How2Day: Linux Training: Basic Commands

The Linux operating system largely has been used as an embedded operating system for microchips and certain processing server applications. Its application for home computing is increasing in popularity around the world, but the Linux system is still used mainly as a business server application. Learning the commands and how they navigate the Linux operating system can be a valuable asset as the system continues to gain ground.

Every operating system has basic commands that can be used to perform a computer search for a specific file, and the Linux program has its own, as well. Perform a search of all the files on a disk with specific parameters to locate the file quickly. The Linux command alias l='ls --l --color=auto' for example, is a command used to quickly access the entire file directory listing, whereas ls --lrt can be used to search for a specific file according to its date of creation, making files searchable in a mm/dd/yyyy format.

The Linux program also is capable of compatibility with Internet usage. Users can accomplish a number of tasks that aid in successful navigation of different networks, including Internet-based networking systems. Users can look up information on websites by entering a "whois" command, which allows them to look up specific information by entering "whois x.com/org/net." An IP address also can be used in a "whois" lookup. To view the possible wireless networks that are in antenna range of the computer, a user can enter the command "iwlist scan" and each wireless network, secured or not, will be listed for possible network access.

Hundreds of commands make the Linux operating system operate to its full potential. One of the more common commands is "smbtree," which can be used to locate and list all of the Windows machines or devices that are on a network. The command "uname --a" can be entered to view the system's operational architecture and the version of the Linux kernel being utilized.

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