Differences between bin, sbin, /usr/bin and /usr/sbin
  /bin     This directory contains executable programs which are needed     in single user mode and to bring the system up or repair it.  /sbin     Like /bin, this directory holds commands needed to boot the      system, but which are usually not executed by normal users.  /usr/bin     This is the primary directory for executable programs. Most     programs executed by normal users which are not needed for      booting or for repairing the system and which are not     installed locally should be placed in this directory.  /usr/local     This is where programs which are local to the site typically     go.  /usr/local/bin     Binaries for programs local to the site.  /usr/local/sbin     Locally installed programs for system administration.