Linux
Linux is a family of open source, Unix-like operating systems built around the Linux kernel, originally created by Linus Torvalds in 1991. Rather than being a single product, “Linux” refers to the kernel itself, which is combined with different sets of system tools, package managers, and desktop environments by various projects to form complete, independently maintained operating systems known as distributions (or “distros”).
Distributions
Different distributions make different tradeoffs around stability, ease of use, package availability, and target audience. Some commonly referenced examples relevant to this vault:
- Linux Mint — Linux Mint is a beginner-friendly, Ubuntu-based distribution favouring stability and a familiar desktop experience over bleeding-edge software
- Fedora — a Red Hat-sponsored distribution that tends to ship newer software and kernels faster than more conservative distributions like Mint
- Kali Linux — a Debian-based distribution purpose-built for security testing rather than general desktop use
- MX Linux — a lightweight, Debian-based distribution well suited to older or resource-constrained hardware
Why Linux?
Linux’s open source nature, transparency, and fine-grained control over the system make it a natural fit for Open Source tooling, Local AI experimentation, Docker-based container workflows, and Cybersecurity practice — much of the software in this space is developed Linux-first, and command-line proficiency on Linux is a foundational skill across most of these areas.
Documenting Linux Actions
This page is the base for sharing learning Linux experiences within my Homelab to continue building skills in Linux.
| Date Added | Note | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 20th Aug 2026 | Kernel Panic Recovery | The broadcom-sta-dkms package fails to compile on Linux Kernel 7.0 due to API changes, causing broken package configurations or kernel panics.. |
| 3rd Sep 2026 | Raspberry Pi- Temperature Monitor] | SSH connection to the Raspberry pi used to configure CLI tools and run simple temperature testing before and after set CPU activity. |
| 3rd Sep 2026 | Docker, Dozzle, Dashy & Iperf | Leveraging Docker service running on the Raspberry Pi objective was to create web based observability dashboards to compliment Uptime Kuma |
The Command Line Interface (CLI)
The Linux command-line interface (CLI) is a text-based way of controlling the computer by typing commands instead of clicking through menus and windows. It exists beside the graphical interface because many Linux tasks are faster, clearer, or more powerful from the terminal. The GUI is great for everyday work, but the CLI gives you direct access to the operating system underneath, and its also great for everyday work too.
Using the CLI unlocks much more of what Linux can do. I routinely use a balance terminal based work with GUI based work. The CLI is critical for software updates, file management, checking networks, control background services like ssh and httpd, use Docker, connect to other machines with ssh or samba, troubleshoot problems, and automate repeated tasks with scripts. CLI based terminal are dominant in essential cybersecurity applications. Personally I wouldn’t be without both the GUI or the CLI, however learning the CLI means I can work more closely with the system itself.
Position in this vault
Linux is the operating system running across most of my machines in the Homelab including the box this vault itself is published from. Notes on specific distribution quirks, kernel issues, and hands-on system administration experience will live as notes under this pillar.