Linux distributions overview (Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora) in Linux CLI - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

💻 Command Output

intermediate

Identify the package manager output

You run the command sudo apt update on a Linux system. Which distribution are you most likely using?

A CentOS

B Ubuntu

C Fedora

D Arch Linux

💡 Hint

Think about which distributions use apt as their package manager.

Ubuntu uses the apt package manager. CentOS and Fedora use yum or dnf. Arch Linux uses pacman.

💻 Command Output

intermediate

Determine the output of a release info command

What is the expected output of the command cat /etc/centos-release on a CentOS system?

A CentOS Linux release 7.9.2009 (Core)

B Ubuntu 20.04.4 LTS

C Fedora release 38 (Thirty Eight)

D Debian GNU/Linux 11 (bullseye)

💡 Hint

This file contains the distribution name and version for CentOS.

The file /etc/centos-release contains the CentOS version string like CentOS Linux release 7.9.2009 (Core).

📝 Syntax

advanced

Correct command to install a package on Fedora

Which command correctly installs the package htop on Fedora?

A sudo dnf install htop

B sudo apt install htop

C sudo yum install htop

D sudo pacman -S htop

💡 Hint

Fedora uses a modern package manager replacing yum.

Fedora uses dnf as its package manager. While yum may still work, dnf is the recommended tool.

🚀 Application

advanced

Choose the correct command to check the kernel version on Ubuntu

You want to check the Linux kernel version on an Ubuntu system. Which command will give you the correct output?

A apt-get kernel-version

B cat /etc/fedora-release

C uname -r

D rpm -q kernel

💡 Hint

The kernel version is shown by a system command, not a package manager.

The command uname -r prints the kernel version on any Linux system including Ubuntu.

🧠 Conceptual

expert

Identify the main difference between CentOS and Fedora

What is the primary difference between CentOS and Fedora in terms of their release and support model?

A CentOS is based on Debian; Fedora is based on Arch Linux

B CentOS uses <code>apt</code> package manager; Fedora uses <code>yum</code>

C CentOS is community-driven; Fedora is commercially supported by Red Hat

D CentOS is a stable, long-term support distribution; Fedora is a cutting-edge, short lifecycle distribution

💡 Hint

Think about how often each distribution releases new versions and their target users.

CentOS focuses on stability and long-term support, suitable for servers. Fedora offers newer software with a faster release cycle, targeting developers and enthusiasts.