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158 changes: 71 additions & 87 deletions README.md
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<div align="center">
<img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/35210bee-7e01-44bc-bf31-0daa60c8b04b" alt="Linux Logo" width="150" />

# Linux: Linux For Beginners
# Linux for Beginners

![Linux](https://img.shields.io/badge/Linux-FCC624?style=for-the-badge&logo=linux&logoColor=black)
![Ubuntu](https://img.shields.io/badge/Ubuntu-E95420?style=for-the-badge&logo=ubuntu&logoColor=white)
![Bash](https://img.shields.io/badge/Bash-4EAA25?style=for-the-badge&logo=gnu-bash&logoColor=white)
</div>

Welcome to the **Linux for Beginners** course guide. This repository contains the complete syllabus, command references, and step-by-step server configuration guides to get you up and running with Linux environments.
A **complete learning module** for absolute beginners: syllabus, lessons, labs, quizzes, and cheatsheets for Ubuntu-focused Linux skills — from first shell to a small hardened lab server.

---

<details>
<summary><b>📖 Table of Contents</b> (Click to expand)</summary>
## Start here

1.[Course Overview & Syllabus](#course-overview--syllabus)
2. [Ubuntu Server Setup](#ubuntu-server-setup)
3. [User Management](#user-management)
4. [Secure Shell (SSH)](#secure-shell-ssh)
5. [Basic & Advanced Command Line](#basic--advanced-command-line)
- [Basic Operations](#basic-server-commands)
- [Swap File & Server Performance](#swap-file-and-server-performance)
6. [File & Directory Operations](#file--directory-operations)
7.[Remote Desktop (xRDP)](#remote-desktop-xrdp)
8. [Ubuntu Server Networking & Firewall](#ubuntu-server-networking)
9. [Applications & Monitoring](#applications)
10. [References](#full-notes-about-servers)
1. Read **[Getting Started](docs/00-getting-started.md)** (environment choice + progress checklist)
2. Follow modules **01 → 12** in order
3. Complete labs and quizzes as you go
4. Finish the **[Capstone](docs/modules/12-capstone.md)** and run `scripts/verify-lab.sh`

</details>
Content audit (what was broken and how it was fixed): **[docs/AUDIT.md](docs/AUDIT.md)**

---

## Course Overview & Syllabus
## Course map

| # | Module | Lab / Quiz |
| ---: | --- | --- |
| 0 | [Getting Started](docs/00-getting-started.md) | — |
| 1 | [Linux Fundamentals](docs/modules/01-linux-fundamentals.md) | [Quiz 01](docs/quizzes/quiz-01-fundamentals.md) |
| 2 | [Install Environments (WSL / VirtualBox)](docs/modules/02-install-environments.md) | [Lab 01](docs/labs/lab-01-first-shell.md) |
| 3 | [Ubuntu Server Setup](docs/modules/03-ubuntu-server-setup.md) | — |
| 4 | [Users & Permissions](docs/modules/04-users-and-permissions.md) | [Lab 02](docs/labs/lab-02-users-and-sudo.md) |
| 5 | [SSH & Remote Access](docs/modules/05-ssh-and-remote-access.md) | — |
| 6 | [Command Line Basics](docs/modules/06-command-line-basics.md) | — |
| 7 | [Files & Directories](docs/modules/07-files-and-directories.md) | [Lab 03](docs/labs/lab-03-filesystem-tour.md) · [Quiz 02](docs/quizzes/quiz-02-cli-and-files.md) |
| 8 | [Swap & Performance](docs/modules/08-swap-and-performance.md) | — |
| 9 | [xRDP Remote Desktop](docs/modules/09-xrdp-remote-desktop.md) *(optional)* | — |
| 10 | [Networking & Firewall (UFW)](docs/modules/10-networking-and-firewall.md) | [Lab 04](docs/labs/lab-04-firewall-and-ssh.md) |
| 11 | [Apps & Monitoring](docs/modules/11-apps-and-monitoring.md) | [Quiz 03](docs/quizzes/quiz-03-server-ops.md) |
| 12 | [Capstone](docs/modules/12-capstone.md) | [Lab 05](docs/labs/lab-05-capstone.md) |

