Learning Linux: A Guide for Beginners

Linux is an operating system that has been around since the 1990s. It powers most modern technologies we use today, such as Android devices, televisions, cameras, and even smart appliances. This guide will show you how to learn Linux and the real-world applications of this open-source operating system.

Learning Linux is a great way to boost your resume, as it is a must-have skill, especially if you are looking to explore a programming career. According to the Linux Foundation 2023 State of Tech Talent Report, organizations are increasingly prioritizing upskilling in foundational technologies, with 91% considering technical skill development extremely or very important for addressing their technology needs.¹

Let’s go over several tips that can help you learn Linux, even as a beginner.

What Is Linux?

Before we dive into the operating system, we should first understand what Linux is. Linux is a kernel upon which many operating systems, such as Ubuntu and Arch Linux, are built. It is open source, which means you can read and modify the code associated with the kernel. The Linux kernel was first released in 1991 by Linus Torvalds.²

Linux was designed as an updated version of UNIX, which Torvalds thought needed to be improved. After his suggestions were ignored, he decided to create his own operating system with all the features he needed. Over time, Linux has become ubiquitous and now powers everything from modern phones to smart devices.

If you have ever wondered about the process that enables applications, websites, or games to run on your computer or smartphone, the answer is the operating system. It allows you to use the hardware. Linux is one of today’s most popular operating systems.

Why Should You Learn Linux?

Linux is a must-know technology with a wide range of applications. It is used for embedded systems, mobile phones, and servers, among others. Even the Career Karma website is hosted on a Linux server.

Linux and its various distributions are widely used in the technology industry. As such, some basic experience with Linux lets employers know you are capable of navigating and customizing an open-source operating system to solve specific business problems. If you want to become a system administrator, knowing Linux is almost essential.

But even if you’re not interested in systems administration, knowing Linux can still be helpful. With a working knowledge of Linux, you’ll be able to navigate the command line more effectively, which will assist you in a wide range of technical environments. You’ll also have a better understanding of how computers work.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Linux?

How long it takes to learn Linux depends on your intended purpose. You can expect to learn it within a few days if you use Linux as your main operating system. You will develop stronger Linux proficiency if you spend a couple of hours a day for a few weeks.

Learning how to use the Linux command line is a different story. Expect to spend a few weeks learning basic commands. Then, there is a whole world of more complex commands to master. Plan for around six months to gain familiarity with more advanced commands and system architecture.

Learning Linux will take less time if you’ve prior experience with Unix-like systems. For example, macOS is Unix-based, so users may find certain similarities. Similarly, Raspberry Pi devices run Raspberry Pi OS, a Linux-based operating system derived from Debian.

What Is Linux Used For?

If you’re wondering what Linux is used for, the simple answer is that it powers other operating systems and software. As an operating system, Linux bridges the gap between regular programs, such as word processors, and the hardware that runs those programs. Its open-source nature allows you to use, modify, customize, and redistribute the source code for free.

There are also many Linux distributions that work as desktop environments. Ubuntu is one example. These operating systems let you use Linux as an alternative to Windows or macOS.

Other Linux operating systems are written for tinkering. The Raspberry Pi, for instance, uses Raspberry Pi OS (formerly called Raspbian). It is used for embedded systems applications, robotics, and other computer engineering tasks. Linux also powers the Android operating system, with billions of devices worldwide.³ These examples barely scratch the surface of what you can do with Linux.

Is Linux Hard to Learn?

Linux is not hard to learn. The more experience you have using modern technology, the easier you’ll find it to master the basics. You can learn the basic Linux commands in a few days, but it will likely take a few weeks to become more familiar with them. More advanced commands may take years for full mastery.

The Linux command line is known for the degree of customization it supports. As a result, you’ll find no shortage of unique combinations for commands and new distributions of Linux. But you don’t need to know all the advanced commands to build a good understanding of Linux.

If you’re coming from macOS, you’ll find it easier to learn Linux. This is because macOS is based on UNIX, which incorporates many of the same principles as Linux. You’ll find crossovers between these two technologies.

Linux is “Open Source.” What Does That Mean?

Linux is open source in that its source code can be publicly accessed. Linux was released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which means anyone can run Linux for any purpose. This is one of the main reasons Linux has become so prominent.

Because Linux is open source, anyone can study how it works or create their own copy of a Linux system. The term “Linux” itself is trademarked by Torvalds, and the source code for the main project is under copyright.⁴

How to Learn Linux Fast

The best way to learn Linux is through an online course provided by a bootcamp, university, or online learning platform.

