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Questions and Answers
What is the official mascot of the Linux kernel?
What is the official mascot of the Linux kernel?
Tux
Who conceived the Unix operating system?
Who conceived the Unix operating system?
- Kenneth Thompson and Dennis Ritchie (correct)
- Linus Torvalds
- Steve Jobs
- Bill Gates
What research facility was responsible for the development of the Unix operating system?
What research facility was responsible for the development of the Unix operating system?
Bell Labs
When was Linux first released to users?
When was Linux first released to users?
When was the 25th anniversary of Linux?
When was the 25th anniversary of Linux?
What term describes the different versions of Linux?
What term describes the different versions of Linux?
The core features of the Linux operating system are not controlled by Linus Torvalds and his development team, regardless of the distribution.
The core features of the Linux operating system are not controlled by Linus Torvalds and his development team, regardless of the distribution.
Which of the following is not a commercial software type?
Which of the following is not a commercial software type?
Open-source software is only sold via the honor system after a trial period.
Open-source software is only sold via the honor system after a trial period.
Shareware software is typically closed source software that is given away for free.
Shareware software is typically closed source software that is given away for free.
The GPL, or General Public License, was created to discourage the download and redistribution of the product.
The GPL, or General Public License, was created to discourage the download and redistribution of the product.
The GPL allows anyone to modify and sell a software product.
The GPL allows anyone to modify and sell a software product.
The GPL only supports profit for products that are not GPL compliant.
The GPL only supports profit for products that are not GPL compliant.
If there is a problem that a user cannot resolve themselves, the user may not have to pay for support for GPL products.
If there is a problem that a user cannot resolve themselves, the user may not have to pay for support for GPL products.
Any modified GPL product must be released with a GPL license.
Any modified GPL product must be released with a GPL license.
Ubuntu was made available to users in 2022.
Ubuntu was made available to users in 2022.
The most popular version of Linux is Ubuntu.
The most popular version of Linux is Ubuntu.
A standard Ubuntu release is supported for 9 months.
A standard Ubuntu release is supported for 9 months.
Ubuntu releases are supported for 5 years with hardware and maintenance updates.
Ubuntu releases are supported for 5 years with hardware and maintenance updates.
LTS versions of Ubuntu are supported for 5 years after their release date.
LTS versions of Ubuntu are supported for 5 years after their release date.
LTS Ubuntu releases are only supported for 3 years with hardware and maintenance updates.
LTS Ubuntu releases are only supported for 3 years with hardware and maintenance updates.
The server version of Ubuntu does not have a GUI.
The server version of Ubuntu does not have a GUI.
Kubuntu, Lubuntu and Xubuntu are all Ubuntu releases.
Kubuntu, Lubuntu and Xubuntu are all Ubuntu releases.
The difference between various Ubuntu releases is in the packages and applications that make up each release.
The difference between various Ubuntu releases is in the packages and applications that make up each release.
The kernel is typically found in the /boot/vmlinuz file.
The kernel is typically found in the /boot/vmlinuz file.
The source files for the kernel cannot be found because they are not released to the public.
The source files for the kernel cannot be found because they are not released to the public.
The most recent version of the Linux kernel can be downloaded at "http://www.kernel.org/"
The most recent version of the Linux kernel can be downloaded at "http://www.kernel.org/"
The Bourne shell is not compatible with a Linux system.
The Bourne shell is not compatible with a Linux system.
The Bourne again shell is a text command line shell.
The Bourne again shell is a text command line shell.
The shell program is always running during a Linux session.
The shell program is always running during a Linux session.
The only form of command input is the graphical interface.
The only form of command input is the graphical interface.
KDE and GNOME are examples of graphical interfaces.
KDE and GNOME are examples of graphical interfaces.
The ext2 filesystem is the original ext filesystem.
The ext2 filesystem is the original ext filesystem.
The ext2 filesystem was the first filesystem to use journaling.
The ext2 filesystem was the first filesystem to use journaling.
The ext4 filesystem includes larger file sizes than the ext2 version.
The ext4 filesystem includes larger file sizes than the ext2 version.
The XFS filesystem is designed to span multiple storage devices.
The XFS filesystem is designed to span multiple storage devices.
The BtrFS filesystem does not support snapshots.
The BtrFS filesystem does not support snapshots.
All Linux distributions support the FAT32 file system.
