Linux for Hackers // EP 1 (FREE Linux course for beginners)

Summary

This video script introduces the 'Linux for Hackers' series, emphasizing Linux's necessity for hacking due to its open-source nature, security, and speed. It offers a free Linux lab through a partnership with Hack The Box Academy, guiding viewers to set up and start using Linux immediately. The tutorial covers fundamental Linux commands like 'pwd', 'ls', and 'cd', transitioning from GUI to the command line interface. It also explains Linux's role as a kernel and its various distributions, highlighting its prevalence in hacking and server operations.

Takeaways

• 💻 Linux is a foundational skill for hacking and is considered a prerequisite for many hacking activities.
• 👨‍🏫 The 'Linux for Hackers' series aims to teach Linux to everyone, not just hackers, emphasizing its universal utility.
• 🔗 A free Linux lab is provided through a partnership with Hack The Box Academy, allowing immediate hands-on experience with Linux.
• 👧 The presenter's young daughters are also learning Linux, debunking the myth that it's too difficult to learn.
• 🔑 The series uses a Linux distribution called Parrot OS, which is designed for hacking and uses the Linux kernel.
• 🌐 Linux's popularity among hackers is due to its open-source nature, security, and the abundance of hacking tools available for it.
• 🗂️ The Linux terminal, or command line, is the primary way to interact with the system, offering efficiency and power.
• 📂 Basic commands like 'pwd', 'ls', and 'cd' are introduced to navigate the file system, demonstrating the transition from GUI to CLI.
• 🔄 The concept of the Linux kernel as an interface between hardware and software is explained, highlighting its role in the OS.
• 🎓 The video serves as an introduction to Linux, with more in-depth coverage of commands and concepts promised in subsequent videos.

Q & A

Why is Linux considered a foundational skill for hackers?

Linux is considered a foundational skill for hackers because it is a prerequisite for hacking activities. It is an open-source operating system that offers flexibility, speed, and security, making it ideal for hacking tools and activities.

What is the significance of the 'cubes' in the Hack The Box Academy?

The 'cubes' in the Hack The Box Academy represent a form of currency used to unlock courses. Users start with 30 cubes, and they can use these to access different modules within the platform.

How does the Linux kernel differ from an operating system?

The Linux kernel is not an operating system itself; it is the core part of an operating system that interfaces with the hardware. Operating systems like Parrot OS are built on top of the Linux kernel.

Why are most hacking tools Linux-based?

Most hacking tools are Linux-based because Linux is open-source, allowing for customization and adaptation to suit specific hacking needs. It is also known for being faster and more secure, which are desirable traits in hacking environments.

What is the purpose of the 'pwd' command in Linux?

The 'pwd' command stands for 'print working directory' and is used to display the full path of the current directory in which the user is working.

What does the 'ls' command do in Linux?

The 'ls' command stands for 'list' and is used to display the contents of the current directory, including files and subdirectories.

How can you change directories in Linux using the terminal?

You can change directories in Linux using the 'cd' command followed by the name of the directory you want to navigate to. For example, 'cd Desktop' will change the current directory to the Desktop.

What does 'cd ..' do in the Linux terminal?

The command 'cd ..' is used to navigate up one level in the directory hierarchy, effectively moving back to the parent directory from the current location.

What is the significance of the root directory in Linux?

The root directory in Linux, represented by a forward slash (/), is the top-level directory in the file system hierarchy. It contains all other directories, subdirectories, and files on the system.

How can a user determine their current location in the Linux file system?

A user can determine their current location in the Linux file system by using the 'pwd' command, which prints the full path of the current working directory.

What is the role of Hack The Box Academy in the Linux for hackers series?

Hack The Box Academy is the official sponsor of the Linux for hackers series. They provide a free Linux lab for users to practice and learn Linux through their platform, which is integrated into the series.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Introduction to Linux for Hackers

The speaker emphasizes the importance of Linux as a foundational skill for hacking, suggesting it's a prerequisite. They introduce their 'Linux for Hackers' series, which is also applicable for everyone interested in Linux. The series aims to teach the basics of Linux to start hacking. The speaker encourages immediate engagement by directing viewers to a free Linux lab through a partnership with Hack The Box Academy. They highlight the accessibility of learning Linux, even for their young daughters, to dispel any myths about its difficulty. The video guides viewers through signing up for the lab, unlocking a Linux fundamentals course, and starting their own Linux instance in their browser. The speaker introduces the concept of Linux distributions, specifically Parrot OS, and differentiates between the Linux kernel and the operating system. They explain why Linux is preferred by hackers due to its open-source nature, security, and the availability of hacking tools.

