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 actually 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.
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.
Copyright and licence
© 2026 Dr Chris Paton. All rights reserved. Content may be quoted with attribution.