux System Administrator

• DevOps Engineer

• Cybersecurity Analyst

• Cloud Engineer

• Network Engineer

• Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

There are many distinguishing features of Linux that makes it a preferred choice for most of the professionals. Reasons are as follows:

• Free and open source

Linux is freely available to use and is completely customizable, i.e., it can be changed for usage.

• Used everywhere

Most of the cloud servers, websites, Android phones and even supercomputers use Linux. 

• Stable and Secure

Linux hardly crashes and is difficult for viruses to infect. 

To sum up, you should learn Linux to do either or any of the following:

• Browse the internet

• Learn coding or cybersecurity

• Run your own website

• Build your career in IT (DevOps, Cloud, Networking)

Major Linux Distribution Families and How to Choose One to Learn?

There are various Linux distribution families. We’re going to talk about the three most popular Linux distribution families:

1. The Red Hat Family

• The Red Hat Family contains Fedora, Oracle Linux, CentOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

• Fedora serves as RHEL's upstream testing platform.

• It utilizes yum/dnf for RPM package management.

• A rolling-release version of CentOS is called CentOS Stream.

 2. The SUSE Family

• Contains openSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) Server.

• Zypper is used for RPM package management.

• YaST is available for system administration.

• It is well-liked in the business and retail sectors.

 3. The Debians

• This family contains Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Debian.

• Stability is the main goal of the community-driven Debian project.

• It consists of Ubuntu and is built on top of the long-term support (LTS) stable branch of Debian.

• It utilizes.deb packages that are apt and dpkg-managed.

Time to Set Up Your First Linux Environment

If you're a mere beginner and you want to set up a Linux environment, it is recommended to use a Virtual Machine (VM). Why so? Because it offers flexibility, safety and easy to reset. On the other hand, dual-booting or live USB is not recommended unless you need native performance or portability. 

Look up the following steps to set up a virtual machine using VirtualBox:

1. Install VirtualBox: 

Go to the official website and download and install it.

2. Make a virtual machine:

 Open VirtualBox, select New, and give your virtual machine a name (such as "Ubuntu Server").

 ≥2GB of RAM, ≥2 CPUs, and ≥80GB of storage should be allocated.

 Under Storage, attach a Linux ISO file (such as Ubuntu Server).

3. Set up the network:

For host-VM access, select Network → Attached to → Bridged Adapter in the VM settings.

4. Install OS: 

Launch the virtual machine and adhere to the installation instructions.

 Pro Tip: Before conducting experiments, take pictures.  Use Snapshots → Restore to quickly restore the virtual machine in the event that it becomes corrupted.  You may "play, reset, repeat" without having to reinstall thanks to this.

Learn Command-Line Skills

All the Linux commands run on the terminal. Terminal is a text-based interface which allows users to interact with computers through commands and getting text output. You can directly access system functions unlike GUI in the terminal. Thus, it is more efficient for managing files, processes, and automating tasks. 

Some of the most important Linux commands that you must be familiar with are as follows:

• pwd: Shows your current directory (print working directory).

• ls: Lists files and directories in the current location.

• cd: Changes the current directory (e.g., cd /home).

• cp: Copies files or directories (e.g., cp file.txt /backup).

• mv: Moves or renames files (e.g., mv old.txt new.txt).

• Piping: Uses the | symbol to send the output of one command as input to another (e.g., ls | grep .txt).

Most Commonly-Asked Linux Interview Questions

The following are some of the most commonly-asked Linux interview questions:

1. How do you list all directories and files along with detailed information like ownership and permissions in a directory?

2. How do you search for an exact string or pattern inside a file using the command line?

3. What would be the command to modify file permissions so that the owner gets read, write, execute, and group and others get only read permission?

4. How do you recursively copy a directory and all the contents in it to another directory?

5. How would you create a simple bash script with a for loop to print the numbers from 1 to 5?

6. How do you access arguments to a bash script within the bash script itself?

7. How would you test if a remote host is accessible from your Linux system?

8. What is the command to display all of your currently open ports and the services running on them?

9. Describe the meaning of the three types of Linux file permissions (read, write, execute) and how they're used for files and directories.

10. How do you track the network route that packets follow to reach a remote host from your Linux system?

Where to Find the Best Linux Training?

Whether you want to become a Linux Administrator or DevOps Engineer, Linux is the best starting point to kickstart your career. However, there are a number of online self-paced courses that are confusing. Many people leave the course even before completing it.

This is why we recommend opting for an online Linux course. The benefits of pursuing an online Linux course from Network Kings are as follows:

• Learn from top 1% engineers in the industry

• Practice hands-on with world’s biggest virtual labs

• Get a dedicated career counselor to begin your career in Linux.

• Get exam dumps and exclusive Red Hat Linux training.

Want to learn more about the Linux course? Check it out here:

FAQs:

1. What is Linux and why should I learn it?

Linux is an open-source operating system used widely in IT, cloud, DevOps, and cybersecurity. Learning Linux opens up many job opportunities such as Linux System Administrator, DevOps Engineer, and Cloud Engineer due to its stability, security, and widespread use.

2. Which Linux distribution family should a beginner start with?

Beginners can choose among three major Linux distribution families: Red Hat (e.g., Fedora, CentOS), SUSE (e.g., openSUSE), and Debian (e.g., Ubuntu, Linux Mint). Ubuntu (from the Debian family) is often recommended for beginners due to its ease of use and strong community support.

3. How do I set up a Linux environment for practice as a beginner?

The best way to start is by using a Virtual Machine (VM) like VirtualBox. It allows you to safely install and experiment with Linux without affecting your main operating system. Allocate enough RAM, CPUs, and storage, attach a Linux ISO, and follow installation steps.

4. What are some essential Linux commands I should learn first?

Basic commands include pwd (current directory), ls (list files), cd (change directory), cp (copy files), mv (move/rename files), piping (|), and redirects (> and >>). Mastering these helps you navigate and manage the system efficiently.

5. Where can I find reliable Linux training courses?

Online Linux courses from providers like Network Kings offer expert-led training, hands-on virtual labs, career counseling, and exam preparation. These courses are ideal for beginners aiming to build a career in Linux-related fields. Visit Network Kings Linux Course for more details.