Top 8 Essential Linux Commands You Need to Know and How They Can Boost Your Productivity

Using the command line in Linux may not be necessary, but becoming familiar with certain commands enhances the user experience and efficiency. For those looking to get the most out of their Linux system, here are eight essential commands that can be incredibly useful on a daily basis.

1. top
   This command provides a real-time overview of system processes and resource usage. It allows users to monitor which applications are consuming system resources and, if necessary, kill processes using their Process IDs (PIDs). Simply enter:

   top

2. ssh
   The Secure Shell (SSH) command is vital for remote access. It’s particularly useful when a virtual machine (VM) misbehaves and you need to intervene from another machine. You can access a server using:

   ssh username@IP_address

3. sudo
   This command grants temporary admin privileges, allowing users to run commands that require higher access without switching to the root user, which is more secure. Use it like so:

   sudo command

4. apt
   On Debian and Ubuntu systems, the Advanced Package Tool (APT) is essential for managing software packages. It’s used to install, update, and fix installations. For example, to install a package:

   sudo apt install package_name

5. wget
   Great for downloading files directly from the command line, wget is invaluable when a graphical interface isn’t available. For example, to download a file:

   wget URL

6. ps
   This command lists running processes and is essential for managing applications. You can filter results using grep to find specific processes. For example:

   ps aux | grep process_name

7. tail
   Often used for monitoring log files, tail allows users to view the end of a file, and with the -f flag, even follow live updates as they happen. For example:

   tail -f /path/to/logfile

8. systemctl
   The systemctl command is crucial for managing systemd services. It enables you to start, stop, restart, and check the status of services. Example commands include:

   sudo systemctl start service_namesystemctl status service_name

By integrating these commands into daily Linux use, users can significantly enhance their productivity and better manage their systems.

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