All Linux distributions support the FAT32 file system.
Everything stored in a UNIX file system is a file.
Everything stored in a UNIX file system is a file.
Ordinary files can contain text, data, or program information.
Ordinary files can contain text, data, or program information.
A file can have 256 characters in its name with the exception of a number.
A file can have 256 characters in its name with the exception of a number.
Characters like ?, #, and & have special meaning in most shells and should not be used in filenames.
Characters like ?, #, and & have special meaning in most shells and should not be used in filenames.
The underscore (`) is preferred to spaces in filenames.
The underscore (`) is preferred to spaces in filenames.
Directories can be empty containers.
Directories can be empty containers.
Device files are used in the same manner as ordinary files.
Device files are used in the same manner as ordinary files.
The format of a device file varies, but you can identify certain features like device type, unit, and partition.
The format of a device file varies, but you can identify certain features like device type, unit, and partition.
A hard link is an indirect pointer to a file.
A hard link is an indirect pointer to a file.
A soft link is a direct link to the inode on the drive.
A soft link is a direct link to the inode on the drive.
File names in Windows are not case sensitive.
File names in Windows are not case sensitive.
Two files with the same name can exist in the same folder on a Windows operating system.
Two files with the same name can exist in the same folder on a Windows operating system.
File extensions are required to open files in applications on a Linux system.
File extensions are required to open files in applications on a Linux system.
The UNIX filesystem is organized as a hierarchical tree structure.
The UNIX filesystem is organized as a hierarchical tree structure.
Drive letters exist in UNIX file systems.
Drive letters exist in UNIX file systems.
The top level directory in a UNIX filesystem is called the root directory.
The top level directory in a UNIX filesystem is called the root directory.
The absolute path /home/linus starts from the working directory.
The absolute path /home/linus starts from the working directory.
The current directory is represented with a single dot (.) and the parent directory is represent with two dots (..)
The current directory is represented with a single dot (.) and the parent directory is represent with two dots (..)
The root directory is not accessible to the root user.
The root directory is not accessible to the root user.
The /bin directory contains binary executables.
The /bin directory contains binary executables.
The /sbin directory contains system binaries.
The /sbin directory contains system binaries.
The /etc directory only contains configuration files that are required by programs.
The /etc directory only contains configuration files that are required by programs.
Device files are only found in the /dev/ directory.
Device files are only found in the /dev/ directory.
The /proc/ directory contains information about running processes.
The /proc/ directory contains information about running processes.
The /var/ directory contains information about the user's environment.
The /var/ directory contains information about the user's environment.
The /tmp/ directory does not get cleaned up after a reboot.
The /tmp/ directory does not get cleaned up after a reboot.
The /usr/ directory contains user-related, second-level programs and related resources.
The /usr/ directory contains user-related, second-level programs and related resources.
Root users can access binaries found in the /usr/bin directory.
Root users can access binaries found in the /usr/bin directory.
The /home/ directory contains information about the computer's hardware.
The /home/ directory contains information about the computer's hardware.
The /boot/ directory contains boot loader related files, such as the grub bootloader.
The /boot/ directory contains boot loader related files, such as the grub bootloader.
The /lib/ directory contains library files that support the binaries in /bin and /sbin.
The /lib/ directory contains library files that support the binaries in /bin and /sbin.
The /opt/ directory contains optional add-on applications.
The /opt/ directory contains optional add-on applications.
The /mnt/ directory is used to mount filesystems.
The /mnt/ directory is used to mount filesystems.
The /media/ directory is used to mount removable media devices, like DVDs, USB drives, or floppy drives.
The /media/ directory is used to mount removable media devices, like DVDs, USB drives, or floppy drives.
The /srv/ directory is used to store service-related data.
The /srv/ directory is used to store service-related data.
The shell program is loaded on top of the kernel when Linux is started.
The shell program is loaded on top of the kernel when Linux is started.
The shell program provides an interface between the user, the kernel, and the operating system.
The shell program provides an interface between the user, the kernel, and the operating system.
The bash shell is the default shell program on most UNIX operating systems.
The bash shell is the default shell program on most UNIX operating systems.
The terminal acts as a program that interacts with the shell.
The terminal acts as a program that interacts with the shell.
Graphical and text-based terminal emulators can be used.
Graphical and text-based terminal emulators can be used.
