Knowledgebase

Essential Linux Commands Guide for New Users

 For newcomers to Linux server management, mastering fundamental commands is crucial. This guide provides a concise reference for essential commands that streamline server navigation, file management, and interaction.

Content:

1. Navigating the File System:

   • cd: Change directory.
   • ls: List directory contents.
   • pwd: Print working directory.

2. File and Directory Operations:

   • mkdir: Create a directory.
   • touch: Create an empty file.
   • cp: Copy files/directories.
   • mv: Move/rename files/directories.
   • rm: Remove files/directories.
   • chmod: Change file permissions.

3. Viewing and Editing Files:

   • cat: Display file content.
   • more or less: View files page by page.
   • nano or vim: Edit text files.

4. File Content Manipulation:

   • grep: Search for patterns in files.
   • sed: Stream editor for text manipulation.
   • awk: Text processing tool.

5. User and Permissions Management:

   • useradd: Create a new user.
   • passwd: Change user password.
   • usermod: Modify user properties.
   • sudo: Execute commands with superuser privileges.
   • chown: Change file ownership.

6. Process Management:

   • ps: List processes.
   • top or htop: Monitor system activity.
   • kill: Terminate processes.

7. Networking Commands:

   • ifconfig or ip: Network configuration.
   • ping: Test network connectivity.
   • netstat: Network statistics.
   • ssh: Secure shell for remote access.

8. Package Management:

   • Package installation:
     • apt (Debian/Ubuntu) or yum (RHEL/CentOS).
   • apt-get or dnf: Package management commands.

9. File Compression and Archives:

   • tar: Create and extract tar archives.
   • gzip or gunzip: Compress/decompress files.
   • zip or unzip: Work with zip archives.

10. System Information:

    • uname: Display system information.
    • df: Disk space usage.
    • free: Memory usage.

This guide covers essential Linux commands for newcomers to efficiently navigate, manage files, and interact with a Linux server. It's a handy reference for those starting their journey into Linux server management.