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Introduction to Linux - 90 Minute Crash Course, Hands on!
Rating: 4.6 out of 5(4,265 ratings)
14,140 students

Introduction to Linux - 90 Minute Crash Course, Hands on!

Learn key concepts related to Linux. Install Ubuntu on your computer and in AWS. Master key commands, basics, shortcuts.
Created byRick Crisci
Last updated 1/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • Understand basic Linux concepts, including distributions, Linux server vs. desktop, and Linux vs. Windows
  • Learn how to install Linux in a physical computer and create a linux server in the cloud
  • Use the Linux Terminal to learn common commands like man, ls, cd, cp, cat, grep, and many more
  • Use commands like ifconfig and df to work with network and storage devices

Course content

1 section29 lectures1h 40m total length
  • About this Course1:13
  • Course Resources, Slide Deck, and Study Guides1:17
  • Command Quick Reference0:32
  • Introduction to Linux7:12

    This lesson introduces viewers to the Linux operating system, highlighting its various benefits and reasons for its popularity. Topics covered include the cost-effectiveness of many Linux distributions, the open-source nature of Linux, its security advantages, and the diverse range of distributions available, with a focus on the popular Ubuntu distribution.

  • Quiz: Introduction to Linux
  • Linux Distributions4:05

    This lesson explores a selection of popular Linux distributions, focusing on Linux Mint, MX Linux, Kali Linux, and Ubuntu. The lesson provides insights into their desktop experiences, ease of use, and specific use cases, emphasizing the command-line focus in the course's primary distribution, Ubuntu Server, which is highlighted for its quick deployment and alignment with the AWS free tier.

  • Quiz: Linux Distributions
  • Installing Linux for this Course0:46
  • Install Ubuntu Desktop on a Computer8:59

    This lesson guides viewers through the process of installing Ubuntu Desktop on an old laptop, providing step-by-step instructions on downloading the ISO image, creating a bootable USB stick using Balena Etcher, and initiating the installation on the laptop. The video covers key steps, including booting from the USB drive, language selection, Wi-Fi setup, installation type, and the completion of the Ubuntu Desktop installation, emphasizing the upcoming lessons on installing Ubuntu Server in an AWS account for an alternative deployment method.

  • Sign Up for AWS4:52

    In this video, the process of creating a new AWS account and understanding the nuances of the free tier are explained. The video emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the free tier limitations to avoid unexpected charges, and walks through the account setup process including verification, personal information input, payment details, and choosing a support plan.



  • Quiz - Sign Up for AWS
  • Create an Ubuntu Server in AWS3:05

    This video tutorial demonstrates how to set up an Ubuntu server on AWS using EC2, starting from the AWS console home screen and proceeding through the instance creation process. The presenter selects an Ubuntu image eligible for the free tier, chooses a t2.micro instance type for cost efficiency, sets up a new key pair for access, and configures security settings to allow SSH traffic, concluding with launching the instance and connecting to it via the command line.


  • Clean up to avoid AWS charges0:24
  • The Linux Terminal2:25

    This lesson introduces the essential skill of using the Linux terminal, emphasizing the importance of mastering command-line operations for effective Linux administration. The focus will be on universal commands across Linux distributions, demonstrated within an Ubuntu server environment on an EC2 instance, highlighting the terminal's case sensitivity and the convenience of using the Tab key for command autocompletion.


  • Quiz - The Linux Terminal
  • Displaying Manual Pages in the Terminal (man)6:40

    This lesson introduces the man command in Linux, a crucial tool for accessing the manual pages of other commands. By entering man followed by any command name, users can view a detailed manual for that command, learn about its functionalities, options, and usage examples. The lesson also covers navigation within the manual pages, including paging down with Control+F, paging up with Control+B, jumping to the start or end of the manual with lowercase g and uppercase G respectively, and searching for specific terms within the manual. The man command underscores the importance of self-guided learning and exploration within the Linux command line, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering command usage.


  • Quiz - Displaying Manual Pages in the Terminal (man)
  • Useful Terminal Shortcuts2:25

    This lesson introduces handy terminal shortcuts, like using Ctrl+L to clear the screen and navigating previous commands with the up and down arrows, to enhance efficiency in command line tasks. It also covers using Ctrl+A and Ctrl+E to quickly move the cursor to the beginning or end of the command line, streamlining the editing of longer commands.


  • Quiz - Useful Terminal Shortcuts
  • Using Tab to Auto-Complete Commands6:17

    In this video, we explore the utility of the Tab key in the Linux terminal, highlighting its ability to autocomplete commands, which significantly enhances efficiency and accuracy during command line operations. We also delve into navigating directories, listing contents, and viewing file details, emphasizing the Tab key's role in streamlining these common terminal tasks.



  • Quiz - Using Tab to Auto-Complete Commands
  • The Root User4:09

    This video introduces the concept of the root user in Linux, emphasizing its unparalleled access and control over the system. The root user possesses complete permissions, making it critical for managing administrative tasks while cautioning against its regular use due to potential system risks. We explore commands like sudo su for assuming root privileges, id to display user and group information, and exit to revert from superuser mode, underscoring best practices for maintaining system security and integrity.


  • Quiz - The Root User
  • Navigating Files and Directories (pwd, cd, ls, mkdir, tree)11:28

    This lesson introduces the fundamentals of navigating files and directories in the Linux terminal, covering essential commands like pwd for printing the working directory, cd for changing directories, and ls for listing directory contents. It emphasizes the hierarchical structure of the Linux file system, with all directories nested within the root directory, and provides practical tips for efficiently managing and viewing files and directories, including using shortcuts and understanding the output of commands like df -h for disk space.


