ITLSA1-22
Linux-based operating
systems
Block 2-2025
Running linux:
 What are Linux Distros?
 Linux distributions, often referred to as Linux distros, are operating systems made from a
software collection that is based upon the Linux kernel and, often, a package management
system.
 They include the Linux kernel, supporting utilities and libraries, and usually a large amount
of application software to fulfill the distribution’s intended use.
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 Although all Linux distributions use the same underlying kernel, they can change many
things to fine tune and tweak the operating system:
 Variety: There are hundreds of Linux distros catering to different user needs. Some are
designed for general purposes, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian, while others target
specific users or applications, such as Kali Linux for security testing, or Raspbian for Raspberry
Pi.
 Community and Commercial Distros: Some distros are community-driven, such as Debian
and Fedora, while others are commercially backed, including Ubuntu (Canonical Ltd.) and Red
Hat Enterprise Linux (Red Hat Inc.).
 Package Management: Each distro comes with a package management system, such as APT
for Debian-based distros, or YUM for RPM-based distros, and this is what handles software
installation and updates.
 Desktop Environments: Distros may come with different desktop environments that define the
user interface such as GNOME, KDE, Xfce, and LXDE.
 Customizability: Linux distros are highly customisable and users can choose what to install
and how to configure it. Advanced users can even build their own distro using tools such as
Linux From Scratch (LFS).
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 Ubuntu
 Ubuntu is a comprehensive operating system that combines advanced features, high
performance, and a user-friendly design suitable for both personal use and professional
development.
 It’s equipped with GNOME 46, a modern desktop environment, and receives regular kernel
updates, which ensure smooth operation and compatibility with a wide range of hardware.
 With Ubuntu, you also get improved access to accessibility options such as screen readers,
keyboard navigation and more, ensuring a polished user experience that caters to a diverse
range of user needs.
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 One of the standout features of Ubuntu is its support for the ZFS file system, which is a
modern filesystem known for its high availability, and improved guidance for dual-boot
setups – this makes the system highly versatile, and suitable for various user requirements.
 Ubuntu supports hardware-backed full disk encryption, providing an additional layer of
security that protects user data.
 Ubuntu offers a unique way to experience Linux through its various flavors, each with their
own default applications and settings. These flavors are developed by people from across
the world and cater to specific user needs and preferences, providing a diverse range of
options for users to choose from.
 For example, if you are a content creator, then you should use Ubuntu Studio, but if you live
in China, then you will probably find it more comfortable to use Ubuntu Kylin.
 System Requirements for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
 CPU: 2 GHz dual-core processor or faster
 RAM: Minimum 4GB, recommended 8GB
 Storage: Minimum 25GB
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 Looking to Deploy an Ubuntu Server?
 If you’re exploring Linux distributions – Ubuntu should be your go-to if you’re looking to
deploy anything to a server, i.e., host your web applications and databases. And the best
part is that RunCloud makes it incredibly easy to deploy production workloads to your cloud
provider(s) of choice – AWS, UpCloud, Vultr, Linode, and many more.
 The end result is that you benefit from the best combination of reliability, flexibility, and
performance without the high markup.
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 All available from the convenience of your RunCloud dashboard, with built-in support to
deploy straight to your favorite cloud providers:
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 Fedora
 Fedora Workstation is a high-quality and easy-to-use desktop that is built on the latest opensource technology, and which receives regular updates.
 The main reason why people use Fedora Workstation is reliability – a new version is
released approximately every 13 months, and upgrades between versions are quick and
easy.
 Fedora works with hardware vendors to make sure users get excellent hardware support
across a range of devices, ensuring device compatibility.
 it is free – there are no ads and it does not collect any user data, giving you maximum
privacy.
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 Fedora offers a fantastic collection of apps and utilities such as Clocks, Weather, and Maps
which cater to every need, making it a great choice for everyone.
 For developers, Fedora makes virtualization easy with Boxes, boosts hardware speed with
performance mode, and provides the latest container tools from the Red Hat ecosystem.
