Today we will learn the most important Linux Terms. If you have ever dabbled in programming, you know developers love Linux (and other Unix-based systems). There are many reasons why Linux is a superior choice for development work. The problem is that it can be overwhelming if you’re coming from another operating system (OS), especially because you’ll run into a lot of unfamiliar terms.
The truth is that nowadays, Linux is quite user-friendly – depending on which ‘version’ of it you install. Furthermore, most varieties share much of the same terminology. So once you know the basics, you’ll be ready to tackle any flavor of Linux you like.
In this post, we’re going to explain why you might want to consider using Linux. Then we’ll introduce you to ten basic terms you need to understand if you want to dive into this operating system. Let’s talk about Linux!
An Introduction to Linux
People tend to use the term “Linux” in the same way they talk about Windows or macOS – in other words, as a single platform. However, it would be more accurate to say that Linux is a family of operating systems, which are built on the same foundation. In other words, there are dozens of different Linux OSes to use, but no single ‘true’ option.
Fortunately, almost all Linux variants share the same terminology. For practical purposes, most distributions (or ‘distros’) vary only in their presentation. Ubuntu, for example, is widely considered the most user-friendly Linux distro. However, you have plenty of other options, like Debian and Fedora.
If you’re primarily a Windows or Mac user, it can be hard to understand why anyone would go through the trouble of adapting to Linux. There are many reasons, but the primary benefits include:
- Linux is completely open source, so you can modify your OS in any way you want.
- The Linux family of OS is more secure than Windows.
- Many development applications are built around Linux, so it’s great for coders.
- Much related software is free, in keeping with the principles of the open-source community.
The main takeaway is that Linux is nothing to fear. You don’t have to be a developer to use it, although if you are, you’ll get more out of the OS. If you want to try something new, we recommend setting up a Linux distro of your choice on an old laptop or computer and giving it a go. Then, once you’re comfortable with it, you can consider switching to Linux full-time.
Most important Linux Terms
To get the most out of Linux, of course, you need to be familiar with some basic terminology. Here are ten of the most important terms to learn, starting with something essential regardless of your job.
1. Command
Let’s start with something basic. ‘Command’ is the prompt you type into a program called ‘command line’, which enables you to give instructions to your OS. You can use multiple applications to access the command line, so its appearance may vary, but it’s usually a simple window:
Commands are often the most intimidating thing people think about using Linux. However, these days, you can do almost anything using a graphical user interface (GUI). Nevertheless, commands are still an integral part of Linux usage.
2. Distribution
As we have mentioned, different versions of Linux are called ‘distros’. Anyone can build their own Linux distro, so you have many options to choose from. If you’re thinking of switching OS, it’s important to read up on some of the popular distros available and consider using a bootable USB to strike your fancy.
3. GNOME
The ‘GNU Network Object Model Environment (GNOME)’ is a visual desktop interface used by many Linux distros. In fact, it is similar to the Windows desktop. Therefore, distros that use GNOME can be a great starting point if you’re jumping from that OS.
4. GNU
The ‘GNU’ project is a collection of free software that includes some popular Linux applications. It was created by the same people behind the General Public License (GPL), which is a big hit in the open-source world.
Simply put, you can do almost anything with software released under the GPL license, including modifying and sharing it (under the same license).
5. Unity
As you already know, GNOME is a desktop environment designed for Linux systems. Unity is an interface built for GNOME, offering one of the most user-friendly experiences available to Linux users:
If you’re diving into Linux for the first time, a Unity-based distro like Ubuntu is an excellent choice.
6. Root
Linux OS has a built-in system of user roles. Each user has a designated role with different levels of permissions. For example, if you are a guest, you cannot modify the core files of the OS. On the other hand, a ‘root’ account has full access to every command and file on the system. That is, if you are a root user, you can do whatever you want.
7. Terminal
Your ‘terminal’ is the primary way you interact with Linux. This is where you enter all your commands and the interface tends to be very straightforward. However, you can also choose to use terminal emulators, which are software alternatives that provide you with a more user-friendly interface.
8. Package Manager
When it comes to Linux, you install ‘packages’ instead of programs. Normally, you would do this through the terminal. A ‘package manager’ is a tool that provides you with a graphical interface to help you find new packages, then install, update, and even configure them.
9. Binaries
A ‘binary’ file is not made up of regular text but computer code. In many cases, binary files are executable on Linux, much like Windows .exe files. In other words, they can be run to perform some task or function.
10. Kernel
The ‘kernel’ is at the core of every OS. What a kernel does is manage your system’s hardware, including all of your computer’s programs. The base Linux kernel is open source, and it provides the core for many distributions, some of which modify that code to better suit their specific goals.
Conclusion
There is a lot of misinformation on the web when it comes to Linux. You don’t have to be a professional developer to enjoy the benefits of an open-source OS like Linux. However, you will need to familiarize yourself with the command line with a lot of new terminologies.
This may sound like a lot of work. However, Linux gives you complete control over your OS, so it might be worth the effort. Also, a lot of amazing open-source software has been developed for the platform, so you won’t miss anything by switching to it. If you do, feel free to check back in the above list of terms as you learn the ropes.
