Sample questions from Indeed.com and other sources.

Question 1

What is Linux?

Answer 1

Linux is a family of UNIX-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel. It is typically packaged as a distribution, which is an operating system comprising the Linux kernel and a collection of software tools and libraries such as GNU, a window system and manager and a desktop environment.

Question 2

Explain what the Linux kernel is in simple words.

Question 3

Can you edit the Linux kernel?

Question 4

What are the advantages of Linux being open-source software?

Question 5

What is a shell in Linux?

Question 6

What loader does Linux use?

Question 7

How do you rename a saved file in Linux?

Question 8

How is Solaris software related to Linux?

Question 9

What are internal commands?

Question 10

What are the most commonly used shells in Linux?

Question 11

What are system calls?

Question 12

Explain what the bash shell is.

Question 13

How can you work with Microsoft files on your Linux OS?

Question 14

How do you connect Linux systems to Microsoft resources?

Question 15

How are system configuration files stored in Linux OS?

Question 16

Explain virtual desktops.

Question 17

Name the file permissions available in Linux.

Question 18

Define CLI.

Question 19

What is a process ID?

Question 20

How can a user execute a process at a pre-decided time?

Question 21

What are the unique file names assigned by Linux OS called?

Question 22

Discuss zombie processes.

Question 23

Mention some common usages of Linux in the industry.

Question 24

How would you find out the total memory used by processes in Linux?

Question 25

What are the different types of Linux directory commands and why are they important?

Question 26

Explain the concept of a shell script in Linux.

Question 27

Which system calls are available for process management in Linux?

Question 28

Explain what makes Linux a secure operating system.

Question 29

What do you know about grep commands in Linux? Please explain.

Question 30

Please elaborate on the effect of multiple desktop environments on a Linux system.

Question 31

What is the standard size for a swap partition while using a Linux system?

Question 32

What are the Linux basic components?

Answer 32

A typical Linux distribution is composed of the Linux kernel, shells, a user interface, utilities and configurable software tools and packages.

Question 33

What is the difference between Linux and UNIX?

Answer 33

UNIX is the operating system on which Linux is based. One primary difference between Linux and UNIX is that Linux is free and open-source, while the UNIX-based operating systems are commercially released and proprietary. One of the key benefits of Linux is that it isn’t a commercial operating system, and its source code is open and freely available to study.

In terms of use-cases, UNIX is a popular choice for Internet servers, workstations, and mainframe computers. Linux has a wider appeal to all kinds of users from enterprises to individuals. Linux has more user interfaces, more programming options and is generally considered to have fewer viruses.

Question 34

What is the difference between DOS and Bash?

Question 35

What is the difference between Cron and Anacron?

Question 36

What is LILO?

Answer 36

The acronym LILO stands for Linux Loader. It is a bootloader for Linux that loads Linux into the main memory and starts up the operating system. LILO used to be the default boot loader for Linux. Now, it’s in the top three popular today, even though further development of the boot loader ceased in 2015. Other popular boot loaders include GRUB and ELILO.

LILO allows businesses to boot into Linux to perform operational activities using a simple code system to help troubleshoot errors. LILO doesn’t have a streamlined interface, however, so those looking for a user interface might prefer to work with GRUB.

In my experience using LILO, its simple error codes were very helpful. For example, one time I was booting Linux using LILO when I experienced an error. I recognized the error because when LILO boots Linux correctly, it displays the word LILO on the screen. When an error occurs, it displays a code that makes up part of the word LILO. In this case, it got to ‘LIL,’ but didn’t finish booting. Because LILO codes are easy to interpret, I was able to quickly determine my issue: a geometry mismatch. I was, then, able to fix this issue and boot into Linux.

Question 37

What is swap space?

Answer 37

The primary purpose of swap space is to substitute disk space for RAM memory when RAM fills up and more space is needed. The Linux kernel will swap out pages of memory that haven’t been used recently out to disk to free up RAM for active programs. This mechanism is used by Linux to optimize performance and free up memory for prioritized operations.

Question 38

Explain the virtual desktop.

Answer 38

“Virtual desktop is an important feature that streamlines business practices by allowing users to switch effortlessly between virtual desktops rather than using multiple windows to have many applications running at once. With the workspace switcher tool, you can map each desktop to a workspace and switch back and forth as needed. This helps users who use Linux to multitask in a more resource-friendly, faster way.”

Question 39

Explain portability and why it is used.

Question 40

What does it mean for Linux to be open source?

Question 41

How do multi-users work in Linux?

Question 42

What is virtual memory and when would you use it?