Learning Linux is a great use of your time. You can use Linux to create open-source projects or build a custom solution for your organization, making it an essential tool for developers. In this section, we will show you how to learn Linux fast. We will also explore the basic skills you need to acquire and some credible sources you can use.

Building Your Linux Skills

Before you start building advanced applications for Linux or installing complex software, you’ll need to master the basics. While it can be intimidating at first, once you start working in a Linux environment, you’ll get used to how Linux works quickly. The first step in your journey is to learn the fundamentals.

The Structure of Linux

First, you need to know the Linux structure. You should familiarize yourself with the basic components of the operating system, how Linux works, and how different components fit together. Here are a few topics you should explore:

• The role of the bootloader, kernel, graphical server, and desktop environment
• Why operating systems are important
• How Linux compares to other operating systems like Windows
• What a Linux distribution is

Navigating the File System

One of the most basic Linux skills is navigating around the file system. To do so, you need to learn the command line. The command line is a tool that allows you to interact with a computer using a terminal. The alternative is a graphical user interface, which is what you typically see when you boot up macOS or Windows. Here are the main commands you’ll need to learn:

• ls (list files)
• pwd (print working directory)
• cd (change directory)
• mkdir (create directory)
• touch (create file)
• nano (update file)

Changing the File System

Next, you need to know how to change information in the file system. You should learn how to move, delete, and update multiple files using wildcards. Here are a few of the top commands and topics you should learn about:

• Ext2, Ext3, Ext4 file systems
• How to change the file system without formatting
• How to create and convert Linux file systems
• How to perform disk partitioning

Configuring Your Environment

When you launch Linux, a new terminal session is created, which loads all the preferences you have set. You should know how to customize this session based on your needs. Here are the main topics you should learn:

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• Bash profiles
• Aliases
• Launching new sessions
• HOME and PATH
• Environmental variables
• env
• source

Linux Input and Output

You should be able to redirect inputs and outputs to different files and parts of the operating system. Here are the main topics related to input and output:

• stdin, stdout, stderr
• > and >>
• < and |
• sort
• uniq
• grep
• sed

Shell Scripting

Bash, or shell scripting, allows you to automate tasks and batch commands into a single file. Bash scripts execute in a Bash Linux terminal. Here are the main topics you should learn:

• Creating a Bash file
• Variables
• Loops and conditionals
• Accepting user input

Users and Permissions

Linux offers a wide range of user and permission settings. These ensure that only the right users can access specific files and folders on a computer. Here are the main topics you should learn:

• What is a user
• How to create a user
• What is a group
• How to create and update a group
• Read, write, and execute file permissions

These are just a glimpse into what you should study when learning Linux. The operating system is so advanced that we cannot possibly list everything you need to know in one article. The above topics constitute the bulk of working with Linux, and learning them will give you a good sense of its fundamentals.

Where to Learn Linux Online

Due to its ubiquity, there is no shortage of resources to learn Linux online. This is a good thing, but it can be challenging to select the most suitable resources. This section offers a list of online Linux courses, books, tutorials, and guides that can help you gain a new set of timeless skills.

Online Linux Courses

Linux online courses are a great option for people looking for a remote, flexible program. You can find a variety of offerings online, including Linux courses for beginners. Some of them are free, making them highly accessible to newcomers. Let’s look at the list below.

Linux Mastery: Master the Linux Command Line in 11.5 Hours

• Cost: $60
• Audience: Beginners

This Udemy course features over 11 hours of material and 14 downloadable resources. You’ll cover the basics of the command line and, by the end, will have built the skills to operate a Linux computer solely from the command line.⁵

Learn Linux in 5 Days

• Cost: $60
• Audience: Beginners

This Udemy course offers a quick introduction to the basics of Linux. You’ll learn about the fundamentals of Linux and how it works. The course also includes 68 downloadable resources.⁶

Free Linux Courses

Following online training courses is a good way to learn Linux because they combine different methods of learning. Most courses include video lectures, readings, and hands-on activities. Here are some top free Linux courses:

Introduction to Linux (Linux Foundation)

• Audience: Beginners

This free Linux course is offered by the Linux Foundation through edX. It covers crucial Linux topics such as the graphical interface and command line found in popular Linux distributions. Expect to spend about 60 hours across 18 chapters. A paid certificate of completion is also available.⁷

NDG Linux Unhatched (Cisco Networking Academy)

• Audience: Beginners

This free online course is offered by Cisco Networking Academy in partnership with NDG. It requires around eight hours of study and helps you understand the basics of the Linux Command Line Interface (CLI).⁸

