Learning Command Line Linux

[Bundy]

Hello Hak5. I've been watching the show on and off for a bit now, but never really got hands on with things.

Anyways, been hoping to learn how to use command line linux. The reasoning behind this is that I am interested in learning backtrack and hopefully taking there security classes. I currently have no experience with command line linux (or windows for that matter), and don't want to sign up for the class and become completely overwhelmed.

[Mr-Protocol]

The easiest thing would be to just think of simple tasks that you would like to do and use Google to see how to do it. 90% of the time you google for a solution with the word "Linux" in the search, you will get command line answers lol.

BackTrack is not something to dive into as a pen testing platform until you understand a lot about networking, security, and in-depth knowledge on how systems and computers work. Also programming is a big plus as well.

[Bundy]

understand a lot about networking, security, and in-depth knowledge on how systems and computers work. Also programming is a big plus as well.

Any reads you recommend on these to further learn?

[digip]

Any reads you recommend on these to further learn?

http://www.oreillynet.com/linux/cmd/

http://ss64.com/bash/

and google. Also, open a linux terminal and type "man command" where command is the name of the program or command you want to learn more about. Not everything has a man page(also know as the manual for the command) but its a good a place as any to learn about something in the console.

[bobbyb1980]

The way I learned was just by diving into it. Open up a terminal (applications - accessories - terminal for Ubuntu based distros) then try navigating to where you keep your files. Then try to make a directory, then try to delete it, and think of any task you can in the GUI and try to do it from the cli.

Like Mr. P said, if you study a little bash programming, it will bring you a very long ways in Linux because the shells are bash based.

[NegativeSpace]

I've recently started learning the Linux CLI. It can be much more difficult than it seems it should be. I've been spending most of my free time for the past week or two in the command line and mostly what I've learned is that it takes a lot of time and dedication to really learn. It really helps to have a guru to ask for help. I am going to learn on my own (but also with help from people who know what they are doing) before I take any classes. I have found that the basics of the Linux CLI are much more expansive and specific than the basics of Windows or other graphical software. The point is, its probably best to learn as much as you can before you take classes, as you would probably be very lost in a short period of time in even a beginners class, if you are anyhting like me that is.

[Sitwon]

Try this. http://linuxcommand.org/index.php

[Sitwon]

You know, it should be possible to write an interactive tutorial for Bash like the ones we have for every other interpreted language. Anyone want to help me make one?

[Radau]

As with all Operating Systems, you'll get better with more use.

I learned the CLI by forcing myself into a no window manager environment for a week or two, sure it was a big adjustment, but it was worth it to me at least.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Radau

[Infiltrator]

Get yourself a copy of Ubuntu, load it in a VM, and start out with the basic commands and then advance as you go.

Some links to get you started:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UsingTheTerminal

http://freshtutorial.com/basic-ubuntu-command-tutorial-for-beginners/

https://help.ubuntu.com/10.04/basic-commands/C/files-directories-commands.html

[vdub]

Personally I would not start with Ubuntu. Its like learning how to program with Basic. You learn to many bad habits that don't transfer over to other distros.

The best way to learn is to just start using Linux full time. You learn out of necessity. There use to be a live-cd distro out there that was specifically meant for learning commands but I looked and could not find it. I would just start using Linux. Whenever an option of GUI and console comes up use the console. Its honestly not that hard once you understand the basics. Let man be your go to command before Google.