Ashley Lipman 
Linux has long been used as an operating system, powering everything from supercomputers to smartphones. For those who have been in the Microsoft or Apple systems for a long time, it can be intimidating.
However, Linux is often deemed preferable over other operating systems due to its enhanced security features, it’s stability and easiness to maintain, and its categorization as Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). So what does a DevOps beginner need to know to make Linux work for them, rather than the other way around? Here are some guidelines and five useful commands to get you started.
Pieces of the Linux OS
To be able to use Linux to its full potential, you must first understand the different components of the operating system. When you first start up your Linux operating system, you’ll see the Bootloader. This is a simple pop-up that will manage your loading process. Think the waving Windows logo of the 1990s.
Daemons are background processes, such as printing and audio functionalities, that load during or after you see the Bootloader. This works for hand in hand with your Graphical Server (X server), which manages the graphics. You’ll have your desktop environment, which is what the user interacts with on a base level. You will be able to customize this to an extent to fit your needs by adding applications.
Finally, the Kernel and the Shell are at the core of Linux. The kernel manages the system memory and CPU. The shell is a command process operated by typing commands to make the computer operate as you desire.
Using the Linux Command Line
To be able to use Linux, you need to know how to enter commands. To do so, you’ll need to be able to open a terminal emulator (or terminal for short). This term links back to the good old days when people logged into terminals to do their work. The easiest way to open a terminal in Linux is by clicking CTRL+Alt+T. By holding the three keys together, you will force a terminal to open. This simple move just goes to show why the fear of using Linux is unfounded.
5 Best Linux Commands
There are lots of commands you’ll be using as you learn your way around Linux. Here are five useful commands that will make your DevOps life easier:
- Is – The Is command in Linux is perhaps the most important command that you will use. If nothing else, it’s the one you’ll use most often. Is ultimate lists everything in Linux for you to see on demand. For example, ls -a -C -h will give you a list of content in the directory.
- sudo [command] – This command allows you to run a sudo command (as mentioned earlier) to be able to override access denied signals and operate accordingly.
- find – This command allows you to search for a file. This is a simple workaround if you forget the directory in which a file is stored or want to save time searching.
- ex- This command allows you to open a basic file editor. It is a brilliant command to learn for newcomers to Linux who aren’t ready for something more advanced.
- ctrl-z – Just like in Windows and Mac, ctrl-z is a must-have for suspending current tasks.
There are endless commands that will make your life easier with Linux. To get the full list, check here. Linux has a significant learning curve, but it’s well worth taking the time to become comfortable with as a DevOps engineer.