**Cheatsheets:** [Commands](docs/cheatsheets/commands.md) · [UFW](docs/cheatsheets/ufw.md)

### Background, Introduction, and Preparation
---

**1. Course Overview (pptx 1)**
## What you will learn

**2. Background and Introduction**
In this lesson you will learn:
*[What Linux is](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3vmx0GaO8)
* [Brief history of Linux](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrB13utjYV4)
* [What a Linux Distribution or Linux Distro is](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKNMI6cYOFk)
* [Reasons Linux is used](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAFMJ1LnQu8)
- What Linux and distributions are, and how the filesystem is organized
- How to practice safely with **WSL** or **VirtualBox**
- How to install and maintain **Ubuntu Server**
- Users, `sudo`, passwords, and SSH remote login
- Everyday Bash: navigation, files, permissions, pipes, `apt`
- Server essentials: swap, UFW firewall, `htop` monitoring
- Optional GUI remote access with **xRDP**
- A capstone lab that ties the skills together

> *Briefly introduces:* RHEL (RedHat Enterprise Linux), Fedora, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu, Debian, OpenSUSE, and SLES (SUSE Linux Enterprise Server).
Estimated guided time: **10–14 hours**.

**3. Linux Distributions (pptx 2)**
Learn what a Linux Distro is, the most common distros, and how to choose the right one (RHEL, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, CentOS, Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Pop!_OS, Arch Linux, etc.).
---

**4. Installing Linux using WSL on Windows**
Learn how to install, use, and remove a Linux distro using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and access Linux files via Windows File Explorer.
## Repository layout

```text
README.md ← you are here (course hub)
docs/
00-getting-started.md
AUDIT.md
modules/ ← lessons 01–12
labs/ ← hands-on practice
quizzes/ ← assessments + answer keys
cheatsheets/ ← quick reference
scripts/
verify-lab.sh ← optional capstone checks
```

**5. Installing VirtualBox on Windows**
Learn how to install VirtualBox on Windows for running virtual machines.
---

**6. When to Install Linux from Scratch**
Understand why and when manual installation from scratch is necessary.
## Capstone verification

**7. Installing AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux / RHEL**
Manual install guide for AlmaLinux 9 and RHEL 9 (pptx 3).
On your lab machine (after cloning or copying the script):

**8. Logging In Directly to a Linux System**
Connecting to Linux via physical hardware or virtual machines (Graphical and text-based logins).
```bash
bash scripts/verify-lab.sh
```

**9 & 10. The Linux Directory Structure**
Learn where OS components are located and how applications employ conventions for directory structures.
Checks for OS identity, SSH service, swap, UFW, `htop`, and `~/SERVER_NOTES.md`.

---

## Ubuntu Server Setup

![How-to-Install-Ubuntu-Server](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/ad870ee3-e4ae-46fd-9d9d-63b55c377b47)

