#linux#ubuntu#operating-systems#terminal#tutorial
Getting Started with Linux and Ubuntu
Learn how to get started with Linux, install Ubuntu step by step, and master the most important terminal commands to work efficiently.
Learn how to get started with Linux, install Ubuntu step by step, and master the most important terminal commands to work efficiently.
If you are thinking about switching to Linux or simply want to understand it better, Ubuntu is one of the best entry points. It is a stable distribution, easy to install, with a large community and plenty of documentation.
In this guide you will see:
This guide is aimed at users coming from Windows or macOS who want to take their first steps with Linux in a practical way, without getting lost in too much theory.
Linux is an open source operating system used in many contexts: servers, cloud, embedded devices, desktops, DevOps, and more. Unlike Windows or macOS, there is not just a single Linux, but many distributions, often called “distros”, such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and others.
A Linux distribution combines:
Ubuntu is an excellent choice for beginners because it:
aptIf later you need something more specific, you can switch to another distribution and keep all the skills you have learned.
Before installing Ubuntu, it is important to prepare your system to avoid problems.
Always make a backup of your important data before changing partitions or installing a new operating system.
Go to the official Ubuntu website and download the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version, recommended for beginners:
Choose the Ubuntu Desktop LTS ISO image (for example Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, if available).
To create a bootable USB drive you can use:
In general, the process on Linux looks like this:
# On Linux, using 'dd' (be very careful about the destination disk!)
sudo dd if=ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync
Replace /dev/sdX with the correct device for your USB drive. On Windows and macOS use the graphical interfaces of Rufus or balenaEtcher and follow the wizard.
Once your USB drive is ready:
F2, DEL, F12, or similar).You will be asked whether to try Ubuntu without installing or to proceed with the installation. You can:
During installation, you will be prompted for:
Keyboard layout (choose “Italian”, “English”, or the layout you use).
Installation type:
Updates and third-party software (usually a good idea to select both options).
Time zone and user creation (name, username, password).
For beginners, the simplest option is “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows” if you want to keep both systems, or “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” if you want to fully switch to Ubuntu.
After confirming your choices, the installer will copy files to the disk. When it finishes, reboot your computer and remove the USB drive.
Once Ubuntu boots from the disk:
Ctrl+Alt+T.Update the system:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Enter your password when prompted. This command downloads and installs available updates.
The terminal is one of the most powerful tools on Linux. At first it may look intimidating, but with a handful of core commands you can do a lot.
A typical command has this structure:
command [options] [arguments]
For example:
ls -l /home
ls is the command.-l is an option (shows a detailed list)./home is an argument (the directory to list).# Show the current directory
pwd
# List files in the current directory
ls
# List also hidden files and details
ls -la
# Change directory
cd /path/to/directory
# Go back to your home directory
cd
# Go back to the previous directory
cd -
# Create a directory called 'projects'
mkdir projects
# Create multiple directories
mkdir projects demo test
# Copy a file
cp file.txt backup-file.txt
# Move or rename a file
mv old-name.txt new-name.txt
# Remove a file
rm file-to-delete.txt
# Remove a directory and its content (be careful)
rm -r directory-to-delete
The rm -r command does not move files to a trash bin: it deletes them
permanently. Use it carefully.
Linux is multi-user and permission-based. To perform administrative operations, you use sudo, which allows you to run a command with elevated privileges.
# Install a package
sudo apt install htop
# Edit a system file with a text editor
sudo nano /etc/hosts
The system will ask for your user password. Nothing is shown while you type, but the characters are being recorded.
On Ubuntu, the main package manager is apt. It lets you install, update, and remove software in a centralized way.
# Update the list of available packages
sudo apt update
# Upgrade installed packages
sudo apt upgrade
# Install a package
sudo apt install package-name
# Remove a package
sudo apt remove package-name
# Search for a package
apt search keyword
Example:
sudo apt install git
This installs Git from Ubuntu’s official repository.
You do not need to remember everything by heart. Linux already includes basic documentation.
# Manual page for a command
man ls
# Short inline help
ls --help
Inside man you can:
q to quit.Get used to man and --help: they are the fastest way to understand what a
command does and which options it provides.
To consolidate what you have learned, you can follow these steps:
htop, git, curl).ssh.If you want to adopt Linux in your company or in professional projects, it is important to properly design infrastructure, security, and management processes.
You can also explore how we work and which technologies we use by visiting the services and technologies pages.
Linux and Ubuntu give you a powerful, flexible, and modern environment for development, system administration, and automation. Starting from:
sudo, permissions, and apt,you can build strong skills that are valuable both personally and professionally. The key is consistent practice and not being afraid to experiment, always keeping a backup of your important data.