jimlaren

/boot

Contains important files to boot the computer including the bootloader configuration and the kernel.

/dev

Each device on your system (such as sound cards, Webcams, etc.) has an entry in this folder. Each application accesses the device by using the relevant items inside /dev.

/etc

Systemwide configuration files for the software installed on your system are stored here.

/home

Each user account on the system has a home directory, and they are stored here.

/lib

Important system software libraries are stored here. You should never need to delve into this world of the unknown.

/media

Media devices such as CD drives and USB sticks are referenced here when they are plugged in. More on this later.

/mnt

Other devices can be mounted later. Again, more on this later.

/opt

Optional software can be installed here. This folder is usually used when you want to build your own software. If you don't build your own software, you ignore this folder.

/proc /sys

Information about the current running status of the system is stored here.

/root

This is the home directory for the main superuser.

/sbin

Software that should only be run by the superuser is stored here.

/usr

General software is installed here.

/var

This folder contains log files about the software on your computer.