Fundamentals of Red Hat Enterprise Linux

• Audience: Beginners

This free, self-paced course is offered by Red Hat in collaboration with edX. You’ll cover eight chapters in about eight hours, learning topics like command lines, Linux user management, and text file operations.⁹

Online Linux Books

Books are a great way to learn more about Linux and its architecture. Good Linux books will help you understand the subject and give you deeper insights into crucial topics. Here are a few recommended titles:

Linux for Beginners by Jason Cannon
This book was written for readers with no prior Linux experience. It walks you step-by-step through the fundamentals of Linux, from understanding distributions to editing text files.¹⁰

How Linux Works by Brian Ward
This comprehensive guide explores the architecture behind Linux and explains how to write Linux shell scripts. It’s considered one of the best Linux books for beginners who want a strong foundation.¹¹

Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands by Daniel J. Barrett
This reference guide covers popular Linux commands. It’s useful for beginners and remains relevant as you advance. The book includes commands for processing files, managing remote storage, installing software, and piping.¹²

Tutorials

Linux tutorials online can help you learn specific processes or concepts. A good tutorial lets you pause, skip, or rewatch as needed. Here are some suggestions:

• Linux/UNIX Tutorial (Tutorialspoint)¹³
• Linux Command Line (Bash) Tutorial (TutorialsTeacher)¹⁴
• Everything You Need to Know About Linux (Guru99)¹⁵
• Linux Tutorial for Beginners: Introduction to Linux Operating System (GeeksforGeeks)¹⁶
• The Linux Command Line for Beginners (Ubuntu)¹⁷

Online Linux Resources

There are many online resources for learning Linux, geared toward helping beginners understand core concepts. Here are a few reliable options:

Learning the Shell
This guide helps beginners practice shell scripting and covers moving around the operating system, redirecting inputs and outputs, managing permissions, and more.¹⁸

Getting Started with Linux and Ubuntu (MakeUseOf)
This guide introduces you to Linux fundamentals. It covers distributions, their advantages, and how to choose the right one for personal use.¹⁹

Command Line for Beginners (Ubuntu)
Ubuntu offers a tutorial covering basic command-line commands, including creating files and using sudo.²⁰

How to Learn Linux: Top Tips

The best way to learn Linux is by choosing a training path that suits your personal learning style. If you are dedicated to mastering Linux, you can also combine two or more resources as different platforms offer different ways to tackle the operating system. This can help round out your skills. Here are our top five tips on how you can learn Linux effectively.

Go to a Coding Bootcamp

Coding bootcamps are employment-focused training programs designed to teach you the skills you need to pursue a career in the technology industry. A Linux bootcamp is a faster, more comprehensive way to hone your skills. Some may have individual Linux concentrations but many teach Linux as part of other courses, such as web development.

Some of the best Linux bootcamps include Yellow Tail Tech, TechPro Education, and the CompTIA Linux+ Certification Training Boot Camp.^21,22,23 There are also bootcamps that offer free online programs that cover Linux, such as Clarusway and Fullstack Academy.^24,25

Learn by Doing

Books and online courses are good sources of information. But there is no substitute for working with a Linux operating system to accomplish a goal. The best way to learn more about Linux is to practice.

Apply the skills you have learned by trying out different commands and navigating the operating system. This will help you develop a better understanding of how specific commands can be used. Create files and mess around with permissions. Experimentation lies at the heart of learning Linux. The operating system is very versatile and there is a lot to explore.

Set a Goal

As you continue learning Linux, you may find it useful to set concrete goals. Suppose you want to set up a web server using Linux. You could decide to focus on learning about Nginx and Apache. These are both used for hosting web servers on Linux. These goals will guide you and keep you on track as you learn about Linux.

If you’re struggling with motivation, remind yourself of why you wanted to learn Linux in the first place. Did you want to build a web server? Were you looking to host your own file server? Perhaps you wanted to learn how to set up a database on your computer. Once you’ve reminded yourself of what motivates you, you can use this understanding to guide the goals you set for yourself.

Here are a few ideas as you start to learn Linux:

• Create a personal cloud server
• Create a file server
• Create a web server
• Create a media center
• Create a home automation system using a Raspberry Pi
• Deploy the LAMP stack
• Create a backup file server
• Configure a firewall
• Create a proxy server

Because Linux is an operating system, there is no limit to what you can build. Try to take on a simple project to begin with, such as deploying the LAMP stack. This will help you practice your command-line skills while giving you a clear goal to work toward. When you feel more comfortable navigating Linux, you can take on a bigger project. For instance, you could set up a proxy server or cluster two or more computers together into one.

