Introduction to Linux

Info

Level: Beginner
Date Created: August 16, 2010
Length of Class: 47 Minutes
Tracks

Linux
Prerequisites

None
Purpose of Class

This class teaches students the basic concepts that they should understand before they start trying to work with Linux.
Topics Covered

What is Linux
Distributions
Open Source Licensing
Shells
Significance of ROOT
Importance of Capitalization
Server vs. Desktop versions
What Linux is best at
Class Notes

Introduction
Linux was created by Linus Torvalds between 1991 and 1994
Linux is not a version of Unix
Distributions
Once Linux was released to the public numerous institutions created their own versions of the operating system. These different versions are called Distributions, or Distros. Different Distros have different functionality.
Open Source software is not necessarily free software
Make sure you understand the licensing requirements for your Open Source software before you release it into a Production Environment.
Defining The Shell
The Shell is the interface you use to interact with the Operating System. Windows uses a GUI (Graphical User Interface) Shell, Linux primarily uses a LUI (Line User Interface)
ROOT
ROOT is the highest level of anything in the Linux world. ROOT user is the highest level user. The ROOT directory s the highest level directory.
Capitalization matters in Linux (HOME is different then home)
Server vs. Desktop Versions
Server versions of Linux install the bare minimum number of components for the system to function. After installation you will be faced with a blinking cursor.
Desktop versions of Linux come prepackaged with a GUI environment and numerous tools and applications. After installation you will be presented with an environment that looks a lot like Windows or the Mac OS.
What Linux is really god for?
Linux is great for server functionality
Linux is still poor for every day desktop functionality for most users.

[tonycinco]

I was hired as an IT Support for Sumitomo on September 2012. When I arrived, their Server was running on Linux. Eli has helped me cope up with the stress of being able to learn Linux in record time. ELI I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH. I know it took a bit of time but I know it's never too late to say THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES.

[SaintKraussGaming]

5 years after this video was uploaded someone watched the entire video and learned a lot of things and clarified a lot of misconceptions. People like you make the web a better place. Thank you so much!

[sitihoren]

This Introduction is almost 5 years so newcomers should know that the desktop versions are extremely stable, without any crashes or all the stuff that are described with passion here. And of course day by day are getting even better and more beautiful (in example Opensuse, Mint and Manjaro desktops are gorgeous). As a home user you wont ever wonder about paying something and lower and UPPER case in login username/ password and so is the same as in Windows or your email and facebook account you are daily used to. Most important for me is the ease of use: after installing your Gnu/Linux Distro everything is working out of the box! No Flash installation, no Antivirus, no Drivers, no Office suite, no continous restarts is needed from you. It just works! And of course you do not need to come to a terminal command line interface if you don't want to. Distros like Ubuntu or Mint are fully graphical and more user friendly than Windows. I strongly believe that anyone who could argue with all these has not used a popular Gnu/Linux Distribution for the past 2 years...

[markmckay]

Wow! 10 years and still relevant. Just about to start my Linux journey aged 49 & 3/4. Thanks Eli

[aaronhill]

I've been using computers for almost 30 years and that is the first time I have ever heard the term "LUI - Line User Interface", the far more common term, and arguably the more correct one, is "CLI - Command Line Interface".

[ramamurthyommini]

Thank you Mr. Eli . I am 60 years old still I have got an idea what is open source and the difference between WINDOWS and LINUX and its distributions.

[EposVox]

Love that someone's actually trying to push the message that Open Source does NOT = FREE!

[MrPenguin]

I like how you're more engaging and simple with your teaching than most professors I've had in my life

[toha]

"EASE" this is the phrase that comes into my mind to briefly describes the beauty of this tutorial. The way things segmented and illustrated by this wonderful teacher is mind blowing.

[DinilGunaratne]

Linux is just the kernel, not a full operating system. GNU/Linux is not Unix from a corporate perspective, but from a technical perspective it is very simillar. It falls under the category "Unix-like"

[amanteslogic]

I just wanted to throw out a shout to you and say thank you for all the videos you put out there for everyone. IT is a new field I am getting a degree in so I always go to your videos when the instructors I have aren't able to teach the subject in a way I can understand or relate (I am currently in a UNIX/Linux class).
Some instructors in schools tend to believe all of us have experience in these areas, but the way you go through these videos explaining everything in such a thorough way is VERY much appreciated. No matter how old some might be there are still extremely helpful because these are the very basics of this field. Sorry this comment is so long, but just wanted to let you know that these videos are appreciated and valued by people like me. So again, thank you for what you do!!

[muhammadgadallahb]

8 years later and still a masterpiece, I am speechless indeed. Thanks

[GrantsPassTVRepair]

Your a great teacher. Thanks for the instructional videos.

[solobranch]

10:15 <--- lol the way he walks over to the camera. I thought he was going to start acting goofy or crack a joke ha!

[blindperception]

Very well put Eli, I appreciate your time and effort. You gave me the drive to take notes as well as getting started for this whole field. Thank you!

[kennylyaffected]

That's explained so well that it's almost impossible to not understand. You really started from the start. In all the other videos i watched, the hosts kept using terminologies that won't necessarily be understood by everyone. You kept it simple, and yet complete. You deserve a big freaking like as well as a subscription !

[LloydRichards]

Eli your the extra teacher/lecturer i wish i had in my school years+, i still turned out super. Eli your the guy!

[ivanmoreno]

I am watching this video at the very start of 2016 and it has inspired me to learn how to use linux. Thank you!!!

[thegympinetopshowlow]

Eli, you do a wonderful job teaching, I am taking classes at a university and I use your videos to teach me!! You are much more clear than my instructors or the resources we are given. Thank you for all of your videos.

[imten]

11 years and this video is still clearing all the doubts. Thanks!