# Linux Structure
Linux and Windows have different ways of organizing their file systems. In Linux, everything starts from a single root directory `/`, while Windows begins with separate drives like `C:\` or `D:\`. This means that in Linux, all files and directories are part of one large tree-like structure, whereas Windows treats each drive as an independent storage space.
System and program files are also organized differently. In Linux, system configuration files are typically stored in `/etc/`, while executable programs are found in directories like `/bin/`, `/usr/bin/`, and `/sbin/`. In Windows, system files are mainly located in `C:\Windows\`, and programs are installed in `C:\Program Files\` or `C:\Program Files (x86)\` for 32-bit applications.
User data also follows distinct structures. Linux stores user-specific files in `/home/username/` (in our case it’s ‘`kali`’), where documents, downloads, and configurations are neatly placed. Windows, on the other hand, stores user files in `C:\Users\Username\`, with subdirectories like `Documents`, `Downloads`, and `Desktop`.
Another key difference is how devices and hardware are managed. In Linux, devices such as hard drives, USBs, and even the keyboard are treated as files, typically found in `/dev/`. In Windows, devices are managed through a dedicated device manager, and drives appear under This PC with assigned letters like `C:` or `D:`.
Overall, Linux follows a more unified and modular structure where everything is treated as a file, while Windows relies on a drive-based, graphical approach that separates system components, applications, and user data.
The following image shows how the directory structure or file system of Linux is organized in a tree-like structure:
The following table explains a few important directories and their uses in Linux. This is just an overview—you'll learn more about additional directories and their purposes as you gain hands-on experience with Linux.
| Directory | Purpose |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `/` | Root directory. The top-level of the system. Everything starts from here. |
| `/bin` | Essential system programs (e.g., `ls`, `cp`, `mv`). Used by all users. |
| `/sbin` | System administration programs (e.g., `iptables`, `reboot`). Mostly for root user. |
| `/usr/bin` | Extra programs installed (e.g., `nmap`, `hydra`). Regular users can use them. |
| `/usr/sbin` | Extra system admin tools (e.g., `apache2`, `mysql`). Mostly for root user. |
| `/etc` | Configuration files for the system and applications (e.g., `passwd`, `shadow`). |
| `/home` | Personal files for each user (e.g., `/home/user/`). |
| `/root` | Home directory of the root (admin) user. |
| `/tmp` | Temporary files. Deleted automatically after reboot. |
| `/var` | Stores logs, cache, and databases (e.g., `/var/log`, `/var/lib`). |
| `/opt` | Third-party software (e.g., extra tools like Burp Suite). |
| `/boot` | Boot files like the Linux kernel and GRUB bootloader. |
| `/dev` | Contains device files (e.g., `sda` for hard drives, `tty` for terminals). |
| `/mnt` | Mount point for external drives (e.g., USB, network drives). |
| `/media` | Auto-mounting for USB and CD/DVD drives. |
| `/proc` | Virtual system info files (e.g., CPU, memory usage). |
| `/sys` | Another virtual system folder. Used by the kernel to manage hardware. |
| `/lib` & `/lib64` | System libraries needed for running programs. |
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