 It includes all the packages, tools, and runtimes developers might need – up to date, and
ready for use with just a single command.
 System Requirements for Fedora 40
 CPU: 2GHz dual core processor or faster
 RAM: Minimum 2GB, recommended 4GB
 Storage: Minimum 15GB
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 Pop!_OS
 Pop!_OS is an operating system designed for STEM and creative professionals who use
their computer as a tool to discover and create. The operating system is designed for fast
navigation, easy workspace organization, and a fluid, convenient workflow.
 Although it is a versatile operating system that is compatible with almost any computer or
laptop, if you wish, you can purchase a new computer from system76 – the company behind
Pop!_OS – and this will come pre-configured with their own operating system.
 One of the standout features of Pop!_OS is its auto-tiling feature, which organizes your work
for you, saving you time and increasing efficiency. It also offers workspaces to keep relevant
content together, and irrelevant content out of sight.
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 Pop!_OS is compatible with most software tools, with the vast software libraries of Ubuntu
and Flatpak combining to make all of your tools available in a single location, called the
Pop!_Shop.
 Pop!_OS has also been optimized for the Raspberry Pi 4/400, a mini computer which
enables people to learn and explore computing.
 This version of the operating system, called Pop!_Pi, gives users the same powerful
software tools at their disposal, making it ideal for people who are on a tight budget.
 System Requirements for Pop!_OS
 CPU: 64-bit x86 or ARM (RAS PI 4) architectures
 RAM: Minimum 4GB, recommended 8GB
 Storage: Minimum 20GB
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 Manjaro
 Manjaro is a versatile open-source Linux operating system that prioritizes user privacy, and
offers extensive control over hardware. It supports both x86-64 and ARM architectures,
making it an ideal choice for a wide range of devices and computing environments.
 Manjaro allows users to choose their preferred desktop environment from popular options
such as Plasma, Gnome, and XFCE – each of these desktop environments provide the
same underlying operating system but with slightly different design elements and
functionality. If this is confusing, then you can think of it as buying a car that has the same
engine – but a nicer stereo system.
 On top of official flavors, Manjaro also has various community editions, such as Cinnamon
and Mate, for further customization. You can think of it as your neighbor who bought his car
from the showroom and then painted it in his favorite color in his garage. This is one of the
primary reasons people use Linux – it gives you freedom to do anything that you want, even
if what you are trying to do is stupid!
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 System Requirements for Manjaro
 CPU: 1 GHz dual-core processor or faster
 RAM: 4GB
 Storage: Minimum 30GB
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 Kali Linux
 Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based Linux distribution that is designed for various
information security tasks, such as penetration testing, security research, computer
forensics, and reverse engineering.
 It can be installed on various platforms, including mobile devices, containers, ARM, cloud
providers, Windows Subsystem for Linux, pre-built virtual machines, and installer images.
 It also provides a well-documented ISO customization process, making it easy to generate
an optimized version of Kali for specific needs.
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 Kali Linux has a vibrant and active community with active forums, an IRC Channel, Kali
Tools listings, an open bug tracker system, and even community-provided tool suggestions.
 System Requirements for Kali Linux 2024.1
 CPU: 1GHz or faster processor is recommended
 RAM: At least 1GB for i386 and AMD64 architectures, and 2GB for ARM architecture
 Storage: 20GB disk space for installation
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 Linux Mint
 Linux Mint is a popular desktop Linux distribution, and considered one of the best
alternatives to Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS due to its modern, elegant, and
comfortable interface that is both powerful and easy to use.
 Linux used to be infamous for having broken sound drivers, but Linux Mint works out of the
box with full multimedia support and is extremely user-friendly.
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 Linux Mint is suitable for both individuals and companies as it is designed to be comfortable
and easy to use, but also powerful and configurable – making it ideal for a wide range of
users.
 It is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and is used by millions of people,
with user feedback playing a crucial role in its consistent improvement.
 For companies, Linux Mint provides Long-Term Support (LTS) releases which are supported
for a duration of 5 years.
