The UNIX File Structure

The UNIX file structure is hierarchical, with everything stemming from the / or "root" directory.

Important Directories

/usr

The /usr directory is used for applications to store read only user data.

/etc

The /etc directory contains files that are used for configuration.

/home

The /home directory is the storage for each user, basically their personal stuff.

/tmp

The /tmp directory stores files that are temporaily generated by the system and applications.

/var

The /var directory stores files that are expected to change. This typically includes files used to store application caches, logs, and other such data.