05:01

🛠️ Mastering Linux Terminal Commands

The speaker transitions from the graphical user interface (GUI) to the Linux terminal, which they argue is the true way to harness the power of Linux. They introduce basic terminal commands: 'pwd' to print the working directory, 'ls' to list directory contents, and 'cd' to change directories. The tutorial is interactive, with the speaker performing actions in the GUI and then replicating them in the terminal to solidify understanding. They also demonstrate how to navigate back to the previous directory using 'cd ..' and explore the root directory. The segment aims to transition viewers from a GUI-centric mindset to a command-line approach, which is more efficient and powerful for hacking and system administration.

10:02

🚀 Recap and Future Learning Path

In the concluding segment, the speaker recaps the key points covered in the video, including the definition and benefits of Linux, the significance of the Linux kernel, and the introduction to Linux terminal commands. They pose a quiz to engage viewers and reinforce learning. The speaker expresses gratitude to Hack The Box Academy for sponsoring the series and encourages viewers to continue their Linux learning journey on the platform. They also remind viewers to engage with the video by liking, subscribing, and commenting to support the content. The speaker sets the stage for deeper exploration of Linux in subsequent videos, promising to prepare viewers for becoming hackers.

Keywords

💡Hacker

A hacker is an individual who is skilled in computer programming and networking, often associated with the ability to find and exploit vulnerabilities in systems or networks. In the context of the video, the term is used to describe someone who is learning to use Linux for ethical hacking purposes, which involves using Linux to understand and secure systems against malicious hackers.

💡Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system that is widely used for its flexibility, security, and stability. It is based on the Linux kernel and can be found in various distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, and Parrot OS. The video emphasizes Linux as a foundational skill for hackers due to its robustness and the availability of numerous hacking tools that are built for it.

💡Parrot OS

Parrot OS is a Linux distribution specifically designed for ethical hacking and security auditing. It comes pre-installed with various security and penetration testing tools. The video mentions that the tutorial will be using Parrot OS, highlighting its suitability for hacking tasks and its user-friendly graphical interface.

💡Hack The Box Academy

Hack The Box Academy is an online platform that provides training and resources for learning ethical hacking and cybersecurity. The video script mentions a partnership with Hack The Box Academy, which sponsors the series and offers a free Linux lab for practice, indicating the platform's role in educating viewers on hacking techniques.

💡Linux Kernel

The Linux kernel is the core of the Linux operating system, responsible for interfacing with the computer's hardware and managing system resources. The video explains that while Linux is often referred to as an operating system, technically it is a kernel, and various distributions build their operating systems on top of it.

💡Open Source

Open source refers to a type of software whose source code is made available to the public, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute the software. The video highlights Linux's open-source nature as one of its key advantages, as it enables a community-driven development model and the creation of specialized distributions like Parrot OS.

💡Terminal

The terminal, also known as the command line, is a text-based interface for interacting with the computer's operating system. The video emphasizes the importance of learning terminal commands as a fundamental skill for using Linux effectively, moving away from the graphical user interface to perform tasks more efficiently.

💡pwd

pwd stands for 'print working directory' and is a command used in the Linux terminal to display the current directory in which the user is working. The video uses pwd as an example of a basic command that helps users understand their location within the file system, which is crucial for navigating and managing files in Linux.

💡ls

ls is a command in the Linux terminal that lists the contents of the current directory. The video uses ls to demonstrate how to view files and directories, which is a fundamental task when working with Linux and essential for organizing and accessing files.

💡cd

cd stands for 'change directory' and is a command used in the Linux terminal to navigate to a different directory. The video explains how to use cd to move between directories, which is a basic but essential skill for managing and accessing files in a Linux environment.

💡GUI

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface, which is a visual way of interacting with a computer system. The video contrasts the GUI with the terminal, suggesting that while GUIs are intuitive, mastering the terminal is more efficient and powerful for advanced tasks, such as hacking.

Highlights

Linux is a foundational skill for hackers and is considered a prerequisite.

The series aims to teach Linux to everyone, not just hackers.

Access to a free Linux lab is provided through a partnership with Hack The Box Academy.

Hack The Box Academy is the official sponsor of the series.

The speaker's two oldest daughters, aged ten and seven, are also learning Linux through Hack The Box Academy.

The series will use the Linux lab for all its lessons.

Participants are encouraged to start using Linux immediately through the provided lab.

The Linux distribution used in the lab is Parrot OS, built for hacking.

Linux is technically a kernel, not an operating system, with distributions built on top of it.

Linux is open source, which allows for freedom in use and redistribution.

Linux is known for being faster and more secure, making it popular for web servers and hacking.

The Linux terminal is the primary interface for using Linux, as opposed to a graphical user interface.

The 'pwd' command is introduced to show the current working directory.

The 'ls' command lists the contents of the current directory.

The 'cd' command is used to change directories.

Using 'cd ..' allows users to navigate back to the previous directory.

The root of the file system is represented by a forward slash '/'.

The video concludes with a quiz to test the viewer's understanding of the commands learned.

