How Long Does It Take To Learn Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system. It’s much more flexible for security, networking, and programming purposes. If you’re wondering how long it would take you to learn Linux, there’s no definite answer.

If you want to learn everything about Linux, it’ll take a few lifetimes. Be specific about what you want to do. A basic course to master the bare minimum of running a Linux machine would take 7 hours. Specialized training to learn specific skills would take 6-8 months to complete.

So, it depends on what you want to achieve and the time available to you. This article intends to delve deeper into how long it takes to learn Linux from several perspectives. If you want the answers, keep reading.

How Linux Came To Be

Linux is a powerful operating system that coders, IoT specialists, and IT system administrators need to learn fast.

To learn Linux quickly, you need to understand that it’s both a kernel and an operating system. Hard-core Linux users call it GNU/Linux. So, here’s a bit of history:

In 1991, Linus Torvalds developed the Linux kernel as an alternative to Unix. At the same time, the Free Software Foundation (FSF) was developing the GNU Project for the same purpose.

Since 19841, Unix has been the leading operating system for electronics. It was a proprietary operating system that Linus thought was inadequate. So, he developed the Linux kernel. A kernel is the core of an operating system that makes communication between hardware and software possible.

So, how did GNU come into play? GNU was its operating system with file manager, drivers, and design, but it lacked a kernel.

So, by adding the two together, you get GNU/Linux. For branding purposes, the combination became “Linux.”

In reality, it’s GNU/Linux. The two complete each other, but Linux is only the kernel, and GNU is everything else.

The goal of both GNU and Linux is to be a Unix-like operating system, but with an open-source and free software approach.

Fast forward to 2021: you have 600+ distributions or “distros” of Linux. And distros are flavors of Linux that cater to different target audiences. For example, Ubuntu and Mint are for beginner Linux users. Kali Linux is for ethical hackers.

Learning Linux In 2021

In 2021, Linux is more prevalent in servers, mobile operating systems, and cloud platforms.

Compared to Microsoft’s Windows, Linux is much more scalable because it’s free. When installing Windows on an enterprise-level, you can expect to pay a small fortune for licensing.

Even installing Apache, MySQL, and PHP on servers doesn’t warrant the hefty licensing fees.

On the other hand, Linux is robust, reliable, and it’s free. Linux is also practical for infrastructure operations such as file storage, email, and web hosting servers.

In the IoT context, Linux is easy to install and run on tiny computers such as Raspberry Pi and Arduino. Even security cameras, VoIP phones, and sensors use Linux thanks to its high level of security.

Linux can also adapt to specific tasks such as running DNS, FTP, DHCP servers. And if you need to set up a server for only one assignment, Linux can be the solution.

So, Linux is a Swiss-army operating system that you can use to do many tasks. When you’re wondering how long it’ll take to learn Linux, you must first consider how you’re going to use it and for what ends.

Are you going to use it for personal use? Then, it’ll take a few weeks to run. Are you going to use it to run an infrastructure? It’ll take longer. Are you going to use it for networking?

Before you decide to learn Linux, make sure why you want to learn it in the first place.

Linux Is Easy (But Not Fast) To Learn

For Windows or Mac OS users, Linux might seem hard to learn. Yes, there’s a learning curve when you’re transitioning, but it’s the same with other operating systems.

When you’re learning any new technology, it’ll take a little time to adjust.

So, the new Linux distros came a long way since 1991. It’s easy to learn the basics and use them for daily tasks, but the advanced things will take some time to learn. However, if you already have some experience with the command line, that learning curve will be shorter.

The other thing that can cut the learning curve is enrolling in Linux training. You can find free courses and start teaching yourself, or find a professional Linux instructor to help you.

Either way, patience is crucial when learning anything new. And it’s the same with learning Linux. Like other skills, repetition often helps you improve.

Set up your lab. You can install Linux on VirtualBox or an old computer and start experimenting. You can even install it on a CD or USB drive and run it on your PC.

Moving To Linux

Unfortunately, some bad actors in the Linux community feel unjustifiably superior. And they may attempt to sabotage your effort. Don’t let them discourage you.

Linux is relatively easier to learn, especially when you understand the commands.

The easiest way to learn to work with a Linux server is knowing what you want to achieve, do the research, then plug in the commands.

The black screen and blinking cursor may seem intimidating, but they do what you tell them to do.

Whether you want to install an SSH server or an FTP server, it’s all about entering the correct commands.

So, make sure to learn the basic skills and build on them as you progress. It’ll be much easier and faster to learn Linux that way.

If Linux is so easy to learn, doesn’t require licensing, and quick to adapt, how come the world isn’t using it?

Simply put, IT professionals are used to Windows. Most enterprises depend on Windows because they have used it for decades now.

It’s up to people like you to learn Linux and do all the things other operating systems can’t.