Linux

Question 1

What is Linux?

Answer 1

Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system kernel used to build OS distributions like Ubuntu, Kali, and CentOS.

Question 2

Who created Linux and when?

Answer 2

Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991.

Question 3

What inspired the creation of Linux?

Answer 3

Linux was inspired by MINIX, a small Unix-based OS used for educational purposes.

Question 4

What was the first Linux kernel version?

Answer 4

Version 0.01 released in 1991.

Question 5

What does open-source mean in Linux?

Answer 5

Anyone can view, modify, and distribute the Linux source code.

Question 6

What is the GPL license?

Answer 6

The GNU General Public License ensures software freedom and requires derived works to remain open-source.

Question 7

Name one key difference between Linux and Windows.

Answer 7

Linux is open-source; Windows is proprietary.

Question 8

How does Linux compare to macOS in terms of customization?

Answer 8

Linux offers greater customization than macOS.

Question 9

Which OS is best for penetration testing?

Answer 9

Linux (especially Kali Linux).

Question 10

What is a Linux distribution (distro)?

Answer 10

A complete OS built around the Linux kernel with tools and software packages.

Question 11

Name a beginner-friendly Linux distribution.

Answer 11

Ubuntu.

Question 12

Which distro is used for ethical hacking and penetration testing?

Answer 12

Kali Linux.

Question 13

Which distro is common in enterprise environments?

Answer 13

CentOS or Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

Question 14

Which distro focuses on stability and is used in servers?

Answer 14

Debian.

Question 15

Is Linux a full operating system?

Answer 15

No, Linux is the kernel; the full OS includes the kernel plus system tools and libraries

Question 16

What is the Linux kernel?

Answer 16

It’s the core of the OS, managing hardware, processes, memory, and system calls.

Question 17

What are some common uses of Linux today?

Answer 17

Servers, cybersecurity, mobile devices (Android), embedded systems, and supercomputers.

Question 18

Is Linux based on Unix?

Answer 18

No, but it’s Unix-like, following Unix principles and design.

Question 19

What’s the key difference between Unix and Linux?

Answer 19

Unix is mostly proprietary; Linux is open-source.

Question 20

Why do developers prefer Linux?

Answer 20

Because of its flexibility, powerful command line, package managers, and development tools.

Question 21

What programming languages are commonly used in Linux development?

Answer 21

C (for kernel), Python, Shell scripting, Perl, and Go.

Question 22

What is the first step in the Linux boot process?

Answer 22

BIOS/UEFI loads the bootloader (like GRUB).

Question 23

What happens after the kernel is loaded?

Answer 23

The kernel initializes the system and runs the init process or system.

Question 24

What is a shell in Linux?

Answer 24

A command-line interface that allows users to interact with the system.

Question 25

Name two common Linux shells.

Answer 25

Bash (Bourne Again Shell) and Zsh (Z Shell).

Question 26

What are package managers in Linux?

Answer 26

Tools to install, update, and remove software.

Question 27

Name two package managers for Linux.

Answer 27

APT (for Debian-based distros), YUM/DNF (for Red Hat-based distros).

Question 28

What is the root directory in Linux?

Answer 28

/ — the top-level directory in Linux.

Question 29

Where are user files typically stored?

Answer 29

/home/username

Question 30

What is /etc used for?

Answer 30

System configuration files.