Linux File System/Structure Explained!

DorianDotSlash14 minutes read

Linux users may find the root directory similar to Windows' home folder, while Mac users may find it familiar due to both coming from UNIX ancestors. The filesystem hierarchy standard outlines Linux's directory structure, with essential directories like bin, s bin, boot, etc, and home serving various functions for system operation and personal file storage.

Insights

  • Linux's file structure, following UNIX traditions, uses forward slashes and is case sensitive, distinguishing it from Windows. Mac users may find Linux familiar as both systems have UNIX roots, specifically BSD.
  • Linux offers an efficient software management system through a package manager, enhancing resource sharing among packages and enabling seamless restoration of settings post reinstallation by backing up all folders, including hidden files.

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Recent questions

  • How does Linux's file structure differ from Windows?

    Linux follows UNIX traditions with forward slashes and case sensitivity.

  • What is the filesystem hierarchy standard (FHS) in Linux?

    The FHS outlines Linux's directory structure, maintained by the Linux Foundation.

  • What directories are essential for single-user mode operations in Linux?

    Directories like bin and s bin store basic and system binaries.

  • How does Linux manage software differently from Windows?

    Linux offers an efficient method of managing software through a package manager.

  • How can you backup settings on Linux for seamless restoration?

    To backup all settings on Linux, store all folders seen in the system.

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Summary

00:00

Comparing Linux and Windows File Structures

  • Linux users may find the root directory familiar, resembling the home folder in Windows with documents, downloads, pictures, and videos.
  • Windows and Linux have different historical backgrounds, with Windows evolving from MS-DOS and later becoming less dependent on it.
  • Linux's file structure differs from Windows, following UNIX traditions with forward slashes and case sensitivity.
  • Mac users may find Linux familiar as Macs also evolved from a UNIX ancestor, specifically BSD.
  • The filesystem hierarchy standard (FHS) outlines Linux's directory structure, maintained by the Linux Foundation.
  • Directories like bin and s bin store basic and system binaries, essential for single-user mode operations.
  • The boot directory contains essential files for the OS to boot, including boot loaders.
  • The etc directory stores system-wide configurations, like package sources and settings.
  • The home directory is where personal files are stored for each user, with hidden directories for application settings.
  • Various directories like media, opt, proc, and tmp serve specific functions, such as mounting drives, storing optional software, and temporary file storage.

14:17

Efficient Linux Backup for Seamless Restoration

  • To backup all your settings on Linux, including hidden files, ensure you store all folders seen in the system, allowing for a seamless restoration of theming and application settings post reinstallation. Linux, akin to Mac but distinct from Windows, offers an efficient method of managing software through a package manager that tracks and removes all associated files when uninstalling a package, enhancing resource sharing among packages.
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