Lab: Key Directories in Linux - Understanding the Functions of /etc, /bin,
/home, and /var
Objective
Students will analyze the roles of key directories in Linux, including /etc, /bin,
/home, and /var. The lab aims to provide a deeper understanding of how the Linux
filesystem is structured to support system configuration, software, user data, and
logs.
Equipment/Tools Needed
Computer with Linux installed (physical or virtual machine)
Terminal application
Internet access for research
Content
1. Introduction
o Overview of the Linux filesystem hierarchy and its purpose.
o Importance of key directories in system organization and functionality.
2. Research Component
Students will investigate:
o Functions of Key Directories:
/etc: Contains system configuration files (e.g., /etc/passwd,
/etc/fstab).
/bin: Houses essential user binaries required for basic system
operation (e.g., ls, cat, bash).
/home: Stores user-specific data and configuration files.
/var: Contains variable data such as logs, caches, and spool files
(e.g., /var/log, /var/tmp).
o Importance of Directory Structure:
Enables modularity and organization of system components.
Facilitates troubleshooting by segregating logs and configuration
files.
o Examples of Interactions Between Directories:
How /etc configurations affect binaries in /bin.
Log management in /var for applications in /bin.
3. Hands-On Component
o Explore the contents of each directory using ls and tree.
o Analyze specific files within these directories:
View /etc/passwd and explain its structure.
Run binaries from /bin and describe their usage.
Navigate a user’s home directory (/home/username) and explore
hidden configuration files.
View log files in /var/log and describe their role in system
monitoring.
o Modify a configuration file in /etc (e.g., /etc/hosts) and observe its
impact.
4. Key Deliverables
o A written explanation (200–300 words) of the roles and importance
of /etc, /bin, /home, and /var.
o A log of commands used during the hands-on tasks and observations
made.
o A reflection on the significance of the Linux directory structure in
maintaining a functional and organized system.
5. Activity Process
o Step 1: Research the purposes of key Linux directories and their
functions.
o Step 2: Perform hands-on tasks to explore and analyze the directories.
o Step 3: Compile findings into a report and task log.
o Step 4: Reflect on how these directories contribute to system
functionality and user management.
Rubric
Criteria Excellent (5) Good (4) Fair (3) Poor (1-2)
Minimal
Thorough research Good research Limited
Research research or
with credible with minor research;
Quality lack of
sources cited. omissions. sources unclear.
sources.
Task Log Comprehensive and Accurate with Basic and Poorly
well-documented partially documented
Criteria Excellent (5) Good (4) Fair (3) Poor (1-2)
commands and
minor omissions. incomplete. or missing.
outputs.
Demonstrates clear Demonstrates
Hands-On Basic Minimal or
understanding good
Exploratio understanding unclear tasks
through thorough understanding
n of tasks. performed.
tasks. with minor gaps.
Clear, insightful, and Basic Unclear or
Clear with minor
Report well-supported understanding, lacks strong
gaps in reasoning.
analysis. lacks depth. reasoning.
Basic Unclear or
Insightful and well- Clear with minor
Reflection understanding, lacks
articulated. gaps in insight.
lacks depth. significance.
