Learn the Linux Fundamentals - Part 3

Introduction

This tutorial covers the fundamentals of Linux as presented in the TryHackMe video, "Learn the Linux Fundamentals - Part 3." It aims to provide a structured approach to deploying a Linux machine, utilizing terminal text editors, managing processes, and maintaining your system effectively. By following these steps, you will gain a better understanding of essential Linux operations and utilities.

Step 1: Introduction to Linux

• Understand the purpose of Linux and its applications in various environments.
• Familiarize yourself with basic Linux terminology to ease future learning.

Step 2: Deploy Your Linux Machine

• Choose a platform or virtual machine (VM) to deploy your Linux environment.
• Follow these steps to set up the VM:
  1. Download a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS).
  2. Use virtualization software (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware) to create a new VM.
  3. Allocate resources (CPU, RAM) as needed.
  4. Boot the VM and complete the installation prompts.

Step 3: Terminal Text Editors

• Learn to navigate and use terminal text editors, which are essential for editing files in the Linux environment.
• Common text editors include:
  • Nano: User-friendly and simple.
    • Open a file with nano filename.txt.
    • Use keyboard shortcuts like CTRL + O to save and CTRL + X to exit.
  • Vim: More advanced with a steeper learning curve.
    • Start with vim filename.txt.
    • Press i to enter insert mode, type your text, and press ESC to return to command mode.
    • Save changes with :w and exit with :q.

Step 4: General Useful Utilities

• Familiarize yourself with useful command-line utilities that enhance productivity:
  • grep: Search for text in files.
    • Example: grep "search_term" filename.txt.
  • find: Locate files and directories.
    • Example: find /path/to/search -name "filename.txt".
  • tar: Archive files for easier handling.
    • Example: tar -cvf archive.tar /path/to/directory.

Step 5: Processes 101

• Learn about managing processes in Linux:
  • Use the ps command to view running processes: ps aux.
  • To kill a process, use kill PID where PID is the process ID.
  • Monitor system performance with top or htop.

Step 6: Maintaining Your System Automation

• Understand how to automate tasks to maintain your Linux system:
  • Utilize cron jobs for scheduled tasks:
    • Edit the cron table with crontab -e.
    • Add a job in the format: * * * * * command_to_execute, where the asterisks represent minute, hour, day, month, and day of the week.

Step 7: Package Management

• Learn about package management systems to install and update software:
  • For Debian-based distributions (like Ubuntu), use APT:
    • Update package lists: sudo apt update.
    • Install a package: sudo apt install package_name.
  • For Red Hat-based distributions, use YUM or DNF:
    • Install a package: sudo dnf install package_name.

Step 8: System Logs

• Understand the importance of system logs for troubleshooting:
  • Access logs in /var/log/ directory.
  • Use less or tail to view logs:
    • Example: tail -f /var/log/syslog to view the system log in real-time.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned the key fundamentals of Linux, including deploying a Linux machine, using terminal text editors, managing processes, and maintaining your system through automation and package management. As a next step, consider exploring more advanced topics or practicing these commands to build your proficiency in using Linux. For further learning, visit TryHackMe for additional resources and challenges.