The video emphasizes the importance of Linux in hacking and the power of the terminal commands.

Transcripts

if you want to become a hacker you need

to know linux it's a required

foundational skill it's actually a

prerequisite to doing anything and

hacking like you have to know it

so that's why in this series i'm going

to teach you linux

welcome to my linux for hackers series

now while the series is linux for

hackers most of what i'm covering is

linux for

everyone and i do mean everyone if

you're nit or anything you need to learn

and know linux this series will teach

you the linux foundations you need to

start hacking

and we're not going to waste any time

like you're going to start using linux

right now i'm not kidding like right

this moment

in your browser check the link in the

description you're getting access to a

free

linux lab thanks to my partnership with

hack the box academy they're actually

the official sponsor of this entire

series so let's go let's get you using

linux right now and by the way i'm

having my two oldest daughters do the

same thing

you ready to start hacking no clue you

ready start hacking

sure they are ten and seven they're

signing up for hack the box academy

so if you're thinking man i can't learn

linux that's too hard bullcrap

yes you can let's go right now

so once you've clicked the link and you

signed up which by the way you should

this entire series will use this lab so

do it you can go through the

introduction or just click skip like i

am

no big deal now notice one thing real

quick right under your username you'll

have 30 of whatever the junk that is

those are cubes

cubes are what you need to unlock

whatever course you want to take through

hack the box academy you can also

purchase more but hey we've already got

30 we're good

so next click on modules and then all

modules

i'm going to scroll down just a bit

until i see linux fundamentals right

here

it costs 10 cubes we got 30. we're good

we're going to click on unlock but real

quick before you do that

notice this right here what this plus 10

means is that if we finish this linux

fundamentals course like we actually

complete it hack the box academy will

give us 10 cubes back

so it's basically free as long as you do

it what you're going to right not a big

deal

so let's click on it click on unlock yes

let's do this thing and let's not waste

any time let's click on start right now

and on this page what we're going to do

is scroll all the way to the very very

bottom

all the way here until you see this

your workstation this is your linux box

let's go ahead and click on start

start instance coffee break perfect time

ah that's good stuff what are you

drinking today let me know in the

comments and

it's ready and this is pretty cool watch

this all you gotta do is click

interact and it's gonna launch the

sucker in your browser

click go so here we go your very own

linux machine

your playground hack the box will call

this your phone box

and i love that so now that we're here

inside our linux box we're going to

accomplish two things

first what is this i understand this may

be your first time

ever using linux you might be wondering

what do i do

i don't even know what this is we'll

cover that and then two we're gonna

start using it right now

i'm gonna get you started with your

first linux terminal commands and i'll

cover what that means

so first what the junk is this so this

computer you're using right now

here in your browser which is crazy this

is linux

but to be specific and technical this is

actually a distribution of linux called

parrot os which is an operating system

built for hacking now the os

and parrot os stands for operating

system like

windows mac os ios android it's the

software that we interact with to make

our computer do things so if someone

were to ask you hey what operating

system are you running right now

it would be parrot os and parrot os is

using linux

and more specifically the linux kernel

and i wanted to point that out because

linux

is technically not an operating system

linux is a kernel

and we build operating systems on top of

it so para os is not the only flavor or

distribution of linux there'll be kali

linux

ubuntu centos debian and they'll all use

a version of the

linux kernel which is actually part of

the os but it's not the

os now what does the linux kernel do it

has a very important job

it interfaces with our hardware cpu ram

hard drive etc when we as the hacker

want to run our favorite hacking tool

let's say nmap or something we tell

parrot os

click let's run nmap parrot os will say

hey linux kernel

can we get some hardware resources here

can you tell them

and linux kernel gets the hardware

resources set up it's kind of the middle

man between the application

the os and the hardware but to simplify

things

we just call it linux and we say what

flavor of linux and we say well parrot

os

now the bigger question might be why

linux i mean we got windows we got mac

os what's wrong with those guys

well nothing and everything you see

what's great about linux

i'll explain what's great about linux is

that it's open source which means a lot

but it basically means that it's open

and free to use and redistribute so

people can make awesome distributions

like parrot os

the other benefit of linux is that it's

traditionally faster

and more secure which is why most

websites and servers in the world use

linux as their operating system and it's

also why hackers use linux

most of the hacking tools out there are

linux based so that's what linux is and

this is why we use it but now how do we

use it that's a more interesting

question because

you might be looking at this screen here

your computer desktop and you may be

thinking wow i didn't know linux had

a pretty gui like this a graphical user

interface icons and a dock and

menus and stuff like that's cool and you

can use linux like this

but it wasn't meant to be used like this

so slow down

the truly wheeled the power of linux you

don't use gui you're going to use the

linux terminal

the command line this guy right here go

ahead and click on that i can't tell if

that's green or yellow i'm colorblind

but go ahead and click on that

