An open-access textbook on Linux: its history, architecture, and use. From the kernel and shell to scripting, networking, and modern containerised systems. For developers, system administrators, scientists, and anyone who wants to understand how the operating system that runs the internet works.
About the author
Dr Chris Paton is an AI researcher at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He received his DPhil (PhD) in Usability of Digital Health Technologies from the University of Oxford, UK.
AI use disclosure
This website was produced with the assistance of a variety of AI tools including Claude Code, ChatGPT and Grammarly. All text, references, diagrams and data sources have been reviewed by the author who takes responsibility for the accuracy of the material.
How to use this book
This is an open-access online textbook. Use the navigation above to browse chapters, look up terms in the glossary, or return to the home page. The textbook can be read in order or used as a reference.
Try Linux in your browser
A small in-browser Linux command-line simulator is available for practising the basics. No installation required. It supports a working virtual filesystem, common commands (ls, cd, cat, grep, find, head, tail, wc, …), pipes and redirection, tab completion, and five guided lessons.