### Step-by-Step Installation

1. **Select Language**: Insert the installation media and restart. Select your preferred language (e.g., English).
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e92e03ae-4470-4940-af40-91c5188a188a" width="600"/>
2. **Keyboard Layout**: Use <kbd>Tab</kbd> to switch items, <kbd>Enter</kbd> to open lists, and arrow keys to select.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/1783f44a-838f-451d-9694-fa66ecffb88d" width="600"/>
3. **Server Configuration**: Select the general server configuration (top) or the minimal set (bottom).
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/452fd03e-766b-4df5-808a-1476721c3698" width="600"/>
4. **Network Connections**: Obtain automatically via DHCP or set manually.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/c5916a6d-7be2-4f24-901d-9cf9f42bda54" width="600"/>
5. **Proxy Server**: Enter if necessary; otherwise, leave blank.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/f8534141-772f-4a41-b234-eedfd99de0dd" width="600"/>
6. **Mirror Server**: Used for package updates. Usually auto-selects the best nearby mirror.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/142f42d1-9459-4b42-ae8b-af65cea0aba1" width="600"/>
7. **Storage Settings**: Set disk partition layouts. Defaults are usually fine for beginners.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e4c9d898-802a-4765-a9f4-7f1708c68fd9" width="600"/>
8. **Confirm Storage**: Choose **Done** to confirm partitions.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/e2e5ff49-ca54-46f1-838e-8ea036d0351c" width="600"/>
9. **Install Confirmation**: Click **Continue**. *Warning: Existing data will be overwritten.*
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/48cb7523-403c-43d1-9455-93c0726b9b4e" width="600"/>
10. **Administrator Account**: Enter a name, username, and password.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/04cf4cae-1038-41c1-ac6e-dde3605ea5ac" width="600"/>
11. **SSH Setup**: Choose to install an SSH server if you plan to access the server remotely.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/a5fe542d-0ae4-416a-a608-54a536451511" width="600"/>
12. **Server Snaps**: Select any extra software you need. Leave blank for a clean install.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/0b5a3676-70f9-4db8-adc3-52a6ac533587" width="600"/>
13. **Complete**: When done, select **Reboot Now**.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/38305255-2399-4c2a-a4fc-1fbada7059c0" width="600"/>
14. **Login**: After rebooting, authenticate with your new credentials.
<br><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/3a8759e0-c7d8-4752-a905-a1113cc3c059" width="600"/>
## References

- [DigitalOcean Community Tutorials](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials)
- [Server World](https://www.server-world.info/)
- [Ubuntu Server documentation](https://ubuntu.com/server/docs)
- [UFW community help](https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UFW)
- Intro videos linked from [Module 01](docs/modules/01-linux-fundamentals.md)

---

## User Management
## About this rebuild

| Task | Command |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Add a new user** | `sudo adduser <username>` |
| **Check user groups** | `groups <username>` |
| **Grant Sudo privileges** | `sudo usermod -aG sudo <username>` |
| **Login as normal user (Remote)** | `ssh <username>@<ip_address>` |
| **Switch to Root user** | `sudo su -` |
The previous single `README.md` was truncated mid-lesson and several syllabus sections were empty placeholders. This revision turns the material into a navigable learning module with corrected commands, filled lessons, labs, quizzes, and a capstone. See [docs/AUDIT.md](docs/AUDIT.md) for the full findings.

### Changing Passwords
---

If you are logged in as the **Root** user:
```bash
passwd <username>
Copyright © 2024–2026 Gadgelectronit of Malaysia ENT. All Rights Reserved.
107 changes: 107 additions & 0 deletions docs/00-getting-started.md
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# Getting Started

Welcome to **Linux for Beginners**. This guide tells you how to take the course and what you need before Module 01.

## Who this course is for

- Absolute beginners who have never used a Linux terminal
- Windows users who want a safe practice environment (WSL or VirtualBox)
- Anyone setting up a first Ubuntu Server for labs, home use, or learning sysadmin basics

## Prerequisites

- A computer with **Windows 10/11**, **macOS**, or an existing Linux host
- Ability to download ~2–4 GB (ISO / WSL distro)
- Admin rights on your machine to install VirtualBox or enable WSL
- Curiosity and willingness to type commands (you will break things; that is normal)

No prior Linux experience is required.

## Choose your lab environment

Pick **one** path. You can add others later.

| Path | Best for | Difficulty | Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **WSL on Windows** | Fast daily practice, no VM overhead | Easy | [Module 02](modules/02-install-environments.md#option-a-wsl-on-windows) |
| **VirtualBox VM** | Closest to a real server / desktop install | Medium | [Module 02](modules/02-install-environments.md#option-b-virtualbox) |
| **Ubuntu Server (VM or bare metal)** | Server admin track (SSH, UFW, swap, xRDP) | Medium | [Module 03](modules/03-ubuntu-server-setup.md) |

**Recommendation for this course:** start with **Ubuntu Server in VirtualBox** if you want the full server modules, or **WSL (Ubuntu)** if you only need the command line modules first.

## How the course is organized

