GX4The Linux Operating System Flashcards
4.1: Choosing an Operating System
What are key differences between Windows, macOS, and Linux?
Windows: Proprietary, widely used, GUI-focused, requires licensing.
macOS: Proprietary, Unix-based, optimized for Apple hardware.
Linux: Open-source, customizable, used in servers, supports both GUI and command line.
4.1: Choosing an Operating System
What is the difference between a GUI and a command-line interface (CLI)?
GUI (Graphical User Interface): Uses windows, icons, and menus. Example: GNOME, KDE.
CLI (Command-Line Interface): Uses text-based commands. Example: Bash shell.
4.1: Choosing an Operating System
What is a distribution’s life cycle?
The period during which a Linux distribution receives updates, including beta (testing phase) and stable (fully tested and released) versions.
4.1: Choosing an Operating System
What are examples of Linux distributions with long-term support (LTS)?
Ubuntu LTS, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Debian Stable.
4.2: Understanding Computer Hardware
What are the main components of a computer’s hardware?
- Motherboard: Connects all components.
*Processor (CPU): Performs computations.
*Power supply: Converts electricity for the computer.
*RAM: Temporary memory for running applications.
*Storage (HDD/SSD): Permanent data storage.
*Peripherals: External devices like keyboards, mice, and printers.
4.2: Understanding Computer Hardware
What is the difference between an HDD and an SSD?
HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Spinning disks, slower, more storage.
SSD (Solid State Drive): No moving parts, faster, more durable.
4.2: Understanding Computer Hardware
What does /dev/sd* represent in Linux?
It represents storage devices. Example: /dev/sda (first drive), /dev/sdb (second drive).
4.2: Understanding Computer Hardware
What are drivers?
Software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware components.
4.3: Where Data is Stored
What is the purpose of /etc/?
It stores system-wide configuration files.
4.3: Where Data is Stored
What is the purpose of /var/log/?
It contains system logs and logging data.
4.3: Where Data is Stored
How do you check running processes?
Use ps or top.
ps aux → Shows all running processes.
top → Displays live system resource usage.
4.3: Where Data is Stored
How do you check system memory usage?
Use free -h to display memory usage in a human-readable format.
4.3: Where Data is Stored
What command displays system messages and logs kernel events?
dmesg
4.3: Where Data is Stored
What is /proc/ used for?
It is a virtual filesystem that provides real-time system and process information.
4.3: Where Data is Stored
What does /boot/ contain?
Bootloader files and kernel images used to start the system.
4.4: Your Computer on the Network
What is the role of a router?
A router directs network traffic between local devices and the internet.
4.4: Your Computer on the Network
How do you check your network configuration?
ifconfig (deprecated) or ip addr show
ip route show to display routing tables
4.4: Your Computer on the Network
What file contains DNS resolver configuration?
/etc/resolv.conf
4.4: Your Computer on the Network
What file maps hostnames to IP addresses locally?
/etc/hosts
4.4: Your Computer on the Network
What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4: 32-bit addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
IPv6: 128-bit addresses (e.g., 2001:db8::ff00:42:8329), designed for more devices.
4.4: Your Computer on the Network
How do you test network connectivity?
Use ping. Example: ping google.com
4.4: Your Computer on the Network
How do you check open network connections?
netstat (deprecated) or ss
Example: ss -tuln (list open ports)
4.4: Your Computer on the Network
How do you look up a domain’s IP address?
Use host domain.com
