Linux System Optimization: 5 Essential Tips for Beginners

The article introduces five practical tips for Linux system optimization, covering basic maintenance, performance improvement, and security hardening. Tip 1: Regularly update the system (use `apt update/upgrade` for Debian/Ubuntu, and `yum/dnf update` for CentOS/RHEL), and clean up caches (`apt clean` + `autoremove`) to ensure security and performance. Tip 2: Reduce resource usage by disabling redundant services (`systemctl disable`) and adjusting the kernel parameter `vm.swappiness=10` to avoid excessive memory swapping. Tip 3: Optimize the file system by checking disk health (`fsck`), and modify `fstab` to add `noatime` to disable file access time recording and improve read/write speed. Tip 4: Enhance command-line efficiency by using `htop` instead of `top`, and set aliases in `~/.bashrc` (e.g., `alias ll='ls -l'`). Tip 5: Perform basic security hardening by enabling the UFW firewall (allowing SSH ports) and modifying `sshd_config` to disable `PermitRootLogin` to prevent attacks. These operations can improve system fluency and security, suitable for beginners to solidify basic knowledge. Advanced optimizations such as kernel parameters can be explored subsequently.