Linux^®:
A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

This introductory course provides the knowledge and skills required to leverage the wide range of Linux graphical and command-line tools. You learn to create, edit and search Linux files and directories, limit access within file systems by controlling permissions and ownership, exploit Bash shell features to enhance the command line interface and perform multiple tasks in shell scripts.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is valuable for those interested in acquiring a comprehensive foundation knowledge in the Linux operating system. This course is the first step in becoming a Linux administrator, developer, security specialist, application support specialist, and more!

What background do I need?

Previous experience with Linux is not required for this course. Familiarity operating a computer system and basic computer knowledge is assumed.

What is Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system, available for free by downloading over the Internet, that can be used to implement a high-performance, stable and inexpensive server. There are many Linux distributions available, however all of them usually contain the same wide variety of GNU and other open-source tools for all types of users and administrators. These tools include:

• Office productivity tools: word processors, spread sheets, etc.
• Programming tools: compilers and various programming languages
• Internet tools: Web browsers, FTP clients, chat clients
• System tools: Graphical user interface (GUI) administrator tools to perform common tasks, shells, system monitors
• Graphics tools: image editors and viewers

How does Linux relate to UNIX?

Both UNIX and Linux are very similar in function and both attempt to conform to what is known as the POSIX standard for operating systems. UNIX is well known for its enterprise features of stability, security and scalability, however it is typically run on very expensive server hardware and sold only by a few large vendors.

Linux contains the same enterprise features as UNIX but, due to its open-source nature, is available in many distributions for many different hardware platforms including less expensive PC-based systems.

What is a Linux distribution?

A Linux distribution refers simply to an individual vendor's version of Linux. Linux, to be accurate in terminology, refers to the kernel, or core of the Linux operating system. Administrative commands, applications, servers, etc., are provided by various organisations in the open-source community. A distribution contains the Linux kernel plus a set of GNU utilities, various network servers and graphical environments. There are many popular, general purpose distributions available. Some of the most well-known are Red Hat, SUSE, Ubuntu, Debian and Mandriva. There are also many special purpose distributions that focus on a particular need: security audit, network testing, data recovery, Web services, etc.

What distribution of Linux is used on this course?

This course uses Red Hat Enterprise Linux. However, the focus of this course is foundational and concentrates on those aspects of Linux that do not vary much between Linux distributions. The concepts taught in this course are applicable to all Linux distributions.

How much time is spent on each topic?

How much time is spent on hands-on exercises?

Approximately 40 percent of time on the course is devoted to hands-on exercises, allowing you to develop your skills on Linux. Exercises include:

• Accessing graphical applications from the GNOME desktop
• Setting and testing file permissions
• Formatting and changing text using filters and pipelines
• Writing and running shell scripts to automate tasks
• Creating and executing compressed archives
• And much more!

Will I learn to work with the command line and graphical tools?

Yes! A major focus of this course is on portable command line tools, this is where the real power for automation in Linux lies. You gain hands-on experience working in a graphical user interface (GUI) to access many graphical tools and explore file management using Nautilus, the Linux file manager.

Will I learn to install and configure a Linux distribution?

No. This course focuses on the basic skills any administrator or user would need to manage a Linux system. The skills learned on this course are a springboard to Course 144, Linux^® Administration and Support: Hands-On, where you will perform a full Linux installation and configuration.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Learning Tree offers a number of courses that will help you expand upon the knowledge gained in this course. Those courses include:

• 144, Linux® Administration and Support: Hands-On offers the knowledge and skills required to create, manage and tune a Linux server. This course is the follow-on for Linux administrators from Course 143.
• 396, UNIX® and Linux® Tools and Utilities: Hands-On builds on the knowledge gained in Course 143 and gives you proven techniques for adapting your UNIX environment to meet the needs of your organisation through the effective use of key standard UNIX tools and utilities.
• 433, UNIX® and Linux® Security: Hands-On provides the knowledge and skills to secure your UNIX and Linux systems from internal and external threats.
• 170, Virtualisation Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction offers the skills needed to install, configure and manage virtual servers and workstations.
• 519, Introduction to PHP for Web Development: Hands-On provides a solid foundation in the PHP Web scripting language.

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