How to Set Up Your Environment to Practice Linux Commands?

Learning Linux commands is a game-changer for anyone stepping into IT, development, or cybersecurity. But here’s a common hurdle: what if you don’t have a dedicated Linux server to practice on? The good news is, you don’t need one.

Whether you’re using Windows, prefer a virtual setup, or want to jump straight into an online terminal, there are multiple ways to get started with Linux commands, without relying on a remote server.

This guide walks you through the best options, from using WSL on Windows to exploring cloud-based terminals and even configuring PuTTY for more advanced users.

How to Set Up Your Environment to Practice Linux Commands Even if You Don’t Have a Remote Server?

Using PuTTY

PuTTY is a popular SSH (Secure Shell) client that lets you connect to remote servers and control them via the command line. But here’s the catch: PuTTY needs a server to connect to. If you don’t have one, it won’t do much on its own.

Option 1: Use WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) – For Windows Users

WSL lets you run Linux directly inside your Windows system.

How to Set It Up:

1. Press Win + X, select Terminal (Admin).
2. Run:
   bash
   wsl --install
3. Restart your computer when prompted.
4. Open Ubuntu (or your chosen distro) from the Start menu.

Boom! You now have a full Linux terminal on your Windows machine.

No PuTTY required with WSL.

Option 2: Install a Virtual Machine (VM)

Use software like VirtualBox to install a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) inside your computer.

Steps:

1. Download and install VirtualBox.
   
2. Download an Ubuntu ISO from ubuntu.com.
   
3. Create a new VM in VirtualBox and load the ISO file.
   
4. Boot it up and start practicing.

This gives you a full Linux desktop inside your current OS.

Explore: Automate Tasks with Cron Jobs in Linux

Option 3: Use an Online Linux Terminal

For quick practice without installations, online terminals are awesome.

Try These:

• JSLinux
  
• Webminal
  
• TutorialsPoint Linux Terminal

Great for:

• Beginners
  
• Practicing basic commands
  
• Running short scripts

Still Want to Use PuTTY?

If you’re set on using PuTTY, here are ways to get a server:

Option A: Set Up SSH on WSL

Once WSL is installed, you can run an SSH server locally:

bash

sudo apt update

sudo apt install openssh-server

sudo service ssh start

Then, in PuTTY, connect to localhost with port 22.

Option B: Use a Cloud Provider (e.g., AWS or DigitalOcean)

Many cloud services offer free or low-cost Linux VMs:

• AWS EC2 Free Tier
  
• Google Cloud Free Tier
  
• DigitalOcean ($5/month droplets)
  

You’ll get a public IP and credentials to connect using PuTTY.

Also Read: Linux Performance Monitoring Tools

Conclusion

Getting hands-on with Linux doesn’t have to mean setting up a remote server or shelling out for a cloud subscription right away. With tools like WSL, virtual machines, and even browser-based terminals, you can start building your command-line confidence in minutes.

And if you’re eager to dive deeper with PuTTY, options like local SSH or cloud VMs are just a few steps away. Choose the method that suits your learning style and get started, because the best way to learn Linux is by using it.