Join a Developer Community

Learning Linux is not a journey you should take alone. It’s easy to give up when you see an intimidating error or if you encounter a problem that you cannot solve.

Research developer communities and join one or two. These communities are great places to meet new developers and discuss the latest best practices relevant to the topics you are learning about.

Here are a few of the top communities for people who use Linux:

• LinuxQuestions.org: A dedicated Q&A community specifically for Linux and one of the most active Linux forums online.²⁶
• Stack Overflow: A large Q&A community with years of Linux-related questions and answers.²⁷
• UbuntuForums.org: A hub for Ubuntu users to come together and talk.²⁸
• Dev.to: A community of developers with a forum thread exclusively for Linux discussions.²⁹
• DigitalOcean Tutorials: Thousands of tutorials on coding and Linux for beginners and experts.³⁰

After joining a developer community, spend some time learning about its culture. When ready, try to contribute as much as possible. If you see a question you know the answer to, post a response; if you have a question, post it.

Practice Your Linux Skills

The Linux operating system is huge. The only way to master it is by practicing as often as possible. The more you practice, the better you’ll get!

At first, using Linux can feel overwhelming. An essential part of learning Linux is working with the command line. The command line does not look as aesthetically pleasing as the traditional desktop user interface. But the more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be using it.

If you’re looking for ways to practice your Linux skills, here are a few suggestions:

• Follow online tutorials. Many tutorials guide you through everything from using the command line to creating your own file server.
• Read Linux magazines or publications. The Linux community is incredibly active. Staying up-to-date with new releases and updates can highlight opportunities to practice new skills.
• Build a project. Commit to a larger project, like creating a movie server or a cloud computing cluster. Consider the problem you want to solve with Linux, and then try to build a project that addresses it.

Practice as much as you can, and before you know it, you’ll be a master at working with the Linux operating system.

How Can I Start Using Linux?

There’s a strong chance you already use software that runs on Linux every day. Being able to navigate through a Linux operating system will give you a greater understanding of how computers work. In addition, you can also use your Linux skills—such as using the command line—to help you when you’re coding.

To get started with Linux and enhance your professional skills, choose and install the operating system you want to run. There are thousands of distributions out there, like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Elementary OS. These operating systems are widely supported and good for beginners.

If you are not comfortable installing Linux on your main machine, consider installing it on an older device or a cheap computer like a Raspberry Pi. This approach requires less commitment and lets you start using Linux at your own pace.

To sum it all up, here are the top steps you should follow to learn how to use Linux fast:

• Find the right learning resources
• Master the fundamentals
• Explore the operating system
• Build a project
• Join a developer community
• Practice and refine your skills

By following these steps, you’ll be on a great path to learning how to use the Linux operating system. After you’ve learned the basics, you can always upskill and expand your knowledge by utilizing other resources that we have included in this guide.

How to Learn Linux FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.linuxfoundation.org/hubfs/LF%20Research/LF%20Training%20State%20of%20Tech%20Talent%202023%20-%20Report.pdf?hsLang=en
2. https://www.kernel.org/category/about.html
3. https://www.android.com/what-is-android/
4. https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html
5. https://www.udemy.com/course/linux-mastery/
6. https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-linux-in-5-days/
7. https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-to-linux
8. https://www.netacad.com/courses/os-it/ndg-linux-unhatched
9. https://www.redhat.com/en/services/training/red-hat-enterprise-linux-fundamentals
10. https://www.amazon.com/Linux-Beginners-Introduction-Operating-Command/dp/1496145097
11. https://www.amazon.com/How-Linux-Works-Brian-Ward/dp/1718500408
12. https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/linux-pocket-guide/9781449332797/
13. https://www.tutorialspoint.com/unix/index.htm
14. https://www.tutorialsteacher.com/linux
15. https://www.guru99.com/unix-linux-tutorial.html
16. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/introduction-to-linux-operating-system/
17. https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/command-line-for-beginners
18. http://linuxcommand.org/lc3_learning_the_shell.php
19. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/getting-started-linux-ubuntu/
20. https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/command-line-for-beginners
21. https://yellowtail.tech/ 
22. https://techproeducation.com/ 
23. https://www.infosecinstitute.com/courses/linux-boot-camp/ 
24. https://clarusway.com/ 
25. https://www.fullstackacademy.com/ 
26. https://www.linuxquestions.org/ 
27. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/linux 
28. https://ubuntuforums.org/ 
29. https://dev.to/t/linux 
30. https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials