Linux File System Flashcards
/bin/
dedicated areas for storing executable files, commonly known as binaries. These binaries are required for the execution of different commands and programs on a Linux system.
/boot/
Static files of the boot loader. (the /boot directory stores data that is used before the kernel begins executing user-mode programs. This may include redundant (back-up) master boot records, sector/system map files, the kernel and other important boot files and data that is not directly edited by hand.)
/dev/
device files. (contains device files, also known as device special files or device nodes, that provide access to peripheral devices. These devices include hard disks, disk partitions, and pseudo devices like random number generators.)
/etc/
Host-specific system configuration. (The /etc hierarchy contains configuration files. A “configuration file” is a local file used to control the operation of a program; it must be static and cannot be an executable binary. It is recommended that files be stored in subdirectories of /etc rather than directly in /etc)
/home/
user home directories. (a directory that contains users’ personal files. The directory is the entry point for any login user on the Linux system. It stores folders, files, and personal data that is specific to an individual user.)
/lib/
essential shared libraries and kernel modules. The /lib directory in the Linux file system contains library files that are used by the system, applications, commands, and processes to execute properly. This includes shared library images, kernel modules, and binaries in /bin and /sbin that are needed to boot the system and run commands in the root filesystem.
/media/
mount point for removable media. (serves a important purpose in managing and accessing removable media devices.)
/mnt/
mount point for temporary mounted file systems. ( The /mnt directory and subdirectories are intended for mount points to removable or temporary files storage. As an example of using mount points, consider plugging a USB flash drive into a Linux computer.)
/opt/
Add-on application software packages. (It provides a designated location for optional software installations, separating them from the core operating system components. This separation enhances system management, security, and integrity.)
/sbin/
system binaries. ( /sbin directory, which stands for “system binaries,” contains essential executables that are used by system administrators (root) for system maintenance and management tasks. it includes important system administration commands used primarily by the (root) to control the operating system.
/srv/
data for services provided by this system. (The term srv stands for service. The/srvdirectory contains site-specific data for your Linux distribution. It points to the location for data files for a specific service such as www, rsync, FTP and CVS.)
/tmp/
temporary files. (a temporary storage location for files and directories that are created during system runtime. It’s a critical component of the system’s stability, security, and performance because of its restricted access permissions, automatic cleanup mechanism, and support for inter-process communication.)
/usr/
(multi-) user utilities and applications. (The /usr file system contains read-only commands, libraries, and data. Except for the contents of the /usr/share directory, the files and directories in the /usr file system can be shared by all machines of the same hardware architecture. Contains ordinary commands and shell scripts.)
/var/
variable files. (a standard directory that stands for “variable files”. As the name suggests, this directory contains data that changes frequently while the system is running. This includes spool directories and files, administrative and logging data, and transient and temporary files.)
/root/
Home directory for the root user. (The /root directory in the Linux file system is the home directory of the root user, who has almost unlimited access to the system’s files, programs, and resources. The /root directory is a secure, centralized location for the root user to store personal files, configuration settings, and perform administrative tasks. It also helps to separate administrative activities from regular user operations, which can improve system security.)