 System Requirements for Linux Mint 21
 CPU: Modern, 64-bit processor
 RAM: 2GB or more
 Storage: 20GB of free space or more
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 Alma Linux
 AlmaLinux OS is an open-source, community-driven Linux operating system that was
developed to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the CentOS Linux stable release.
 It has binary compatibility with RHEL – this ensures that software developed and tested on
RHEL can be easily deployed on AlmaLinux without modifications. It also supports various
architectures and provides official images for cloud providers, container images, live media
images, Vagrant boxes, LXC/LXD images, Raspberry Pi images, and even a terminal
environment for Windows.
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 AlmaLinux OS is suitable for both individuals and organizations that require an enterprisegrade Linux distribution, without the need for a commercial license agreement.
 It is also a perfect replacement for anyone who has historically relied on the CentOS Linux
releases to achieve computing objectives, and for whom CentOS Stream is not the right
solution.
 System Requirements for Alma Linux
 Supported Architecture: Intel/AMD x86_64, Arm aarch64, IBM ppc64le, Power LE s390x
 Memory: Minimum 1.5 GB RAM
 Disk Space: 10GB minimum, 20GB recommended
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 Rocky Linux
 Rocky Linux is an open-source enterprise operating system that is designed to be 100%
“bug-for-bug” compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
 It is another popular Linux distribution that was developed by the community to replace the
CentOS after it reached the end of life.
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 Rocky Linux rebuilds sources directly from RHEL, ensuring a super stable experience, no
matter the use-case.
 On top of that, it is an enterprise-ready distro which provides solid stability with regular
updates and a 10-year support lifecycle – all at no cost.
 System Requirements for Rocky Linux
 Architecture: x86-64, ARM64, ppc64le, or s390x
 Memory: 2 GB of RAM
 Disk Space: 40 GB of storage
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 What is Linux?
 Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system based on the Linux kernel. It was
created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and is now maintained by a global community of
developers. Linux is known for its stability, security, and flexibility, making it a popular choice
for servers, desktops, and embedded systems.
 Linux Operating System is a type of operating system that is similar to Unix, and it is built
upon the Linux Kernel. The Linux Kernel is like the brain of the operating system because it
manages how the computer interacts with its hardware and resources. It makes sure
everything works smoothly and efficiently. But the Linux Kernel alone is not enough to make
a complete operating system.
 To create a full and functional system, the Linux Kernel is combined with a collection of
software packages and utilities, which are together called Linux distributions.
 These distributions make the Linux Operating System ready for users to run their
applications and perform tasks on their computers securely and effectively. Linux
distributions come in different flavors, each tailored to suit the specific needs and
preferences of users.
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 Why Linux Operating System?
 Linux was developed to be used as an alternative to other existing but expansive operating
systems specially Unix, Windows, Mac OS, MS-DOS, Solaris and others. When Linus
Torvalds was studying at the University of Helsinki, he decided to create his own operating
system and keep it as Open Sources so that users from around the world can contribute
their suggestions for improvements of the system.
 Linus Torvalds developed his own kernel and a few programs around it in 1991 which
later became a full flagged Operating System and soon it was accepted widely by the
Computer Engineers in Corporates, Universities and other Institutes.
 Today Linux is one of the most widely used Operating Systems and it come in various
variants like Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, Debian, openSUSE, RedHat, MX Linux, Arch
Linux, Gentoo etc.
 Several people can use a Unix computer at the same time; hence Unix is called a
multiuser system.
 A user can also run multiple programs at the same time; hence Unix is a multitasking
environment.
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 What is Linux Shell?
 Users communicate with the Kernel through a program known as the shell. The shell is a
command line interpreter; it translates commands entered by the user and converts them
into a language that is understood by the kernel.
 Key Features of Linux
 Open Source: Linux is free to use, modify, and distribute.
 Customizability: Users can choose from various distributions (distros) and desktop
environments.
 Security: Linux has built-in security features and is less prone to malware.
 Stability: Linux systems rarely crash and are highly reliable.
