Linux Fundamentals Decoded: 25 Key Terms Simplified

1. Kernel

Definition: The core component of the operating system that manages hardware resources and facilitates communication between software and hardware.

2. Terminal

Definition: A text-based interface where users interact with the Linux system by entering commands.

3. Distribution

Definition: A version of the Linux operating system that includes the Linux kernel and additional software.

4. Shell

Definition: A command-line interpreter that allows users to interact with the operating system by entering commands.

5. Root

Definition: The superuser or administrator with elevated privileges, capable of making critical changes to the system.

6. File System

Definition: The structure that organizes and stores files on a storage device, like a hard drive or SSD.

7. Command

Definition: A text-based instruction given to the Linux system through the terminal to perform specific tasks.

8. Terminal Emulator

Definition: A program that replicates the functionality of a physical terminal within a graphical user interface.

9. GUI (Graphical User Interface)

Definition: A visual way of interacting with the Linux system using icons, windows, and menus.

10. Shell Script

Definition: A script containing a series of commands written in a scripting language to automate tasks in the shell.

11. Package Manager

Definition: A tool for installing, updating, and managing software packages on a Linux system.

12. Repository

Definition: A centralized location where software packages are stored and can be easily accessed and installed.

13. File Permissions

Definition: Rules that determine who can read, write, or execute a file on a Linux system.

14. SSH (Secure Shell)

Definition: A secure protocol for connecting to a remote server over a network to execute commands securely.

15. Kernel Module

Definition: A piece of code that can be dynamically loaded or unloaded into the Linux kernel to extend its functionality.

16. Daemon

Definition: A background process that runs without direct user interaction, often providing essential services.

17. Bash (Bourne Again SHell)

Definition: A popular shell in Linux, providing a command-line interface and scripting capabilities.

18. File System Hierarchy Standard (FHS)

Definition: A standard that defines the directory structure and organization of Linux file systems.

19. Cron

Definition: A time-based job scheduler in Linux for automating repetitive tasks.

20. IP Address

Definition: A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network.

21. Port

Definition: A logical endpoint for communication in a network, facilitating the identification of specific services.

22. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

Definition: A storage technology that combines multiple disk drives for performance and redundancy.

23. Swap

Definition: A dedicated space on a storage device used as virtual memory when physical RAM is full.

24. LAMP Stack

Definition: A software stack combining Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP/Perl/Python for web development.

25. Filesystem Check (fsck)

Definition: A utility to check and repair inconsistencies in the Linux file system.