LINUX generally consists of five basic elements or components as given below: 

• Kernel: It is considered a core or main part of Linux and is generally responsible for all major activities of OS such as process management, device management, etc.  
• System Library: These are special functions or PROGRAMS with the help of which application programs or system utilities can access features of the kernel without any requirement of code. It is simply used to implement the FUNCTIONALITY of the OS. 
• System Utility: These are utility programs that are responsible to perform specialized and individual-level TASKS. They are considered more liable and ALLOW users to manage the computer.  
• Hardware: It is physical hardware that includes items such as a mouse, keyboard, display, CPU, etc. 
• Shell: It is an environment in which we can run our commands, shell scripts, and programs. It is an interface between user and kernel that hides all complexities of functions of the kernel from the user. It is used to execute commands.