 Command-Line Interface (CLI): Linux offers a powerful CLI for advanced tasks and
automation.
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 Linux Architecture
 Here is a basic block diagram of a Linux system
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 The main concept that unites all the versions of Linux is the following four basics −
 Kernel − The kernel is the heart of the Linux operating system. It interacts with the hardware
and most of the tasks like memory management, task scheduling and file management.
 The Kernel virtualizes the common hardware resources of the computer to provide each
process with its virtual resources.
 This makes the process seem as if it is the sole process running on the machine. The kernel
is also responsible for preventing and mitigating conflicts between different processes.
 Different types of the kernel are:
 Monolithic Kernel
 Hybrid kernels
 Exo kernels
 Micro kernels
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 Shell − The shell is the utility that processes your requests. When you type in a command at
your terminal, the shell interprets the command and calls the program that you want. The
shell uses standard syntax for all commands. C Shell, Bourne Shell and Korn Shell are the
most famous shells which are available with most of the Unix variants. The shell is the user
interface of the Linux Operating System. It allows users to interact with the system by
entering commands, which the shell interprets and executes. The shell serves as a bridge
between the user and the kernel, forwarding the user’s requests to the kernel for processing.
It provides a convenient way for users to perform various tasks, such as running programs,
managing files, and configuring the system.
 System Library: Linux uses system libraries, also known as shared libraries, to implement
various functionalities of the operating system. These libraries contain pre-written code that
applications can use to perform specific tasks. By using these libraries, developers can save
time and effort, as they don’t need to write the same code repeatedly. System libraries act
as an interface between applications and the kernel, providing a standardized and efficient
way for applications to interact with the underlying system.
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 Hardware Layer: The hardware layer encompasses all the physical components of the
computer, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), CPU (Central
Processing Unit), and input/output devices. This layer is responsible for interacting with the
Linux Operating System and providing the necessary resources for the system and
applications to function properly. The Linux kernel and system libraries enable
communication and control over these hardware components, ensuring that they work
harmoniously together.
 System Utility: System utilities are essential tools and programs provided by the Linux
Operating System to manage and configure various aspects of the system. These utilities
perform tasks such as installing software, configuring network settings, monitoring system
performance, managing users and permissions, and much more. System utilities simplify
system administration tasks, making it easier for users to maintain their Linux systems
efficiently. There are various commands and utilities which you can make use of in your day
to day activities. ftp, ssh, cp, mv, cat and grep, etc. are few examples of commands and
utilities. There are over 250 standard commands plus numerous others provided through 3rd
party software. All the commands come along with various options.
 Files and Directories − All the data of Unix is organized into files. All files are then
organized into directories. These directories are further organized into a tree-like structure
called the filesystem.
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 Expanded version of the Architecture
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 Linux Applications
 Linux is an open-source operating system widely used in servers, web servers,
supercomputers, and embedded systems etc. The best part of the Linux system is that you
will find a vast range of free and open-source software applications.
 This section lists a few important software applications freely available on Linux Operating
System:
 VLC Media Player - VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player
software that can play almost all types of media files, including audio and video. VLC
media player is widely regarded as one of the best media players in the market.
 GNU Image Manipulation Program - GIMP is a free and open-source image editing
program that can be used for tasks ranging from image retouching to graphic design.
GIMP provides great functionality for image manipulation, color correction, cloning, and
selection. It also supports layers, masks, and channels, allowing for more advanced
editing techniques.
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 FileZilla - FileZilla is a free and open-source FTP client that transfers files between a
local computer and a remote server. It is known for its easy and user-friendly interface
and ease of use to transfer files between two computers.
 Web Servers - The most frequent application of Linux is to use it like a Web Server.
There are several web server softwares (Apache, NGinx etc) available which can be
installed and use on Linux.
 Web Browsers - Linux provides an easy way to browse the Internet with the help of
various Web Browsers. Firefox is the default browser for various Linux distributions
such as Linux Mint and Ubuntu.
