CompTIA Linux+ Certification XK0-006 Flashcards - Section 1 & 2: Introduction & Basic Linux Tasks

What is Linux?

An open-source operating system originally inspired by Unix.

What is UNIX?

A proprietary OS developed in the late 1960s.

What is open-source software?

Software whose source code can be freely used, modified, and distributed.

What is the Command Line Interface (CLI)?

A text-based terminal where administrative tasks are done; flexible, efficient, and scriptable.

What is the Graphical User Interface (GUI)?

A point-and-click interface that makes Linux more accessible.

What is the Linux boot process?

The sequence of steps a system follows to start up.

What is PXE?

Preboot Execution Environment: allows booting over a network.

What is the function of the bootloader?

Loads the OS and prepares the system; example: GRUB2.

What is initrd.img?

Initial RAM disk used to load drivers and tools before the real root filesystem.

What is the Linux kernel?

Core of the OS that manages system resources and completes booting.

What does the root directory '/' contain?

Top-level directory containing /boot, /bin, /sbin, /lib, /dev, /proc, /etc.

What is stored in /boot?

Bootloader files like initrd.img, vmlinuz, grub.cfg.

What is stored in /bin?

Essential user binaries like ls, cp, mv.

What is stored in /sbin?

System binaries for administrative use like reboot, iptables.

What is stored in /lib?

Shared libraries for binaries in /bin and /sbin.

What is /dev?

Device files representing hardware.

What is /proc?

Virtual filesystem providing real-time system information.

What is /etc?

Configuration files like passwd, fstab, sshd_config.

What is stored in /home?

User data and personal files.

What is stored in /usr?

Application files, libraries, documentation.

What is /var?

Variable data like logs, mail, and web data.

What is /tmp?

Temporary files deleted on reboot.

What is x86 architecture?

32-bit design, limited to 4 GB RAM.

What is x86_64 (AMD64)?

64-bit extension of x86, supports more RAM.

What is AArch64 (ARM64)?

64-bit ARM architecture for power-efficient devices.

What is RISC-V?

Open-source CPU design for customizable processors.

What is a Linux distribution?

An OS built on the Linux kernel with packages and tools.

What is a package management system?

Automates installing, updating, and removing software.

What is an RPM-based distribution?

Uses .rpm files and tools like dnf and zypper.

What is a dpkg-based distribution?

Uses .deb files and tools like apt and dpkg.

What is Ubuntu known for?

Ease of use, hardware compatibility, and frequent updates.

What is Kali Linux used for?

Penetration testing and cybersecurity.

What is the X Server?

Implements the X11 display protocol for GUI.

What is Wayland?

Modern display server with better performance and security.

What are window managers?

Control how windows appear and behave.

What are display managers?

Provide login interfaces and manage sessions.

What is free software?

Gives users freedom to use, modify, and distribute.

What is proprietary software?

Restricts modification and source code access.

What is copyleft software?

Requires derivatives to remain free and open-source.

What is the GNU-GPL?

A copyleft license ensuring software freedom.