```text
docs/modules/ Teach concepts + commands
docs/labs/ Hands-on practice
docs/quizzes/ Check understanding
docs/cheatsheets/ Quick lookup while practicing
```

Each module follows the same pattern:

1. **Objectives** — what you will be able to do
2. **Lesson** — explanations and examples
3. **Try it** — short inline practice
4. **Next** — link to the matching lab or the next module

## Suggested learning path

| Order | Module | Est. time | Lab / Quiz |
| ---: | --- | ---: | --- |
| 1 | [01 — Linux fundamentals](modules/01-linux-fundamentals.md) | 45–60 min | [Quiz 01](quizzes/quiz-01-fundamentals.md) |
| 2 | [02 — Install environments](modules/02-install-environments.md) | 60–90 min | [Lab 01](labs/lab-01-first-shell.md) |
| 3 | [03 — Ubuntu Server setup](modules/03-ubuntu-server-setup.md) | 60–90 min | — |
| 4 | [04 — Users & permissions](modules/04-users-and-permissions.md) | 45 min | [Lab 02](labs/lab-02-users-and-sudo.md) |
| 5 | [05 — SSH & remote access](modules/05-ssh-and-remote-access.md) | 45 min | — |
| 6 | [06 — Command line basics](modules/06-command-line-basics.md) | 60 min | [Quiz 02](quizzes/quiz-02-cli-and-files.md) |
| 7 | [07 — Files & directories](modules/07-files-and-directories.md) | 60 min | [Lab 03](labs/lab-03-filesystem-tour.md) |
| 8 | [08 — Swap & performance](modules/08-swap-and-performance.md) | 45 min | — |
| 9 | [09 — xRDP remote desktop](modules/09-xrdp-remote-desktop.md) | 45–60 min | — |
| 10 | [10 — Networking & firewall](modules/10-networking-and-firewall.md) | 60 min | [Lab 04](labs/lab-04-firewall-and-ssh.md) |
| 11 | [11 — Apps & monitoring](modules/11-apps-and-monitoring.md) | 30 min | [Quiz 03](quizzes/quiz-03-server-ops.md) |
| 12 | [12 — Capstone](modules/12-capstone.md) | 90–120 min | [Lab 05 Capstone](labs/lab-05-capstone.md) |

Total guided study: roughly **10–14 hours**, depending on install path and how deep you go.

## Progress checklist

Copy this into your notes and check items off:

```text
[ ] Environment ready (WSL or VM or Ubuntu Server)
[ ] Can explain what Linux / a distro is
[ ] Can log in and update packages
[ ] Can create a user and grant sudo
[ ] Can connect with SSH
[ ] Comfortable with ls, cd, pwd, cp, mv, rm, mkdir, nano
[ ] Understand /home, /etc, /var, /tmp, permissions basics
[ ] Swap configured (server track)
[ ] UFW allows SSH and blocks unwanted traffic
[ ] htop installed; can read load / memory
[ ] Capstone completed
[ ] Quizzes 01–03 passed (≥70%)
```

## Conventions used in this course

