202510_CYSE270_17238 LINUX SYSTEM FOR CYBERSECURITY

Assignment 1 Install Linux VM: The installation of the Linux virtual machine was quite challenging and interesting at the same time. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect because Linux looks somewhat different from what I am normally exposed to, for instance, Windows. Setting up the VM has taught me how following each step to the letter is crucial, especially in selecting appropriate settings and storage. Once Linux finally loaded, I realized just how powerful this platform truly is and why many people use it for cybersecurity and programming.

Assignment 2 Working with Command Line: Of all the things that I’ve learned in Linux so far, working with the vi editor has been one of the more difficult concepts. I didn’t understand how it worked at first, since it’s not based on a normal mouse or simple menus. You need to know certain keys to switch between modes, insert text, and save your work. It was confusing at first to learn the difference between insert mode and command mode; after practice, though, it started to make more sense.

Assignment 3 Working with vi editor: Working in the vi editor is an experience that requires some patience. At first, it was frustrating because vi isn’t like normal text editors; you can’t just start typing. You have to know what mode you are in: insert mode or command mode. I had to memorize commands just to save, quit, or delete a line.

Assignment 4 – Group and User Management: Learning about the management of groups and users in Linux showed me just how vital organization and security are in an operating system. I never realized how many roles users could take up or how permissions determined what people could do on a computer. Exploring using the commands useradd, groupadd, passwd, and usermod showed me how administrators keep systems safe by giving the right access to the right people.

assignment 5 Password Cracking: Learning password cracking really made me understand how important strong security is. I did not realize at first how easy it can be to crack weak passwords using tools or simple guessing. When I saw the speed at which computers test thousands of passwords, that made me understand why people should avoid simple words, birthdays, or short passwords.

assignment 6 File Permissions: Working on Assignment 6 about file permissions really helped me understand how Linux controls who can read, write, or execute a file. I have to say, at first, the permission numbers and letters confused me; for instance, when I saw such things as rwx and chmod 755. However, with practice, I learned what each of these symbols means and how these permissions affect security. For example, giving everyone write access can be dangerous, while limiting permissions helps protect important files.

assignment 7 Storage Management: Storage management, Assignment 7, helped me to understand how Linux arranges and manages the different parts of the storage of a computer. Previously, I had little idea of what partitions, file systems, or mounting meant. Learning the usage of commands such as fdisk, df -h, and mount showed me how the system keeps track of space and where files are stored

assignment 8 Scripting: on shell scripting did teach me how powerful automation could be in Linux. At the very start, writing a script was confusing since one has to be careful with every symbol, space, and command. But then, after I understood the structure, like starting with #!/bin/bash and making the script executable, it started to make more sense. More important, I found that variables, loops, and simple commands together are enough to accomplish some tasks automatically instead of manually typing everything.

assignment 9 Learning about the automation of tasks showed me how much easier and faster work can get when one lets the computer do the repetitive work. At first, I didn’t realize how many things could be automated, like backups, updates, or even checking system status. Utilizing tools such as shell scripts and cron jobs really helped me to see how automation keeps systems running smoothly without someone having to sit there and do everything manually.

assignment 10 The networking basics helped me to understand how computers communicate with one another. I really didn’t understand terms such as IP address, subnet mask, or default gateway before this topic. After working through the lessons and practicing commands like ifconfig, ping, and netstat, I learned how each part plays a role in sending and receiving information across a network and how networks are set up along with how to troubleshoot connection problems.

assignment 11 Learning network configuration really allowed me to understand how computers actually connect to a network and communicate correctly. I had never known how important the settings of IP addresses, DNS servers, and gateways were until this lesson. When I started to configure them myself, I noticed that even one mistake simply stopped the whole connection from working. Executing commands like ifconfig, ip addr, and ping showed me how to check network settings and test whether the system was communicating properly.