Intermediate Linux Troubleshooting from Coursera

Take your Linux troubleshooting skills to the next level with this intermediate course designed for experienced IT professionals. The course begins with an in-depth look at system access troubleshooting, addressing common issues such as unreachable servers, problems connecting to websites or applications, and SSH access failures. You'll also learn to resolve firewall issues, troubleshoot terminal client problems, and connect using Putty to a VirtualBox VM. These modules provide practical knowledge and techniques for maintaining robust system access in various scenarios.

Next, the course delves into comprehensive file system troubleshooting. You'll tackle challenges like navigating directories, opening files or running scripts, and finding files and directories. Learn how to create links, write to files, and manage file permissions effectively. The course also covers critical topics like handling disk space issues, creating and managing partitions with both standard and LVM methods, and extending disks using LVM. These advanced techniques ensure you can manage file systems efficiently and prevent common issues from escalating into major problems.

Finally, you'll explore methods for deleting old files and using scripts for automated file management, addressing file system corruption, and resolving issues with the /etc/fstab file. By the end of this course, you will have mastered intermediate troubleshooting techniques, ready to handle complex Linux issues with confidence and expertise. Whether you're looking to enhance your current skill set or prepare for more advanced roles, this course provides the tools and knowledge necessary for effective Linux troubleshooting.

For experienced IT pros and admins to enhance Linux troubleshooting skills. Requires foundational knowledge of Linux commands and operations.

What's inside

Syllabus

System Access Troubleshooting

In this module, we will focus on troubleshooting system access issues. You'll learn to diagnose and fix problems that prevent server reachability, connect to websites and applications, resolve SSH connection issues, and address firewall problems. Additionally, we will cover terminal client troubleshooting and connectivity issues with VirtualBox VMs using Putty.

FileSystem Troubleshooting

In this module, we will tackle common filesystem issues in Linux environments. You'll learn to navigate directories, open files, and run scripts. We will cover finding files, creating links, managing file operations, changing permissions, and dealing with disk space issues. Additionally, you will learn to create and manage partitions, extend disk space, delete old files, and handle filesystem corruption.

Good to know

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, and possible dealbreakers

Covers troubleshooting techniques for system access, which is essential for maintaining server uptime and resolving connectivity issues in professional IT environments

Explores file system troubleshooting, including managing partitions with LVM, which is a standard practice in enterprise environments for flexible storage management

Teaches practical skills for diagnosing and resolving SSH connection issues, a critical aspect of secure remote server management in IT infrastructure

Requires foundational knowledge of Linux commands and operations, suggesting it is designed for those with some experience and not for absolute beginners

Uses Putty to connect to a VirtualBox VM, requiring learners to have access to both pieces of software, which may require additional setup and configuration

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intermediate Linux Troubleshooting with these activities:

Review Basic Linux Commands

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental Linux commands to ensure a solid foundation for troubleshooting.

Browse courses on Linux Commands

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Review common commands like ls, cd, mkdir, rm, cp, mv.
Practice using man pages to understand command options.
Complete online tutorials covering basic Linux command usage.

Review Networking Fundamentals

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Refresh your knowledge of networking concepts to better diagnose system access issues.

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Review the OSI model and TCP/IP stack.
Study common network protocols like HTTP, SSH, and DNS.
Practice using network diagnostic tools like ping and traceroute.

Read 'Linux Bible'

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Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of Linux system administration and troubleshooting.

View Linux Bible on Amazon

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Read chapters related to system administration and networking.
Refer to the book when encountering unfamiliar concepts in the course.
Use the book to explore advanced topics beyond the course syllabus.

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Simulate System Access Issues

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Practice troubleshooting system access issues in a controlled environment to reinforce your skills.

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Set up a virtual machine with intentionally misconfigured SSH settings.
Configure firewall rules to block access to specific services.
Attempt to connect to the VM and troubleshoot the connection issues.

Simulate File System Problems

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Practice resolving file system issues to improve your ability to manage and troubleshoot storage problems.

Browse courses on File System

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Fill a virtual disk with dummy files to simulate disk space issues.
Change file permissions to prevent access to certain users.
Create corrupted files and practice recovering them.

Read 'The Practice of System and Network Administration'

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Study this book to learn best practices for system and network administration, including advanced troubleshooting techniques.

View The Practice of System and Network... on Amazon

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Read chapters related to troubleshooting, monitoring, and automation.
Apply the principles discussed in the book to your Linux troubleshooting practice.
Explore advanced topics like configuration management and infrastructure as code.

Automated Troubleshooting Script

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Develop a script to automate common Linux troubleshooting tasks, reinforcing your scripting and problem-solving skills.

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Identify common troubleshooting tasks that can be automated.
Write a script to perform these tasks, including error handling and logging.
Test the script thoroughly and refine it based on your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Intermediate Linux Troubleshooting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

A systems administrator is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially servers. This course is exceptionally helpful for troubleshooting system access issues, like unreachable servers, SSH failures, and firewall problems, which are everyday challenges for a systems administrator. The course also helps in managing filesystems, including navigation, permissions, and troubleshooting disk space issues. A successful systems administrator must also understand how to create and manage partitions and extend disk space. The training in this course helps build a foundation for these critical tasks.

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Linux Administrator

A Linux administrator specializes in the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Linux-based systems. This course is a direct path to enhancing the ability of a Linux administrator to manage system access. It also trains on file system issues and handling disk space, all of which falls squarely within the duties of a Linux administrator. Specifically, detailed instruction on managing partitions using LVM methods and dealing with disk corruption is invaluable for a Linux administrator, as this directly affects their day-to-day work. The skills taught in this course are essential for a Linux administrator, and the curriculum is well aligned with the tasks they perform.

