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Linux Structure
What is Linux?
- Operating System (OS): Manages hardware & software communication (like Windows, macOS).
- Distributions (Distros): Linux comes in many different distributions — often called “distros”— which are versions of Linux.
- Open-Source: Free to modify & distribute (used in servers, phones, IoT devices, etc.).
History
- Unix (1970s): Linux is based on an older OS called Unix, created by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie at AT&T.
- GNU Project (1983): Richard Stallman wanted to make a free Unix-like OS, leading to the creation of the GNU General Public License (GPL).
- Linux Kernel (1991): Linus Torvalds, a Finnish student, built the Linux kernel, the core part of Linux.
- Linux Today: Linux is used everywhere—from servers to Android phones. There are over 600 distros like Ubuntu, Fedora, and RedHat.
Why is Linux Popular?
- Security: Less vulnerable to viruses than Windows.
- Performance: Stable and fast.
- Customization: Can be modified as per user needs.
- Free and Open-Source: No cost, and anyone can contribute.
Linux Philosophy (How Linux Works)
Linux follows simple but powerful principles:
- Everything is a file – Even system settings are stored in files.
- Small, single-purpose programs – Each tool does one task well.
- Combine programs together – Small tools can work together for complex tasks.
- Avoid complex user interfaces – Linux is designed for command-line (terminal) use.
- Text-based configuration – System settings are saved in text files (e.g.,
/etc/passwdfor user data).
Linux Components (Building Blocks of Linux)
- Linux is made up of different parts that work together:
| Component | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Bootloader | Starts the computer and loads the OS (e.g., GRUB). |
| Kernel | The core of Linux - manages hardware and processes. |
| Daemons | Background services that run automatically (printing, networking, etc.). |
| Shell | Command-line interface (CLI) where users type commands. |
| Graphics Server | Enables graphical programs to run (e.g., X-server). |
| Window Manager | Controls how windows look and behave (e.g., GNOME, KDE). |
| Utilities | Applications for specific tasks (file managers, web browsers, etc.). |
Linux Architecture (How Linux is Built)
Linux has different layers, just like a cake:
- Hardware – The physical components (CPU, RAM, hard drive).
- Kernel – The core of Linux, managing resources and processes.
- Shell – The user interface where you type commands.
- System Utilities – Programs that help users interact with the system.
Linux File System (How Files Are Organized)
Linux organizes files in a tree structure, starting from the root (/) directory.
Important Directories in Linux
| Directory | Purpose & Examples |
|---|---|
| /home | User personal files (/home/username/Documents, /home/username/Downloads) |
| /etc | System configuration files (/etc/passwd, /etc/network/interfaces) |
| /bin | Essential command-line programs (ls, cp, mv, cat, bash) |
| /var | Variable data like logs (/var/log) and temporary files (/var/tmp) |
| /dev | Hardware device files (/dev/sda for disks, /dev/ttyUSB0 for USB devices) |
| /boot | Boot loader files (kernels, initramfs, GRUB config) |
| /root | Administrator’s personal files (not to be confused with / root directory) |
Linux Structure
https://fuwari.vercel.app/posts/linux_structure/