Commands entered into the terminal are run under the context of the logged-on user.
Commands entered into the terminal are run under the context of the logged-on user.
Virtual terminals can be accessed with the tty command.
Virtual terminals can be accessed with the tty command.
Most Linux distros have 6 virtual terminals.
Most Linux distros have 6 virtual terminals.
Virtual terminals are not compatible with Linux
Virtual terminals are not compatible with Linux
The terminal prompt ~ is the working directory.
The terminal prompt ~ is the working directory.
The terminal prompt > indicates being logged in as a regular user.
The terminal prompt > indicates being logged in as a regular user.
The command pwd will show the user their current working directory.
The command pwd will show the user their current working directory.
The command dir is used to list the contents of a folder or directory.
The command dir is used to list the contents of a folder or directory.
The command cd is used to change folders or directories.
The command cd is used to change folders or directories.
The command cp is used to copy files.
The command cp is used to copy files.
The command mv is used to move files. It is not possible to rename a file using this command.
The command mv is used to move files. It is not possible to rename a file using this command.
The command rm is used to delete files.
The command rm is used to delete files.
The command rmdir is used to delete folders or directories.
The command rmdir is used to delete folders or directories.
The command mkdir is used to make folders or directories.
The command mkdir is used to make folders or directories.
The command find is used to search for files. It is not possible to specify wildcard character searches in this command.
The command find is used to search for files. It is not possible to specify wildcard character searches in this command.
The command clear is used to clear the contents of the command prompt or terminal.
The command clear is used to clear the contents of the command prompt or terminal.
Flashcards
What is Linux?
What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source operating system (OS) known for its flexibility and stability. It's used in various devices, from servers to smartphones.
What's the difference between Linux and Unix?
What's the difference between Linux and Unix?
Unix is the older, original system that inspired Linux. Linux is a modern, freely available version of Unix, developed separately.
What's the kernel in Linux?
What's the kernel in Linux?
The kernel is the heart of Linux. It manages the computer's resources, including memory, processes, and hardware.
What is a distribution in Linux?
What is a distribution in Linux?
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What's the command line?
What's the command line?
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What are some common Linux commands?
What are some common Linux commands?
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What is a package manager?
What is a package manager?
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What are some benefits of using Linux?
What are some benefits of using Linux?
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What is a shell in Linux?
What is a shell in Linux?
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What is a virtual machine?
What is a virtual machine?
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Study Notes
Linux Background
- Tux is the official mascot of the Linux kernel.
Linux History
- Based on the Unix operating system developed in the late 1960s.
- Conceived by Kenneth Thompson and Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs.
- Bell Labs was a research facility for the telecommunications giant AT&T.
- Unix was made available to universities and gained popularity when students who used it entered the workforce.
- Linux was developed in 1991 by Linus Torvalds.
- Torvalds wanted a Unix operating system that ran on a 386 desktop computer (Unix at the time was running on mini computers).
- The first version of Linux was made available to users in 1992.
- The first commercial version, Slackware Linux, launched the following year.
- There are many different flavours of Linux including: Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Red Hat, Fedora, CentOS, and SUSE.
- These different versions are referred to as distributions or distros.
- The core features of the operating system are controlled by Linus Torvalds and his development team, regardless of the distro.
Open-Source Software
- Types of software:
- Commercial software: Closed source software sold for profit.
- Shareware software: Closed source software sold via honor system (pay after the trial period).
- Freeware: Typically closed source software that is given away for free.
- Open-source software: Distributed with its source code, making it available for use, modification, and distribution with its original rights.
- Linux operating system is distributed with its source code.
- Anyone can view and/modify the code that controls the operating system.
- Source code for all computer programs, including operating system software, should always be available when software is purchased.
- Supplying the source code provides a collaborative work environment.
The General Public License (GPL)
- Linux is distributed with a GPL, or a General Public License.
- The licensing model encourages the download and redistribution of the product to anyone.
- The GPL allows anyone to modify a software product and even sell it.
- Profit is supported for products created having a GPL.
- Normally charge is for support, if a user cannot resolve a problem themselves.
- Any modified GPL product must also be released with a GPL license and include the new product's source code.
Ubuntu
- Ubuntu is one of the more popular versions of Linux.
- Versions are released twice yearly, in April and October.
- Different versions are marked by a code name and the year/month of release.