icon there this is the linux terminal

and this is how you are supposed to use

linux now if you're coming from the gui

only world where all you use is a

graphical user interface

this might seem a little scary i totally

get it but don't worry

we're going to walk through this we're

going to teach you a few commands here

i'm going to slowly wing you off the

graphical user interface

i'll pull it up side by side actually

watch here we go we're gonna teach you

your first few commands

so follow along with me go ahead and

have your linux terminal open and also

at the same time

open up your home directory right here

just double click that sucker

double click i'm going to teach you your

first few commands by doing something

here in the gui and then doing that same

thing here in the linux terminal now

here's the first thing

what i love about the gui is that you

always kind of know where you are right

because you can see it right now i'm in

my user directory my home directory

because i can see it right there and

there's all my stuff now over here

i don't see anything how do i know where

i am we're going to solve that our first

command

type it in with me right now three

letters pwd

pwd stands for print working directory

and it basically does what we see

here and here it tells us where we're at

hey where am i oh i'm right here let's

try it out go ahead and hit enter

bam it shows us the full path of where

we are right now

the home directory and then even further

in

drilling down our user directory so

right now we're actually in the same

spot

as our gui same location okay cool we

know where we are

but we still don't see the same stuff in

our gui like right now where i'm at i

can actually see my my desktop and

templates and documents folders and

downloads folders

i don't see that here how do i see that

next command

type it with me it's going to be our ls

command ls

ls stands for list and it's pretty

simple what it does it'll simply list

the contents of your current working

directory it's going to list what we see

right here you want to see let's do it

go ahead and hit enter

and boom it did it everything we see

here desktop downloads templates

documents postman

is also right here see you can do

anything in the terminal and it's faster

i'll convince you don't worry let's keep

going let's say we want to take a peek

inside of our desktop folder right here

in the gui i know i can just click on

that folder double click

jump in there and i can see my stuff how

do we do that in the terminal our next

command here we go

the command is c d very simple

cd stands for change directory and it's

going to do exactly what we just did

here

watch let's do it right now just after

cd i'll hit space and then tell it what

directory i want to go to let's go to

desktop so i'll type in

desktop and go

oh did it work i don't know

let's let's see let's print our working

directory pwd

let's see if we actually change to that

directory

we did there's a current working

directory and we did indeed

drill down right into the desktop folder

and then to see what's on our desktop as

we can see in the gui we'll just simply

type in ls to list the contents

bam there it all is right there now

we're gonna learn one more command so

hang with me

but so far we've done a lot the pwd

command to see where we are

the ls command to see what's around us

what's in our directory

and the cd command to change where we

are but now how do we go

back because like in the gui here it's

pretty intuitive we got a back button up

here we just go

back and suddenly we're back to our

directory we started in

our home directory how do we do that

same thing over here in the terminal

it's actually super easy so again we're

going to type in cd we're going to

change our directory because we actually

are changing our directory and then

we'll do a space

and all we're going to put in is dot dot

so cd

space dot dot hit enter and let's see

what happens

boom what happened let's type in pwd and

see if it changed our directory

totally did so again we were in home

user

89786 desktop we entered the cd

command with dot dot and that dropped us

back

to home user 89786 now just for fun i

wonder what will happen if we keep going

backwards if we type in cd

dot dot again i'll type in pwd where i'm

at

i'm at slash home now let's do cd once

more

where i'm at now pwd

oh now instead of home i'm simply at

forward slash

and what this is is actually the root of

the file system

it's the end we reached the end and

we'll talk more about that later

but just for fun again that's all for

fun right here

enter the command ls let's list the

contents of the root directory

huh a lot of interesting files here

we'll talk about all this later now real

quick

quiz for you let's see what you remember

right now again if i print my working

directory pwd

i'm at the root forward slash what

command or commands would i enter to get

back

here where we were to start with now

there are two options really

you can do it with one command or you

can do it with two commands comment

below with what you got now here

we just scratched the surface we're

going deeper into linux we're gonna get

you prepped and ready to become a hacker

but don't that diminish the fact that

you did a lot today in this video we

covered what linux is

it's both a kernel and an operating

system similar to windows and mac

but it's faster more powerful and more

secure and way more popular

it wins that contest hands down

especially with hackers

we love it and we also covered some

linux terminal commands we started to

move away from the gui weaning ourselves

of the gui

and started typing away pwd lscd

more to come and again massive shout out

to the sponsor of the series

hack the box academy hack the box

academy which is obviously tied to hack

the box

it's different in that it's more of a

guided i.t security platform and by the

way all the commands i mentioned in this

video will be covered in depth

on hack the box academy and of course

don't forget to hack the youtube

algorithm today

hit that like button subscribe

notification bell comment let's hack

youtube

ethically of course yeah that's all i

got

i'll catch you guys next time

[Music]

you