Today we will know how to learn Linux Operating System. Most websites are hosted on Linux operating systems and for a good reason. It offers better versatility and security options compared to its Windows Server counterpart. If you want to work in the web hosting industry in the future, having at least a basic knowledge of Linux is a must. While your home macOS or Windows machine is easy to use and, in most cases, their UI (i.e. user interface) is self-explanatory, operating Linux requires a little more skill and practice.
That doesn’t mean it’s much harder. Imagine, Windows is an automatic transmission car, while Linux is a manual one. If you switch from an automatic to a manual, it will take some getting used to and you will definitely stall a few times. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll see for yourself that it’s not that hard, just different.
Where does one start learning Linux? Before we get to that, we first need to understand what Linux actually is. Unlike other popular operating systems, like Windows and macOS, Linux is an open-source OS, meaning that no central authority controls it. In fact, Linux is not just an OS, but a family of operating systems based on the Linux kernel. Each is called a distribution, and while it’s probably impossible to name everyone out there, we’ll discuss some of the most popular.
What is Linux?
Linux Operating System is the most popular open-source operating system in the world. It’s similar in many ways to other OSes you’ve used before, such as Windows and macOS. It is the software that sits below all other software on the computer and allows all installed programs to run by communicating with the computer hardware. Unlike the previously mentioned operating systems, Linux is open-source software, meaning it is not owned by any single entity. The code used to create it is free and available to the public to view, edit and contribute to it with proper qualifications.
Linux Distributions
To understand this better, let’s go back to the car metaphor. The Linux kernel is an engine that plays a major role in an OS. If the kernel is the engine, then the distribution is the actual vehicle containing the engine, purposely built with the said engine in mind.
These are the names you’ll most likely encounter when working with Linux:
- Debian: No proprietary drivers, firmware, or software. If you are looking for a truly free Linux distribution, Debian should be your choice.
- Ubuntu: A more modern Linux distribution that is easier to install and use
- Fedora: It is considered to be the most up-to-date Linux distribution. New features are integrated as soon as possible.
- CentOS: Like Fedora, it is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, but with a greater focus on stability.
Once you’ve picked the distribution that works best for you, it’s time to install it, whether it’s in a virtual machine or as a second OS on your real system. Now you can begin to learn how to use it.
How to Learn Linux Operating System
The most important thing in learning anything computer-related, Linux included, is practice. You can read dozens of websites and books that explain the theory, but if you don’t try to apply it, you’re just wasting your time. Still, if you are determined to learn and practice, there are countless online and offline resources that you can use to become a Linux master.
Online Courses
It is one of the most effective ways to learn computer skills. Hundreds of courses are available from beginner level to advanced. You will hear the name Udemy often when discussing any online course. They have the largest collection of online courses on almost anything, including Linux. Most good courses will have 10+ hours of video lectures, and practical assignments that you can complete at home and may even give you a certificate of completion after you complete them.
However, if Udemy is not your cup of tea, then you should check out another popular online course provision site, Coursera. It has many free courses offered by the world’s leading universities and technology companies such as Google, IBM, and Red Hat.
Linuxjourney.com
It’s a great website that provides you with a lot of information about Linux in an easy-to-understand and concise manner and at absolutely no cost. All components are conveniently divided into 3 categories based on difficulty level. Complete beginners should start at the Grasshopper level, while more advanced users should proceed with Journeyman. Finally, the Networking Nomad category lets Linux power users learn about networking, subnetting, and routing using Linux.
Books
Of course, we will not avoid the most traditional way of learning things, books. There are plenty of good books and e-books that will teach you everything about Linux from A to Z. If reading literature is the best way to learn something for you, check out the following books. However, don’t forget that you only get better with practice, so everything you read you should try on Linux.
YouTube Videos
Last, but not least, the way to learn Linux is through YouTube tutorials. This option is probably the best for visual learners out there. YouTube has hundreds, if not thousands of free Linux video tutorials. Just type the words “Linux Tutorial” or “Linux Tutorial for Beginners” in the search bar of the streaming site and choose the one you like best.
Conclusion
In this context, we’ve covered what Linux is, listed some of the most popular Linux distributions, and shown you where and how you can learn to use it.
