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Linux Command Line Basics (Udemy.com)

This is an introductory course to the Linux command Line. It's great for both Linux beginners and advanced Linux users.

Created by: Ahmed Alkabary

Last updated October 2021

Our take

Based on the ratings of 35,054 students, a sample of their written reviews and the syllabus, as the course stood in October 2021. No course pays to be reviewed.

This course covers navigating the Linux filesystem, working with files, using text editors, and building custom commands across 41 lectures and about five hours, split into six sections. Ahmed Alkabary, a Linux and UNIX administrator at IBM, pairs each video with a reference file explaining the commands covered, giving students a written reference to revisit later.

Reviewers consistently call the explanations clear and well paced, especially for people who have never touched a terminal before. Complaints cluster around two things: one reviewer found the audio too quiet across the videos, and another called the material too long for how basic it is and out of date. A third wished for less GUI demonstration and more actual command-line practice, since the course has no coding exercises or assignments.

At 4.5 stars across more than 35,000 reviews, it holds up well for what it promises, and its Highest Rated badge on Udemy tracks with that. The catch is the content has not been updated since October 2021, so newer distros or tooling changes are not reflected. Anyone wanting only the fundamentals, especially Windows or Mac users nervous about switching, will get through it fast and come away able to work a shell. Anyone past total-beginner level should look for something with more hands-on practice.

Best forWindows or Mac users switching to Linux who want core commands, not a sysadmin deep dive.
Skip it ifYou already use the terminal daily or need scripting, permissions, and networking depth.

Pros

  • A reference file paired with every video for quick review later
  • Clear, patient explanations reviewers say suit total beginners
  • Covers navigation, file editing, and building custom commands in 5 hours
  • Highest Rated on Udemy with 35,000-plus reviews at 4.5 stars

Cons

  • Not updated since October 2021, so some material is aging
  • No coding exercises or assignments, just video plus reference files
  • One reviewer reports low audio volume across the videos
Well paced and very clearly laid out. Great for an absolute beginner.
Adam Bufkin, a student

Listed as All Levels, but it really lands best for people who have never used a terminal before.

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What you will learn

  • realize the potential of the Linux command line.
  • navigating the Linux Filesystem.
  • explain the Linux Filesystem hierarchy.
  • use command options.
  • create hard and soft links.
  • use powerful Linux wild cards.
  • create,view and manipulate files.
  • use different Linux text editors (nano,gedit).
  • find help while using the Linux command line.
  • create you own Linux commands .

Course content

6 sections · 41 lectures · 5 hours of video 8 quizzes, 5 articles

  1. 1Introduction to the Command Line 3 free previews9 lectures · 3 quizzes · 1.2 hours
  2. 2Working with Files10 lectures · 1 quiz · 1.4 hours
  3. 3Viewing and Editing Files7 lectures · 47 min
  4. 4Help Yourself!4 lectures · 1 quiz · 28 min
  5. 5Make your Own Commands6 lectures · 3 quizzes · 1.1 hours
  6. 6echo "Congrats on Finishing the Course"5 lectures · 2 min

Who it is for

The instructor says it suits

  • anyone who wants to get started with Linux.
  • existing Linux users or learners who wants to be effective at using the Linux command Line.
  • windows or mac users who wants to migrate to Linux but are afraid to make the move!
  • aspiring Linux system administrators.

What you need before you start

  • A desire to learn Linux.
  • any Linux distribution installed on your computer ( even on a virtual machine).

How it compares

Against the other 1,182 rated Udemy courses in IT & Software on CourseDuck:

  • Rating4.5 out of 5higher than 45% of them
  • Reviews35,054#7 of 1,183 by number of reviews
  • Length5 hoursshorter than 53% of them
  • Last updatedOctober 2021earlier than 79% of them

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Course Description

Join the most popular #1 Linux Course on Udemy (over 155,000 students) and get two of my Best Seller books for FREE:

  1. Learn Linux Quickly
    A Friendly Guide to Easily Master the World's Most Powerful Operating System.

  2. Learn Ansible Quickly - RHCE

    Master All Ansible Automation skills required to pass EX294 exam and become a Red Hat Certified Engineer.

    ** Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is considered as one of the top paying certifications in the IT industry averaging an annual salary of $101,527 ** 

Become an effective Linux user and advance your Career. Learning the Linux Command Line will take you FAR!

  • Learn to appreciate the power of the Linux command line.

  • Understand the structure of the Linux File System.

  • Learn how to utilize Linux man pages and help tools.

  • Realize the differences between soft and hard links.

  • Learn how to navigate your Linux File System using few simple commands!

  • Learn how to create, modify and process files.

  • Learn how to create your own Linux commands.

You will also find animated videos to help you understand complex Linux concepts in a very simple way.

There is a file associated with every video explaining the commands to reinforce your understanding and to clear any confusion you have.

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Instructor Details

Ahmed Alkabary

I am a DevOps Engineer working at Boeing Canada and I have experience working with a variety of Linux/UNIX systems including Red Hat, Debian, SUSE, AIX, Solaris, and HP-UX. I also work remotely as a technical trainer and course/content developer at Robertson College.

I am also a proud member of the Linux Foundation as I was the recipient of the 2016 LiFT Academic Aces Award  & 2020 LiFT Sysadmin Super Star Award by the Linux Foundation for my contribution to the Linux project.

I am 7x Azure, 5x AWS and MCT certified and I hold the following IT certifications:

• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

• Azure DevOps Engineer Expert

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert

• Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing & Switching (CCNA)

I am also a 3x book author:

• Learn Linux Quickly

• Learn Bash Quickly

• Learn Ansible Quickly

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Reviews

4.5

35,054 ratings on Udemy

Select a bar to show only those reviews.Select the bar again to show every rating.

By Venkatasai Veldandi on 7/17/2026

nice way of explaining and great things to learn new things.

By Mark Arroyo on 7/8/2026

Thank you! It was such a refreshing experience. I highly recommend it for both beginners and advanced learners alike. The content was excellent and well presented.

By Slaven Zavodja on 5/1/2026

It is very good course so far to learn Linux commands and how to use it.

By Raghu patruni Sai Santoshi Darshini on 4/14/2026

The explanation is so good but the sound is too low for all the videos.

By Ruben Guerrero on 1/12/2026

I learned alot of commands that I didnt know previously.

By Thomas Willson on 1/5/2026

I was not sure what to expect. This class had some good knowledge and I learned a lot

By Kenneth Knierim on 12/12/2025

Very helpful some a mix of reminders and some details I was not aware of while using the Linux command line.

By Clinton Hart on 12/3/2025

The instructor presented the material in manner that was easy to understand and not boring.

By Anjar Maner on 11/16/2025

Use of language thoughout the course is very easy, way of explaination is awesome.

By Bojan Marinkovic on 11/16/2025

Overall, I’m very satisfied with this course. It’s well-structured, clear, and provides a solid foundation for anyone starting out. The instructor explains the basics in a thorough and easy-to-understand way, which makes the learning process smooth and enjoyable. My only suggestion for improvement would be to rely a bit less on the GUI when demonstrating folder contents, and instead use the command line more often. That would reinforce the commands already covered in previous lessons and make the whole section feel more complete and consistent. Still, I definitely recommend this course, it’s a great starting point for further learning.

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Overall Score : 90 / 100