```bash
# Commands you type look like this
sudo apt update
```

- Replace placeholders like `<username>` or `<ip_address>` with your values.
- Lines starting with `#` are comments — do not type them unless noted.
- `sudo` means “run this with administrator privileges.” You will be prompted for **your** password.
- Prefer a non-root daily user with sudo over logging in as `root`.

## Safety tips

- Practice in a **VM or WSL** before touching a production machine.
- Never run `rm -rf /` or wipe disks you care about.
- When editing config files, keep a backup: `sudo cp file file.bak`
- Open the firewall for SSH **before** enabling UFW on a remote server, or you can lock yourself out.

## Next step

Start here → [Module 01: Linux Fundamentals](modules/01-linux-fundamentals.md)
79 changes: 79 additions & 0 deletions docs/AUDIT.md
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# Content Audit — Linux for Beginners

Audit performed against the repository state on the `get-ent-dev` branch (single truncated `README.md`) and the prior fuller revision (`b35aa2b`, ~782 lines).

## Executive summary

The repo claimed to be a complete Linux beginners course, but it was **not a completed learning module**. Content had been partially rewritten and then cut off mid-section. The older notes were a useful command dump, not a teachable course.

| Area | Before | Severity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completeness | README ended mid-password section | Critical |
| Syllabus delivery | Quiz, Files, Advanced CLI, Summary, Bonus listed but empty | Critical |
| Pedagogy | No objectives, prerequisites, or success criteria | High |
| Practice | No labs or hands-on checklists | High |
| Assessment | Quiz placeholders with no questions | High |
| Accuracy | Broken commands (`sudo allow 443`, `sudo install htop`, `sudo su user`) | High |
| Structure | One monolithic README; hard to navigate | Medium |
| Coverage gaps | WSL, VirtualBox, directory tree, Alma/RHEL only named | Medium |
| Navigation | TOC numbering/spacing broken; anchors incomplete | Low |

## What existed (valuable)

- Ubuntu Server install walkthrough with screenshots
- User / sudo / SSH basics
- Swap file tuning guide (detailed and largely correct)
- xRDP + Xfce remote desktop guide
- UFW firewall command list
- Ping and light monitoring notes (`htop`, `virt-manager`)
- External video links for Linux intro topics

## What was missing for a learning module

1. **Learning path** — ordered modules with time estimates and dependencies
2. **Learning objectives** per lesson (what you can do after finishing)
3. **Filled syllabus items** — directory structure, WSL, VirtualBox, file ops, advanced CLI
4. **Labs** — guided practice with expected outcomes
5. **Quizzes** — questions + answer keys
6. **Cheatsheets** — quick reference separated from teaching prose
7. **How to use this repo** — environment options and progress tracking
8. **Error fixes** — incorrect or unsafe command examples
9. **Capstone** — end-of-course project tying skills together
10. **References** organized by topic (not a bare link dump)

## Accuracy fixes applied in this rebuild

| Issue | Fix |
| --- | --- |
| `sudo allow 443` | `sudo ufw allow 443` |
| `sudo install htop` | `sudo apt install htop` |
| `sudo su user` (misleading) | Documented `su -`, `sudo -i`, and `sudo -u user` correctly |
| Root vs user `passwd` guidance | Clarified `passwd`, `passwd user`, and `sudo passwd user` |
| Empty “Quiz 1 / Review / Summary / Bonus” | Implemented as real modules, labs, quizzes, and a capstone |
| Truncated password section | Restored and expanded in Module 04 |

## Target structure after rebuild

```text
README.md Course hub
docs/
00-getting-started.md How to take the course
AUDIT.md This audit
modules/ Lessons 01–11 + capstone
labs/ Hands-on practice
quizzes/ Assessments + answer keys
cheatsheets/ Quick command reference
scripts/ Optional helper scripts
```

## Definition of “completed learning module”

This rebuild treats the course as complete when a learner can:

1. Choose an install path (WSL, VM, or bare-metal Ubuntu Server)
2. Navigate the filesystem and manage files/permissions
3. Create users, use `sudo`, and secure SSH access
4. Maintain a server (`apt`, reboot, swap, monitoring)
5. Configure UFW and verify connectivity
6. Optionally enable graphical remote access with xRDP
7. Pass the module quizzes and finish the capstone lab
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