 LibreOffice - LibreOffice is free and an open source software which provides a great
alternative for office suites. LibreOffice supports various file formats such as DOC,
DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLSX, etc.
 Vim - This is one of the best text Editor available on Linux. This is loved by millions of
software developers around the world.
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 Common Linux Distributions (Distros)
 Linux comes in many flavors, called distributions. Each distro is tailored for specific use
cases. Here are some popular ones:
 Ubuntu: User-friendly, great for beginners.
 Linux Mint: Based on Ubuntu, with a focus on simplicity.
 Fedora: Cutting-edge features, often used by developers.
 Debian: Stable and reliable, used for servers.
 CentOS: A free version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), popular for servers.
 Arch Linux: Lightweight and highly customizable, for advanced users.
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 Which distribution is right for you?
 Choosing the right Linux distribution depends on your needs and experience level:
 For Beginners: Because of its simple user interface and strong community support, Ubuntu is
a wonderful choice for initially Linux users. On the opposite hand, Linux Mint make it
straightforward for novices to transition to Linux by offering an experience comparable to
Windows out of the box.
 For Advanced Users: Advanced users who appreciate customization and direct control might
opt for Arch Linux, it is known for its simplistic style and ability to create highly unique systems
from the ground up. Another choice is Gentoo, that provides total control of the system but
requires manual setup and a lengthy learning process.
 For Developers: Fedora was a popular choice among developers due to its focus upon
modern technology and software, making it a perfect platform for software testing and
development. On the other hand, Debian is well known for its reliability and extensive package
repository, which implies it may be used in both production and development environments.
 For Servers: For server environments, CentOS is a powerful, community-maintained
distribution that matches Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) quite somewhat. As an alternative,
Ubuntu Server offers an extensive list of server applications in addition to strong community
support and ease of use.
 For Lightweight Systems: Lubuntu is frequently picked by users either like lightweight
operating systems or have outdated equipment due to its ability to utilize system resources
efficiently while maintaining functionality. Another slim option is Puppy Linux, that is made to
run well on outdated hardware while maintaining the essential functions and applications.
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 Installing Linux
 Selecting a Ubuntu, Fedora, or Linux Mint distribution which suits your needs is the initial
step in the straightforward procedure for installing Linux.
 Download the ISO file first from the distribution’s official website. Next, utilize an application
like Etcher for macOS and Linux or Rufus for Windows to create a bootable USB drive.
Following you insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it, you may set the USB
drive as the primary boot device by traversing to the BIOS or UEFI settings.
 Upon booting from the USB the hard drive, the Linux setup will show up.
 To partition the drive, choose your time zone, create user accounts, and change system
settings, simply adhere to the instructions displayed on the screen.
 When the installation concludes, disconnect the USB drive and turn on your computer
normally.
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 Advantages of Linux
 The main advantage of Linux is it is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is
easily available for everyone and you are allowed to contribute, modify and distribute the code to
anyone without any permissions.
 In terms of security, Linux is more secure than any other operating system. It does not mean that
Linux is 100 percent secure, it has some malware for it but is less vulnerable than any other operating
system. So, it does not require any anti-virus software.
 The software updates in Linux are easy and frequent.
 Various Linux distributions are available so that you can use them according to your requirements or
according to your taste.
 Linux is freely available to use on the internet.
 It has large community support.
 It provides high stability. It rarely slows down or freezes and there is no need to reboot it after a short
time.
 It maintains the privacy of the user.
 The performance of the Linux system is much higher than other operating systems. It allows a large
number of people to work at the same time and it handles them efficiently.
 It is network friendly.
 The flexibility of Linux is high. There is no need to install a complete Linux suite; you are allowed to
install only the required components.
 Linux is compatible with a large number of file formats.
 It is fast and easy to install from the web. It can also install it on any hardware even on your old
computer system.
 It performs all tasks properly even if it has limited space on the hard disk.
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 Step by Step Guide on Installing Linux on any Windows PC / Laptop
 Installation video
 Activity
 Install Linux Operating System in virtualbox
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