- Naming convention example: Ubuntu 22.10, released in October 2022, named Kinetic Kudo.
- Two types of releases:
- Regular (standard) - Supported for nine months
- Long-Term Support (LTS) - Supported for five years from release date, two years with both hardware and maintenance updates available, then only maintenance updates for the last three years. Current LTS version is 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish.
- Companies usually deploy only LTS versions because of the longer support periods.
- Ubuntu has server and desktop versions.
- The desktop version has a graphical user interface (GUI) by default.
- Other versions of Ubuntu include: Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu MATE.
- Differences between these versions are in the packages(applications) included in the default installation and the interface.
Linux Architecture
- Kernel: Includes device driver support for a large variety of PC hardware.
- The kernel is typically found in the file /boot/vmlinuz, while the source files are in /usr/src/linux.
- The latest version of the Linux kernel sources can be downloaded from http://www.kernel.org/.
- Shells and GUIs: Linux supports two forms of command input:
- Text command line shells (e.g., sh, bash, csh).
- Graphical interfaces (GUIs) such as KDE and GNOME window managers.
Linux File System
-
Traditional filesystem types: ext2 (original ext filesystem), ext3 (added journaling), ext4 (larger file sizes, up to 16TB).
-
Other file systems:
- XFS: designed for multiple storage devices, good for large files.
- BtrFS: supports snapshots.
- ZFS
- JFS
-
Also includes other filesystem types such as FAT, FAT32, and exFAT.
-
Everything stored in a UNIX file system is a file.
-
Four types of files:
- Ordinary files: Can contain text, data, or program information. Filenames can contain any keyboard character (except '/') and can be up to 256 characters long. Some characters (like *,?,#,&) have special meanings in most shells so should be avoided in filenames. Underscores are acceptable for spaces in filenames.
- Directories: Containers that hold files, and other directories.
- Devices: Used in similar ways to files, frequently for disks in the /dev directory. Typically consist of three parameters:
- device type: The first two letters typically identify the type of the device (e.g., sd for SCSI-based drives, hd for ATA-based drives)
- unit: The letter(s) after the device type indicate the specific unit (e.g., a or b).
- partition: Indicates the partition number on the device (e.g., 1)
- Links: A pointer to another file, either a direct link to the inode (hard link) or an indirect pointer (soft link).
-
File names are case sensitive in Linux. Files with identical names can exist in the same directory.
-
File extensions are not required in Linux.
Linux Directory Structure
-
The UNIX filesystem is hierarchical and tree-structured.
-
Root directory is designated with a slash (/).
-
Paths through the tree are specified using absolute or relative paths. Absolute paths start from the root directory(/). Relative paths start from the current working directory.
-
Key directories:
- /bin: User binaries
- /sbin: System binaries
- /etc: Configuration files
- /dev: Device files
- /proc: Process information - /var: Variable files
- /tmp: Temporary files
- /usr: User programs
- /home: Home directories
- /boot: Boot loader files
- /lib: System libraries
- /opt: Optional add-on applications
- /mnt: Mount directory
- /media: Removable media devices
- /srv: Service data.
Linux Shell vs Terminal
- Shell: Loaded on top of the kernel when Linux starts and a user logs in. It's a program that takes commands from the keyboard and gives them to the OS for execution.
- Terminal: A program (terminal emulator) that opens a window for interaction with the shell.
- Bash (Bourne Again Shell): The most common shell on Linux.
- Other usable shells are: ksh, tcsh, and zsh.
- Virtual terminals (tty): Multiple terminal windows to allow work on a machine from different log-on points. Different terminal windows can be accessed by the command Ctrl+Alt+F1-F6.
Linux Terminal Prompt
- Typical prompt format example: student@ubuntu-desktop:~>
- student: Username
- ubuntu-desktop : Hostname
- ~: Working directory or home folder symbol.
-
or $: Prompt sign, indicates user is currently logged in as a standard user (>,$ can be interchanged). If the prompt starts with a
#, it indicates the user has logged in as an administrator (root).
Print Working Directory
- The command
pwddisplays the current working directory path.
Linux Shell Commands
- Comparison table of basic commands for listing, changing, copying, moving, renaming, deleting files/folders/directories.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the history of Linux, its origins from Unix, and various distributions. Learn about the key figures involved in its development, including Linus Torvalds. This quiz covers both foundational concepts and specific details of Linux operating systems.