  • Quiz - Navigating Files and Directories (pwd, cd, ls, mkdir, tree)
  • Working with Files (cp, mv, rm, and more)6:52

    This lesson introduces fundamental Linux commands for file manipulation within the terminal, focusing on cat for viewing text files, touch for creating new files, cp for copying files, and mv for moving files. It emphasizes the case sensitivity of the Linux file system and the permanent nature of file deletion with the rm command. Practical demonstrations include creating, copying, moving, and deleting files, showcasing the versatility and power of the Linux command line for efficient file management.


  • Quiz - Working with Files (cp, mv, rm, and more)
  • Using locate and find to search for files3:39

    This video tutorial explains how to use the locate and find commands in Linux for file searching. The locate command is used for quick file searches, requiring package installation with apt install mlocate, while the find command allows for more detailed searches within specific directories, using criteria like file names or wildcards.


  • Quiz - Using locate and find to search for files
  • Using grep to search files and command output6:41

    In this lesson, we explore the versatility of the grep command in Linux, which is crucial for searching text within files or command outputs. We also delve into various grep options, such as case insensitivity with the -i flag, and demonstrate practical examples of its use in the Linux terminal.


  • Quiz - Using grep to search files and command output
  • Using head and tail to display portions of a text file1:54

    In this lesson, we explore the head and tail commands in Linux, which are used to display the beginning and end of text files, respectively. By default, head shows the first ten lines of a file, but with the -n option, users can specify a different number of lines; similarly, tail displays the last ten lines or a specified number of lines using the same -n option.


  • Quiz - Using head and tail to display portions of a text file
  • Editing text files with nano2:47

    In this lesson, we learn to use the nano command for editing text files within the Linux terminal. After creating two text files, diff.txt and diff2.txt, we modify their contents using nano, showcasing its user-friendly interface for tasks such as typing, deleting, and saving changes.


  • Quiz - Editing text files with nano
  • Using echo to add text to a file0:58

    In this lesson, the Echo Command is demonstrated as a method to append text to an existing file, bypassing the need for a text editor like Nano. The process involves echoing a string of text directly into a file, which can then be viewed using the cat command to confirm the addition.


  • Quiz - Using echo to add text to file
  • Compare file contents with diff1:25

    This lesson introduces the diff command, a tool used in Linux to compare the contents of two files. By examining files named diff.txt and diff2.txt, the lesson demonstrates how diff highlights the differences between them, showcasing its utility in identifying textual discrepancies.


  • Quiz - Compare file contents with diff
  • ping2:25

    In this lesson, we explore the ping command in Linux, which unlike Windows, runs continuously until stopped manually with Control + C. To limit the number of pings, the -c argument can be used, demonstrating its flexibility in command format and its utility in controlling command execution within the Linux terminal.


  • Quiz - ping
  • ifconfig and the net-tools package3:02

    In this lesson, we delve into the ifconfig command, essential for viewing and analyzing network interfaces on Linux systems. After installing the required net-tools package, ifconfig becomes accessible, enabling users to display detailed information about network interfaces, including IP addresses and loopback connections, and also offering capabilities for interface configurations and troubleshooting.


  • Quiz - ifconfig and the net-tools package
  • Using Netstat to View Network Connections2:23

    In this lesson, we dive into the netstat command, a powerful tool for examining the routing tables, network connections, and listening ports on a Linux system. By incorporating netstat with options and the grep command, users can filter and display specific network information, such as active connections on port 80, streamlining the process of monitoring and troubleshooting network activities.


  • Quiz - Using Netstat to View Network Connections
  • Display host name and IP address with hostname0:25

    In this lesson, we explore how to use the hostname command in Linux to find out the name of the machine (host) you are working on. By appending the -I option to the hostname command, we can also display the machine's IP address.


  • ***IMPORTANT! Clean up AWS Account***1:49

    In this lesson, we focus on the essential steps for cleaning up to avoid incurring charges on an AWS account by terminating an EC2 instance and closing the account entirely. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of setting up multifactor authentication for those who intend to continue using their AWS account, ensuring security and preventing unauthorized access.


  • Bonus Video0:42

Requirements

  • No experience necessary

Description

"Amazing. Very clear and concise." -Damie

"This was very helpful. I loved the basic, simplicity of the course. You never lost me!" -Tyler

What makes this course worth my time?

  • Have you found that many training resources use complex technical jargon that makes it difficult to understand the basic concepts? If you need to get a basic understanding of Linux quickly and clearly, this is the course for you. You will learn the basics quickly and easily with no time wasted and no fluff.

Why is the course so short?

  • This course is meant to be your perfect starting point with Linux. You're going to learn all the basics and can move on to more complex materials with confidence! We are not going to get into all sorts of stuff that you do not need. Just the essentials to get started.

Will I actually learn how to use Linux in the real world?

  • Absolutely! You will learn many useful commands, you'll understand how to navigate the linux terminal, and you'll even install Ubuntu!

This course answers the questions:

  • What is Linux, and how is it different from Windows?

  • What is the difference between Linux Server and Linux Desktop?

  • Why are there so many Linux distributions?

  • How do I use the Linux terminal like a pro?

  • Installing Ubuntu Linux on your own computer or creating a Linux Server in the AWS Cloud

  • How to use key Linux commands, including (but not limited to):

    • man, pwd, cd, id, sudo, ls, mkdir, rmdir, cd, tree, cat, touch, df -h, cp, mv, grep, ping, ifconfig, netstat

I have taught hundreds of thousands of students across a variety of platforms, and I think anyone who needs to understand Linux will love this course. Most lectures in this course are 5 - 10 minutes long. This course gives you an understanding of the most basic commands and knowledge areas of Linux.

If you need the basics of Linux, this course will give you a strong foundation, and is the ideal starting point.

Who this course is for:

  • Anyone who needs to work with Linux