Top 50 Useful Linux Commands for Beginners – PDF | 2025

Linux is one of the most powerful operating systems in the world. It is free, open-source, and trusted by professionals, developers, and even big companies. But if you are new, Linux may look a little confusing, especially when you first see the black terminal screen.

Well, you can easily use the Linux terminal to do almost everything with simple commands, from creating files and installing software to checking internet connections and even managing your whole computer just by typing some commands.

In this article, I will share with you the Top 50 Most Useful Linux Commands for Beginners in 2025. I will explain each command in a very simple way so that a new beginner can easily understand.

So let’s start by knowing what Linux actually is and what the Linux Terminal is.

What is Linux?

Linux is a free operating system like Windows and macOS. The big difference is that Linux is open-source, which means anyone can use it and change it. Many versions of Linux exist, like Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Fedora, and Arch Linux.

Linux is mostly used by developers, ethical hackers, cybersecurity experts, and servers around the world, but Linux can also be used regularly for normal tasks.

What is a Terminal?

A terminal is a program where you can type commands to tell Linux what to do. Instead of clicking with a mouse, you can write short commands. For example, to open a folder, instead of double-clicking, you can type a command like cd foldername.

The terminal may look boring (just black and white), but it is very powerful. You will feel like a real pro once you start using it.

Top 50 Linux Commands for Beginners (2025)

Here are the most useful Linux commands divided by different sections that every beginner should learn before using Linux systems.

1. Navigation Commands

These commands help you move around folders and files in your Linux system.

1. pwd : Shows your current folder path.
2. ls : Lists files and folders in the current directory.
3. ls -l : Lists files with details like size and date.
4. cd foldername : Opens the folder you want.
5. cd .. : Goes back one step (previous folder).

2. File Management Commands

These commands let you create, delete, or manage files and folders.

6. mkdir foldername : Makes a new folder.
7. rmdir foldername : Deletes an empty folder.
8. rm filename : Deletes a file.
9. rm -r foldername : Deletes a folder and everything inside.
10. touch filename : Creates a new empty file.
11. cat filename : Shows what’s inside a file.
12. nano filename : Opens a file in a simple text editor.
13. vi filename : Opens file in vi editor (advanced).
14. cp file1 file2 : Copies a file.
15. mv file1 file2 : Moves or renames a file.

3. System Information Commands

These commands give details about your system and Linux version.

16. uname -a : Shows system information.
17. lsb_release -a : Shows OS version details.
18. hostname : Shows computer’s name.
19. whoami : Shows your current username.
20. date : Shows the current date and time.
21. cal : Displays calendar.
22. uptime : Shows how long the system has been running.
23. free -h : Shows memory (RAM) usage.
24. df -h : Shows disk usage.
25. top : Shows running processes in real time.

4. User Management Commands

These are useful if you have multiple users in Linux.

26. adduser username : Adds a new user.
27. passwd username : Changes a user’s password.
28. deluser username : Deletes a user.
29. id username : Shows user ID info.
30. who : Shows all logged-in users.

5. Network Commands

These commands help you check your internet and network.

31. ifconfig : Shows network information.
32. ip a : Also shows IP details.
33. ping website.com : Checks internet connection.
34. traceroute website.com : Shows path to website.
35. nslookup website.com : DNS lookup.
36. curl website.com : Fetches website content.
37. wget link : Downloads a file from internet.
38. netstat -tuln : Shows active ports.
39. ssh user@ip : Connects to another system.
40. scp file user@ip:/path : Copies file to another system.

6. Package Management Commands

Used to install, update, or remove software.

41. sudo apt update : Updates package list.
42. sudo apt upgrade : Upgrades installed packages.
43. sudo apt install packagename : Installs software.
44. sudo apt remove packagename : Removes software.
45. sudo apt autoremove : Removes unused software.

7. File Permissions Commands

Control who can access files.

46. chmod 777 file : Gives full permission.
47. chmod +x file : Makes file executable.
48. chown user file : Changes file owner.
49. ls -l : Shows file permissions.
50. umask : Shows default permission values.

8. Linux System Commands

These extra commands are not only simple but also very useful for beginners who want to explore the Linux system step by step.

• echo : Prints text or variables on the screen.
• man command : Opens the manual page for any command.
• history : Shows all previously used commands.
• alias : Creates a shortcut for a command.
• unalias : Removes a shortcut.
• uptime -p : Shows system uptime in a simple format.
• hostnamectl : Shows and changes the system hostname.
• groups : Shows the groups your user belongs to.
• whoami -u : Shows your user ID number.
• dmesg : Shows system boot logs.
• wc file.txt : Counts words, lines, and characters in a file.
• head file.txt : Shows the first 10 lines of a file.
• tail file.txt : Shows the last 10 lines of a file.
• uptime : Shows how long the system has been running.
• lsblk : Lists all storage devices like hard disks and USB drives.
• mount : Mounts (opens/attaches) a storage device.
• umount : Unmounts (removes) a storage device.
• df -i : Shows free and used inodes (file system info).
• users : Shows all users logged in right now.
• tty : Shows the terminal you are using.

Why Should You Learn These Commands?

Learning these 50 Linux commands will make you powerful in Linux. You will be able to move around, create files, install apps, check your system, and even manage networks.

Without knowing these basic commands, you will find it very difficult to use the Linux system, but once you learn them, it will become very easy for you. These are the same commands used by developers, system admins, and even hackers every day.

Download Linux Commands PDF File

The PDF file provided in this article is covered with over 50 important Linux commands that a beginner should need to know before using any Linux system.

Click on the download button to download the easy to understand Linux commands PDF file.

You can save this PDF on your phone or computer to read and remember these Linux commands anytime.

Conclusion

Linux is a powerful computer operating system. By learning the important and basic Linux commands will help you to use any Linux system easily.

In this article, I have shared 50+ basic Linux commands that a beginner must need to know before using Linux systems. I have explained every command in a simple way so that a new user can easily understand.