Why this matters
You may not see many Linux desktops in Ghanaian offices, but Linux is everywhere behind the scenes. It runs many web and email servers, the software inside routers and network equipment, cloud systems and security tools. Ghanaian support adverts mention Windows and Linux server administration for second line and NOC roles, and both cybersecurity and cloud careers expect Linux. Learning the basics now opens those doors.
What Linux is
Linux is a free, open source operating system. It comes in versions called distributions, such as Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora, which package Linux with tools and a desktop. Servers usually run without a desktop at all, so administrators use the command line: a text window (the terminal) where you type commands.
Files, folders and users
- Everything starts at the root folder, written
/. - Each user has a home folder such as
/home/wumpini, shortened to~. - Settings files live mostly under
/etc, and logs under/var/log. - Each file has an owner and permissions: who may read, write or run it.
- Ordinary users cannot change system files. To run an admin command you put in front and enter your password. Use it carefully.