Linux Interview questions and preparation - part 1

Table of contents

• What is Linux?

• How do I install Linux?

• What is the difference between Linux and Windows?

• How do I install software on Linux?

• What are some popular Linux distributions?

• Can I run Windows applications on Linux ?

• How do I manage storage on Linux?

• How do you manage users and permissions in Linux?

• What is the difference between `ssh` and `scp`? How do you use them?

• What is the difference between `mv`, `cp`, and `ln`? How do you use them?

• How do you handle Linux kernel panics?

Linux is a free and open-source operating system that has been gaining popularity over the past few decades. It was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 as a Unix-like operating system, and since then, it has become one of the most widely used operating systems in the world.

What is Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system that is free to use, modify, and distribute. It was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and is widely used on

servers, supercomputers, and embedded devices.

How do I install Linux?

Installing Linux typically involves downloading the installation media (ISO file), creating a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD, and then following the

installation prompts. Some popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS.

What is the difference between Linux and Windows?

The main differences between Linux and Windows are:

* Open-source vs. proprietary: Linux is open-source, which means that users can modify the code to suit their needs. Windows, on the other hand, is

a proprietary operating system owned by Microsoft.

* Free vs. paid: Linux is free to download and use, while Windows requires a purchase or subscription.

* Security: Linux has a reputation for being more secure than Windows due to its open-source nature and fewer vulnerabilities.

How do I install software on Linux?

Installing software on Linux typically involves using package managers such as apt (Ubuntu), dnf (Fedora), or yum (RHEL). You can also use the `sudo` command to install packages from a repository.

What are some popular Linux distributions?

Some of the most popular Linux distributions include:

* Ubuntu: A user-friendly distribution known for its ease of installation and wide range of software packages.

* Fedora: A community-driven distribution that is often considered a precursor to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

* CentOS: A free and open-source version of RHEL, making it a popular choice for servers and enterprise environments.

Can I run Windows applications on Linux ?

Yes, you can! There are several options for running Windows applications on Linux:

* Wine: A free and open-source emulator that allows you to run many Windows applications.

* Crossover Office: A commercial version of Wine that provides additional support and compatibility for Windows applications.

How do I manage storage on Linux?

1. Check disk space usage: Run `df -h` or `du -sh /path/to/directory` to monitor disk space.

2. Use the `fsck` command: Run `fsck` to check and fix file system errors.

3. Consider using a journaling file system: Journalling file systems like ext4 or XFS provide better data integrity and recovery options.

How do you manage users and permissions in Linux?

This question tests your understanding of Linux security and access control. Be prepared to explain how you would create users, set passwords, and

manage file system permissions using commands like `useradd`, `groupadd`, `chmod`, and `chown`.

What is the difference between `ssh` and `scp`? How do you use them?

This question evaluates your understanding of secure shell (SSH) protocols and how to use SSH and SCP (Secure Copy) commands for remote file transfer and management.

What is the difference between `mv`, `cp`, and `ln`? How do you use them?

This question tests your understanding of basic Linux commands for file management. Be prepared to explain how each command works and when to use it:

* `mv`: Move or rename a file.

* `cp`: Copy a file (create a new copy).

* `ln`: Create a symbolic link to a file.

How do you handle Linux kernel panics?

This question tests your ability to troubleshoot and resolve Linux kernel panic errors. Be prepared to explain how to:

* Identify the cause of the kernel panic (e.g., hardware failure, driver issue).

* Collect and analyze system logs related to the kernel panic.

* Use `crash` or other tools to debug the kernel panic.

I know these are the very basic Q and A. I will go for step by step from basic to advanced. see you in next post.

Top^

Linux Interview questions and preparation - part 2 (Linux commands)>>