20 Linux Interview Questions and Answers
Signing up for a Linux Administrator job can be a lot daunting and intimidating but you can acquire this job by preparing for the Linux Administrator interview. We have compiled the top 20 interview Q/A to help you train for your Linux Administrator interview.
20 Linux Interview Questions and Answers
- What is meant by Linux?
Linux is one of the low-cost and highly affordable operating systems. Linux is the operating system that is based upon UNIX and it was primarily introduced by the master of operating systems known as Linus Torvalds. Linux can be used instead of iOS or Windows.
- What is meant by Linux Kernel?
Linux Kernel is the lowest level software of the system. The main function of this kernel is to manage and organize miscellaneous resources along with the provision of a special interface for the smooth interaction of the users.
- State the fundamental constituents of Linux.
There are five fundamental constituents of Linux which are mentioned below.
- GUI
- Application Programs
- Kernel
- System Utilities
- Shell
- What is meant by Swap Space?
Swap Space is used by Linux to provide extra space to the ongoing programs in the system. The programs are usually stored in the RAM but when the limit of RAM is reached then the programs shift towards Swap Space for storage.
- State the different permissions of the file on Linux.
Linux allows three different types of permissions such as:
- Write: The user will be able to open and amend the file accordingly.
- Execute: This permission helps the user to run the file smoothly.
- Read: This permission will allow the user to open the file and read it as well.
- Define the terms Process id and inode.
The process id is the id of each process that has been running by the operating system and this operating system manages every process by giving it a special process id. Similarly, the inode is the name-giving process of the operating system to every file running in the system.
- What is meant by Virtual Desktop?
A virtual desktop is a desktop that is created to break the limitations of a normal working screen. A virtual desktop produces another virtual or real screen along with the normal screen to keep working.
- State the most commonly used Shells in Linux.
Below mentioned are the most commonly used shells in the Linux:
- Friendly Interactive Shell (Fish)
- Z Shell (ZSH)
- Korn Shell (KSH)
- Bourne Again Shell (bash)
- C Shell (CSH)
- Give reasons to use Linux.
The advantages of using Linux are listed below.
- It keeps all of your files extremely safe and secure.
- By using Linux, there is lowest to null chance that your system gets hacked by viruses or bugs, etc.
- Linux is an open-source system and every programmer can use it for his/her own advantage. They can also design and produce their own customized OS.
- What is meant by Root Account?
The root account is the account that holds all the systems of the account. It is the root account where the installation of the Linux takes place. Root account also produces and organizes the accounts of the users.
- Name the different Linux Distributors.
Six hundred of the Linux Distributors are currently known, however; there are six distributors that are the most important.
- Arch Linux
- Debian
- Red Hat Enterprise
- Ubuntu
- Fedora
- Linux Mint
- Enlist the five methods which are used to determine the total use of the memory by Linux.
The five methods used to calculate the total use of the memory by Linux are mentioned below.
- vmstat
- Htop
- Free Command
- Top Command
- /proc/meminfo
- What should be the maximum length for a file in Linux?
The file must consist of 255 characters no more or less if it is to be saved under Linux.
- What is meant by command of grep?
The grep command of Linux is used to perform search functions by utilizing several patterns. It uses diverse constraints which are elaborated on the line of command to locate the output of a specific file.
- What are the modes used by VI editor?
Three types of modes are used by VI editor which are:
- Replacement Mode/Ex Mode
- Regular Mode/ Command Mode
- Edit Mode/Insertion Mode
- What work is done by the key of the Ctrl+Alt+Del combination on Linux?
This key combination is used to restart the computer or the whole system while directly rebooting it. Windows use the same combination but no message of confirmation appears on Linux.
- What commands are implemented to inspect a file on Linux?
The commands which are utilized to inspect a file are mentioned below:
- Cat
- Less
- Head
- More
- Tail
- What is meant by Redirection?
Redirection is primarily utilized to transfer the output data from one device to another. In some cases, the device of output may even serve as input.
- What is the purpose of the Print Working Directory of Linux?
The purpose of the PWD command of Linux is to ensure the storage of the full path of your working as well as it displays and finds the whole path of working. It also verifies the security of the given path.
- Name some of the troubleshooting and networking commands of Linux.
Below mentioned are some of the troubleshooting and networking commands of the Linux:
- Traceroute
- Route
- Ping
- tracepath
- Hostname
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