Introduction to Linux | Jungle Scripts

What is Linux?

Linux is a free and open-source operating system kernel first released by Linus Torvalds in 1991. It forms the foundation of many operating systems (called "distributions" or "distros") used worldwide on everything from smartphones to supercomputers.

Why Linux?

• Free & Open Source: No licensing costs, and you can view and modify the source code.
• Stability & Security: Known for running for years without reboots and strong security model.
• Performance: Efficient resource usage makes it ideal for servers and embedded systems.
• Community Support: Massive global community of developers and users.

Linux vs. Other Operating Systems

Feature	Linux	Windows	macOS
Cost	Free	Paid	Included with Apple hardware
Source Code	Open	Closed	Partially Open (Darwin)
Server Market Share	96.3%	~3%	<1%

A Brief History

1991

Linus Torvalds releases the first Linux kernel (version 0.01)

1992

Linux adopts GPL license, ensuring it remains free and open

1993

First major distributions: Slackware and Debian

2004

Ubuntu launches, making Linux more accessible to beginners

Today

Linux powers Android, cloud infrastructure, IoT devices, and more

Getting Started

The easiest way to start learning Linux is to install a beginner-friendly distribution like Ubuntu in a virtual machine or alongside your existing operating system.

# Check your Linux version

$ uname -a

Linux hostname 5.15.0-generic #1 SMP x86_64 GNU/Linux

# View distribution information

$ cat /etc/os-release

NAME="Ubuntu"

VERSION="22.04.3 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)"

Kernel vs Distribution (Distro)

Linux is technically the kernel. A “Linux distribution” bundles the kernel with userland tools and choices: package manager, init system, default shell, desktop (optional), and policies.

•Kernel: scheduler, memory management, filesystems, drivers, networking
•Userland: bash, coreutils (ls/cp/mv), system libraries, services (systemd)
•Distro: Ubuntu, Debian, RHEL, Alpine, Arch, Amazon Linux, etc.

Where Linux Shows Up in Real Life

If you work in backend, DevOps, data, security, or infrastructure, Linux is unavoidable:

•Cloud: most compute instances and managed services run on Linux under the hood
•Containers: Docker/Kubernetes rely on Linux primitives (namespaces, cgroups)
•Networking & security: iptables/nftables, SSH, observability, auditing
•Embedded & IoT: routers, TVs, devices, and Android

How to Practice Safely (Recommended)

The fastest way to learn is to practice in an environment you can break without fear.

VM: Install Ubuntu Server in VirtualBox/VMware (best for learning full system admin)
WSL2 (Windows): Great terminal experience without managing a full VM
Cloud VM: A tiny instance on AWS/GCP/Azure to practice SSH + firewall + services
Containers: Useful for tools practice, but not a replacement for full OS admin learning

How to Get Help (The Linux Way)

Linux is extremely “documentable”. Learn these and you’ll unblock yourself constantly:

$ man ls # manual pages
$ ls --help # quick reference
$ info coreutils # GNU info docs
$ apropos \"copy file\" # search man page descriptions
$ man -k network # keyword search

✅ Practice (15 minutes)

Run man ls and find what -a and -l do.
Use apropos to find commands related to “disk usage”.
Create a new user in a VM and practice logging in and out.