Essential Ubuntu Commands Guide

This guide provides a quick reference for essential Ubuntu commands. These commands cover basic system management, file operations, package management, and more.

Table of Contents

1. Navigating the File System
2. Working with Files and Directories
3. User and Permissions
4. Package Management
5. System Information
6. Network Commands
7. Processes Management
8. System Updates and Upgrades
9. Miscellaneous

1. Navigating the File System

• pwd: Print the current working directory.
• ls: List files and directories.
• cd: Change directory.
• mkdir: Create a new directory.
• rmdir: Remove an empty directory.
• cp: Copy files or directories.
• mv: Move or rename files or directories.
• rm: Remove files or directories.

2. Working with Files and Directories

• touch: Create an empty file.
• cat: Concatenate and display the content of a file.
• nano: Text editor for modifying files.
• head: Display the first lines of a file.
• tail: Display the last lines of a file.
• chmod: Change file permissions.
• chown: Change file owner.

3. User and Permissions

• whoami: Display the current logged-in user.
• sudo: Execute a command with superuser privileges.
• passwd: Change user password.
• su: Switch user.

4. Package Management

• apt: Advanced Package Tool for package management.
• apt update: Update package lists.
• apt upgrade: Upgrade installed packages.
• apt install: Install new packages.
• apt remove: Remove packages.
• apt search: Search for packages.

5. System Information

• uname: Display system information.
• lsb_release: Display Ubuntu release information.
• df: Display disk space usage.
• free: Display memory usage.

6. Network Commands

• ifconfig: Display network interface information.
• ping: Test network connectivity.
• nslookup: Query DNS servers.
• netstat: Display network statistics.

7. Processes Management

• ps: Display information about active processes.
• kill: Terminate a process.
• top: Display dynamic real-time system statistics.

8. System Updates and Upgrades

• apt update: Update package lists.
• apt upgrade: Upgrade installed packages.
• apt dist-upgrade: Upgrade the distribution.
• do-release-upgrade: Upgrade to a new Ubuntu release.

9. Miscellaneous

• history: Display command history.
• echo: Display a message.
• date: Display the current date and time.
• shutdown: Shut down the system.
• reboot: Restart the system.

These commands cover a range of basic operations for managing your Ubuntu system. Explore and use them according to your needs.

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