Types of pathnames
A. Absolute pathnames
Files are always identified by their absolute pathnames, which starts
from the root in an inverted manner. The (/) has 2 different meanings in
absolute parenthesis.ie.
Specification of the file directory.
Abbreviation of the home directory using tilde.
Abbreviation of the user’s name using tilde.
B. Relative path names
Relative parenthesis starts from the current location, unlike the absolute
parenthesis.
Listing Files
The Is command can be used in listing the contents of the directory.
More so, you can list files in a deferent
directory by typing Is the pathname.
Changing the working directory
To change you need to enter your typing the command cd followed by
the directory you need to change. You could also go back to the home
page by typing cd followed by the directory when you get lost in a file
system.
The root user
Linux system has a special user named root, which is a powerful
administrator of the Linux system. The root can access all the files,
including the other users. The root can perform all the formatting
features to the files. The dream of upcoming hackers is to become the
root user of a system.
Chapter 5:
Detailed Overview of Linux and
How to Hack with Linux
How does Linux work?
The Linux operating system is flexible compared to the windows operating
system. However, Linux can be complicated to use than the Windows
operating system. Linux carries multiple advantages when compared to
other operating systems. Linux has two well-known features that make it
stand out: Linux kernel and server platform. In some cases, the Linux
system can be said to have five primary components.
Linux kernel: It is a feature that allows one to modify the operating
systems. Linux operating system can be changed or customized to fit the
specific needs of the user. For example, most android phones and some of
the appliances use Linux operating system. This feature has allowed the
developers of the tools to customize the operating system to fit their needs.
Server platform: this means that one can use the operating system as the
basis for building another operating system. Therefore, it offers a better
option for most developers and manufacturers in device manufacturing.
Shells and GUIs: Through shells and GUIs the users can communicate to
the kernel. The user uses the shell to execute the functions they want.
Through the shells, the user can input commands into the system, and the
kernel will run the commands.
System utilities: The system utilities include any applications and programs
that the individual will use to carry out the tasks that they want. Without the
system utilities, managing the device will be close to impossible and
therefore, they make an essential part of the Linux operating system.
Application programs: These are various applications that can be used for
various tasks by the user. These are applications that the user will install or
upload into the system that they will use for multiple tasks. For example, a
browser, an antivirus program if need be. They are mostly introduced from
external sources and are not pre-installed like system applications.
Linux works as a multi-front operating system and can serve different
purposes according to the customization. However, just like in other
operating systems, the central role is to connect the user to the device.
Linux allows the user to access any services that they may need from the
device. Linux is not a single program or group of tools. When one
downloads the Linux operating system, it comes with other programs called
the GNU programs. There are different distributions of Linux that are in use
today. However, each is customized to suit a user’s needs. These
distributions remain open source meaning one can modify or customize
them if they feel that they are hard to use or operate.
Once one has downloaded the best distribution for themselves, they can
then download free applications to use with Linux. Most of the claims are
free to download, just like the operating system. Once one has the apps on
their device, they can then use them like any other operating system. The
applications can be used to browse the internet, play games, office suite,
among other activities. In case you do not like something about the
operating system, one can customize it so that it is similar to their need.
Therefore, in Linux, one will customize the operating system by switching
various features. The Windows operating system does not allow for one to
change some functions. Consequently, one can only add third-party
applications to an already existing operating system. Linux will allow one
to use what they wish to and eliminate or replace what they do not need in
their operating system. This is making it straightforward to operate and
flexible for many organizations that need to make their own custom
operating systems.
One can say that the Linux operating system provides the user with only the
core components of an operating system. From the core components, the
user will then move to make their operating system. This will be done
through the user adding or removing some of the elements that they do not
like. Through this elimination and replacement method, the user will
eventually be able to customize or build an operating system of their liking.
This is one of the features that the other operating systems lack. Other
operating systems come fully developed, and very little can be changed or
customized about them. This can be taken or explained best using a
building. The windows operating system usually presents the user with a
whole building, and for this reason, very few things can be changed.
However, Linux provides the user with the foundation of a building. The
user can then build the building they want from that foundation. Therefore,
on installing the Linux operating system, the user will add applications that
they prefer, customize the desktop to their preferred design.
Shell- one of the most important features of Linux, is the shell. It allows the
user to enter commands through the command line into the system. In
windows, the shell is the command prompt. However, the command line
has a significant advantage over the command prompt. While one can
change the functioning of a windows system and some of its features, a user
can use the command line to improve the functioning of Linux. From the
command line, one can modify how the system will work. The shell is one
of the essential tools for a hacker that allows them to develop scripts and
programs that can be used for hacking.
The boot loader is a component of Linux that the user first interacts with.
The boot loader is automatically installed when one installs Linux. Most
users do not see it, but it is always working. When a system is powered on,
the operating system uses the boot loader to open access to the user. In
some cases, the users may have multiple operating systems installed in their
machines. When the users have various operating systems, the boot loader
allows the user to choose which operating system to use. The boot loader
will then open the operating system and grant access to the user. The boot
loader is automatic and runs from the minute the system is opened to the
minute the user can access the desktop and applications. It prepares the
system for use.
When one wants to use a Linux system, the first step is to power the system
on. Powering the system means that the screen will light up and the boot
loader will kick on. the boot loader loads the systems in the device. If there
are multiple operating systems, then the user is allowed to select one to use.
After selection, the boot loader will allow you to enter a password if any is
required. The successful opening of the device and loading of the operating
system will give the user access to the desktop of the device. Accessing the
desktop may be a simple task, but the desktop of a Linux operating system
changes from one device to the other. The Linux operating system has very
many desktop environments that change how the desktop looks. This is
unlike in windows operating systems where the desktop environment is
static, and anyone can use it. The Linux system allows multiple desktop
environments, and this means how one can access programs and
applications can change.
Linux and windows are very different from each other. Therefore,
establishing the differences between the two operating systems will help
one understand how Linux works. Windows is very common to most users
and can serve as a good point of comparison. Various features on windows
are replaced on the Linux system by other elements of Linux variation.
One difference can be seen in that Linux has very many customizable
distributions. This is unlike in windows where there are no variants. For
example, Linux has options such as kali, ubuntu, that are customized to fit
user needs. Windows only has versions such as windows 10, windows XP
among other variants. Another difference is seen in the command line. The
Linux distributions all have a command line that allows the user to
customize the operating system. However, the command prompt in
windows will enable one to carry out limited tasks but never to customize
the operating system. While running and installing Linux takes a shorter
time, Linux can run very complicated tasks. Windows, on the other hand,
will take a prolonged installation period due to the many items that have to
be installed at once.
Linux only requires one to install a few items and add the rest as they need
them. This makes the installation complicated due to the customization and
adding kernels. In Linux, the installation of updates is only when on needs
or chooses to. This makes sure that the updates are stable and easy to install
as one can update bit by bit. However, windows updates need to run
altogether, taking longer. When they fail to install altogether, the operation
of the operating system is profoundly affected. Linux operating systems are
hard to break through, making it more secure. This is different from
windows operating systems where a person has to install an antivirus
program to avoid viruses and malware. Malware and viruses in windows
can come from very many different places, and therefore one has to be
cautious.
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