Module 1: History & Philosophy

Welcome to your first step into the Linux world! Before we dive into commands and configurations, let's explore where Linux came from and the philosophy that makes it special.

Why start with history? Understanding Linux's origins helps you appreciate why it works the way it does. The philosophy behind Linux influences everything from the command line to how software is distributed.

What You'll Learn in This Module

The fascinating story of how Linux began
The difference between the kernel and userland
The Unix philosophy that guides Linux design
Why "everything is a file" matters
How open source changed software forever

Lesson 1.1

The Origins of Linux

Lesson 1.2

Kernel and Userland

Lesson 1.3

Linux Philosophy

Module Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain who Linus Torvalds is and why he created Linux
Describe the relationship between Linux and Unix
Understand the difference between kernel and user space
Appreciate the power of open source software
Recognize how Linux philosophy affects daily usage

Why This Matters for Web Development

You might be wondering, "Why do I need to know history to build websites?" Here's why this foundation is crucial:

Server Environment: Most web servers run Linux. Understanding its philosophy helps you troubleshoot issues.
Command Line Tools: The tools you'll use for development follow Unix principles.
Problem Solving: Linux thinking patterns help you approach technical challenges systematically.
Community Resources: The open source community follows these same philosophies.

Historical Context: Linux wasn't created in a vacuum. It built on decades of operating system research and development. Understanding this context helps you appreciate why certain design decisions were made.

Getting Started

Ready to dive into the fascinating story of Linux? Start with the first lesson about the origins of this revolutionary operating system.

Start with Origins

Quick Terms to Know

Here are some terms we'll be using throughout this module:

Kernel: The core component of an operating system
Unix: The family of operating systems that inspired Linux
Open Source: Software whose source code is publicly available
GNU: Project that provided many tools for Linux
Distribution: A complete operating system built around Linux

Don't worry about memorizing! These concepts will become familiar as you work through the lessons. Focus on understanding the big picture rather than memorizing dates and names.