Linux distributions overview (Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora) in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is Ubuntu in the context of Linux distributions?

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution based on Debian. It is user-friendly, widely used for desktops and servers, and has regular releases with long-term support versions.

beginner

What is CentOS and what is its main use?

CentOS is a Linux distribution derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It is known for stability and is often used in servers and enterprise environments where long-term support is important.

intermediate

Describe Fedora and its role in the Linux ecosystem.

Fedora is a cutting-edge Linux distribution sponsored by Red Hat. It includes the latest software and technologies and serves as a testing ground for features that may later appear in Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

beginner

Which Linux distribution is best known for stability and long-term support?

CentOS is best known for its stability and long-term support, making it a preferred choice for servers and enterprise use.

intermediate

How does Ubuntu differ from Fedora in terms of software updates?

Ubuntu offers regular releases and long-term support versions focusing on stability and ease of use, while Fedora provides the latest software and features more frequently, focusing on innovation.

Which Linux distribution is based on Debian?

A CentOS

B Ubuntu

C Fedora

D Arch Linux

Ubuntu is based on Debian, making it user-friendly and widely supported.

Which distribution is known for being a stable server OS derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux?

A Debian

B Ubuntu

C Fedora

D CentOS

CentOS is derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux and is known for stability in server environments.

Which Linux distribution is considered a testing ground for Red Hat Enterprise Linux features?

A Fedora

B CentOS

C Ubuntu

D SUSE

Fedora includes the latest software and serves as a testing ground for Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Which distribution typically provides long-term support (LTS) releases?

A Fedora

B Arch Linux

C Ubuntu

D CentOS

Ubuntu offers LTS releases that provide extended support and stability.

If you want the latest software and features, which distribution should you choose?

A Fedora

B CentOS

C Ubuntu LTS

D Debian Stable

Fedora focuses on delivering the newest software and technologies.

Explain the main differences between Ubuntu, CentOS, and Fedora.

Think about their base, target users, and update frequency.

Describe when you might choose CentOS over Ubuntu or Fedora for a project.

Consider server reliability and support duration.

Practice

1. Which Linux distribution is known for being beginner-friendly and suitable for general use?

easy

A. Ubuntu

B. CentOS

C. Fedora

D. Arch Linux

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand beginner-friendly distributions

   Ubuntu is widely recognized for its ease of use and beginner-friendly interface.

2. Step 2: Compare with other distributions

   CentOS is more server-focused and Fedora targets advanced users, so they are less beginner-friendly.

3. Final Answer:

   Ubuntu -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Beginner-friendly = Ubuntu [OK]

Hint: Ubuntu = beginner-friendly, CentOS = servers, Fedora = advanced [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing CentOS as beginner-friendly
• Thinking Fedora is for beginners
• Choosing Arch Linux which is advanced

2. Which command correctly installs a package on CentOS using the default package manager?

easy

A. apt-get install httpd

B. pacman -S httpd

C. dnf install httpd

D. yum install httpd

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify CentOS package manager

   CentOS traditionally uses yum as its package manager.

2. Step 2: Check command syntax

   yum install httpd is the correct syntax to install the Apache web server on CentOS.

3. Final Answer:

   yum install httpd -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   CentOS uses yum = yum install [OK]

Hint: CentOS uses yum, Ubuntu uses apt, Fedora uses dnf [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using apt-get on CentOS
• Using pacman which is for Arch Linux
• Confusing dnf as default on CentOS

3. What will be the output of the command cat /etc/os-release | grep '^ID=' on a Fedora system?

medium

A. ID=fedora

B. ID=centos

C. ID=ubuntu

D. ID=debian

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand /etc/os-release file

   This file contains identification info about the Linux distribution, including the ID field.

2. Step 2: Recognize Fedora's ID value

   Fedora's ID in this file is fedora, so the grep command outputs ID=fedora.

3. Final Answer:

   ID=fedora -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Fedora ID = fedora [OK]

Hint: Fedora's ID in os-release is 'fedora' [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming ID=ubuntu on Fedora
• Confusing CentOS and Fedora IDs
• Not using grep correctly

4. You try to update packages on Fedora using yum update but get an error. What is the likely cause?

medium

A. CentOS commands work on Fedora without changes

B. You need to run 'apt-get update' instead

C. Fedora uses 'dnf' instead of 'yum' for package management

D. You must use 'pacman' on Fedora

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify Fedora's package manager

   Fedora uses dnf as its default package manager, replacing yum.

2. Step 2: Understand error cause

   Using yum update on Fedora may fail because yum is deprecated or not installed by default.

3. Final Answer:

   Fedora uses 'dnf' instead of 'yum' for package management -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Fedora package manager = dnf [OK]

Hint: Fedora uses dnf, not yum, for updates [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying apt-get on Fedora
• Assuming CentOS commands always work
• Using pacman which is Arch Linux's manager

5. You want to set up a stable web server environment with long-term support and minimal updates. Which Linux distribution should you choose?

hard

A. Ubuntu

B. CentOS

C. Fedora

D. Debian Testing

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand stability and support needs

   Stable web servers require long-term support and minimal frequent updates to avoid disruptions.

2. Step 2: Match distribution to requirements

   CentOS is known for its stability and long-term support, making it ideal for servers.

3. Step 3: Compare other options

   Fedora is cutting-edge and updates often; Ubuntu is user-friendly but less stable long-term; Debian Testing is unstable.

4. Final Answer:

   CentOS -> Option B

5. Quick Check:

   Stable server = CentOS [OK]

Hint: Choose CentOS for stable, long-term server setups [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing Fedora for stability
• Assuming Ubuntu is best for servers
• Picking Debian Testing for production