Linux layout for Windows users

Last Updated: Thu, Feb 13, 2025

Introduction

When it comes to operating systems, Linux and Windows are two of the most widely used platforms. While they both serve the same fundamental purpose of managing computer resources and providing an interface for users to interact with the system, there are significant differences in how they structure and organize their file systems. In this article, we’ll explore the contrasting approaches of the Linux file system hierarchy and the Windows file system, highlighting the key differences and similarities between the two.

For the Windows users I will attempt to describe a comparison of where files are stored on a Linux system. This wont be exact equivelents because the operating systems are very different, but they are an approximation.

If you can remember these three golden rules it will make your life easier.

1. Everything in Linux is under the root directory, ‘/’. No more A: C: D: stuff.
2. Everything is part of the directory, even devices.
3. Everything in Linux is case sensitive.

Linux File System Hierarchy

The Linux file system follows a tree-like hierarchical structure, with the root directory serving as the base of the entire file system. The root directory is represented by a forward slash (/), and all other directories and files are organized beneath it. This structure provides a logical and organized approach to file management.

Root Directory (/):

The root directory is the topmost level of the Linux file system hierarchy. It is the starting point from which all other directories and files are accessed. Unlike Windows, where each drive (e.g., C:, D:) has its own root directory, Linux has a single root directory that encompasses the entire file system.

Important Directories:

• /bin: Contains essential command binaries accessible to all users.
• /etc: Stores system configuration files.
• /home: Serves as the default location for user home directories.
• /lib: Houses shared libraries and kernel modules.
• /mnt: Provides a temporary mount point for removable devices.
• /media: Similar to /mnt, used for mounting removable media.
• /opt: Reserved for optional software packages.
• /usr: Contains user-related programs and utilities.
• /var: Holds variable data, such as logs and temporary files.

Mounted Drives:

In Linux, additional drives or partitions are typically mounted under the /mnt or /media directories. For example, if you have a secondary hard drive, it might be mounted at /mnt/secondary or /media/secondary. This approach allows for seamless integration of multiple storage devices into the file system hierarchy.

Windows File System

Windows follows a different approach to file system organization, utilizing drive letters and a hierarchical structure within each drive.

Drive Letters:

Windows assigns a drive letter (e.g., C:, D:, E:) to each physical or logical drive connected to the system. The most common drive letter is C:, which typically represents the primary hard drive where the operating system is installed.

Directory Structure:

Within each drive, Windows organizes files and directories in a hierarchical manner. The topmost level of each drive serves as its own root directory. For example, the root directory of the C: drive is C:.

Important Directories:

• C:\Windows: Contains the Windows operating system files.
• C:\Program Files: Stores installed applications and software.
• C:\Users: Holds user-specific directories, including the user’s home directory.
• C:\Documents and Settings: Used in older versions of Windows for user directories.

Network Drives:

In Windows, network drives are typically assigned a drive letter (e.g., Z:) and can be accessed as if they were local drives. This allows for convenient access to shared resources on a network.

Comparing Linux and Windows File Systems

Path Separator:

• Linux uses the forward slash (/) as the path separator.
• Windows uses the backslash () as the path separator.

Case Sensitivity:

• Linux file systems are case-sensitive, meaning “file.txt” and “File.txt” are treated as different files.
• Windows file systems are case-insensitive, treating “file.txt” and “File.txt” as the same file.

File Extensions:

In Linux, file extensions are optional and not strictly required. The system relies on file contents to determine the file type. Windows heavily relies on file extensions to identify and associate files with specific applications.

Hidden Files:

In Linux, hidden files and directories are prefixed with a dot (.) and are not displayed by default in file managers. Windows uses file attributes to mark files as hidden, and they are not displayed by default in Explorer.

My Documents

The equivalent place in Linux would be /home/yourusername.

Where is my C: drive?

Your “C: drive” is now called root, or ‘/’. It is a representation of your entire system, even other hard drives are under this directory.

Where is my X: drive?

Linux actually doesn’t used the driveletter: technique like other operating systems. With Linux you make a directory and “mount” the drive to that directory. Any time you manipulate something inside that directory you are making changes to that particular hard drive.

The great thing about Linux is that you can mount your drive anywhere you like (good places would be /media, /mnt or /home).

Where is program X?

Most likely in /usr you can find out for sure by doing, ‘whereis X’. Most programs will run by simply typing it’s name in the command prompt.

Windows/System32

The guts of the linux system can be found in /lib.