K–6TechNest
Linux Basics
Open-source operating system
OtisBefore you start
- Age band
- K–6
- Time
- 30–60 minutes
- Quest type
- Hanging Out
- Guardian
- Cass · Box Elder
- Materials needed
- The Linux Command Line Book (Paperback)
- Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit
- How Linux Works Book
Why this skill rocks
You get to peek behind the curtains of how computers really work, learning a powerful secret language that lets you control them like a tech wizard. It's like having a special computer key!
2034Where this could take you
When the Olympics arrive in 2034, you could be the tech whiz helping keep all the computer systems running smoothly, from event timing to broadcasting, making sure everything is perfect.
What You'll Need
Optional materials for this quest.
The Linux Command Line Book (Paperback)
RequiredThe gold-standard beginner Linux book by William Shotts — also free online at linuxcommand.org, but the physical copy is way easier to use while you're at the keyboard learning commands.
Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit
RequiredA $35–80 credit-card-sized Linux computer — run a real server from your bedroom, learn hardware and networking hands-on, and have something physical to show for your work. Way more satisfying than a virtual machine alone.
How Linux Works Book
Goes one level deeper than the command line — explains what's actually happening inside Linux when you run a command. Great for curious learners who want to understand the "why" behind everything.