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Network Administrator

A network administrator manages an organization's computer network, ensuring smooth and secure operation. This course is directly applicable because it covers essential troubleshooting techniques, such as diagnosing server reachability and resolving firewall issues which are vital for network administrators. The course also delves into fixing SSH connection problems and resolving terminal client issues. Given the focus on diagnosing and correcting these kinds of issues, this course is a great fit for anyone planning to become a network administrator and should assist them in quickly resolving network issues and maintaining a robust, reliable network.

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IT Systems Specialist

An IT systems specialist focuses on the management of complex IT systems, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently. This course greatly assists an IT systems specialist by enhancing skills in diagnosing and resolving system access issues, which is crucial for keeping IT infrastructure operational. Also, the course's coverage of file system management, including permissions, disk space, and partition management, is very helpful for daily system maintenance. The IT systems specialist also needs to know how to resolve issues with the /etc/fstab file and disk corruption. The skills obtained in this course will enhance the capability of any IT systems specialist.

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Site Reliability Engineer

A site reliability engineer ensures IT systems operate reliably, with a focus on automation and system health. This course will likely assist in diagnosing and resolving system access problems, such as server reachability and SSH issues, which are vital for maintaining system availability. Also, a site reliability engineer will find the course's coverage of file system issues, including disk management and permissions, quite useful. The training from the course will help a site reliability engineer in keeping critical systems running smoothly.

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Technical Support Engineer

A technical support engineer provides expert support for complex technical issues, often specializing in platforms, software or systems. This course helps a technical support engineer become more effective in diagnosing and resolving server issues, SSH access failures, and firewall problems. The detailed training on file systems, including navigation, permissions, and disk management, is particularly applicable to this role. The troubleshooting focus of the course is highly relevant to a technical support engineer who is responsible for finding solutions to difficult technical issues. This course is very helpful in empowering a technical support engineer to efficiently address complex problems.

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DevOps Engineer

A DevOps engineer works to bridge the gap between software development and IT operations, and is often tasked with maintaining the infrastructure needed for code deployment. This course will likely help a DevOps Engineer, as the training in system access troubleshooting is critical to ensuring that their systems remain accessible and functional. Additionally, the course's extensive coverage of file system handling including disk management and permission issues, allows a DevOps engineer to ensure efficient and secure operations. It helps to prepare a DevOps engineer to manage the complex infrastructure on which software is hosted, and the skills taught by the course are very useful for the role.

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IT Support Specialist

An IT support specialist provides technical support to users, helping with hardware and software issues. This course helps an IT support specialist by improving their skills in troubleshooting system access and file system issues, both of which are common problems they encounter. Learning how to resolving common issues like unreachable servers, SSH connection failures, and firewall errors empowers an IT support specialist to better assist users. By understanding how to navigate directories, manage file permissions, and handle disk space problems, an IT support specialist can provide more efficient support. They may also be required to troubleshoot terminal client problems. This course is directly helpful for these responsibilities.

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Cloud Engineer

A cloud engineer is a professional who handles the design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud computing systems. This course can help a cloud engineer diagnose server reachability, troubleshoot SSH connections, and resolve firewall problems, which are essential for managing any cloud infrastructure. Also, this course covers file system management and dealing with disk space issues, all of which are common tasks. The training to effectively manage these aspects is particularly valuable to a cloud engineer. Learning these skills may greatly improve a cloud engineer's ability to ensure the reliability and performance of cloud resources.

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System Analyst

A system analyst investigates computer systems and works to improve their efficiency. This course may help a system analyst understand the root cause of system access problems, like unreachable servers and SSH connection failures. Knowledge of file system troubleshooting also allows the system analyst to better understand how to manage data storage and identify performance bottlenecks. The course’s training can provide a foundation for discovering and implementing changes to improve overall system stability. Learning these skills may aid in the system analyst's job in optimizing IT infrastructure.

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Technical Consultant

A technical consultant provides expert advice on technology-related issues and helps organizations implement solutions. This course greatly assists in the preparation of a technical consultant, as the troubleshooting skills taught in the course are directly applicable to the kind of problems they may encounter. The course’s training in diagnosing system access issues and resolving file system problems, along with permissions and disk management, may be extremely helpful for a consultant providing IT-related advice. The knowledge gained will substantially improve the value that a technical consultant offers.

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Database Administrator

A database administrator is responsible for managing and securing databases, which are often stored on Linux servers. This course may be useful to a database administrator, because it teaches file system navigation, file permissions, and troubleshooting disk space issues. These skills are crucial for maintaining the integrity and availability of databases on Linux systems. Also, the database administrator will likely benefit from training on how to handle system access problems including fixing server inaccessibility. The knowledge gained may be helpful in ensuring database reliability.

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Security Analyst

A security analyst protects an organization's computer systems and networks by identifying and resolving security vulnerabilities. This course will be useful to a security analyst, because it teaches how to resolve firewall issues and troubleshoot system access problems. Also, the course includes training on managing file system permissions and handling access issues, all of which are extremely relevant to a security analyst who needs to secure systems from unauthorized access. Skills garnered from the course may help a security analyst to understand how to identify security vulnerabilities and how to protect systems from potential threats.

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Software Developer

A software developer creates and maintains software code for computer applications. This course may be useful to a software developer. The course teaches command line navigation, working with file permissions, and working with virtual machines. Some software development tasks may require some familiarity with a Linux environment, especially for those who work in backend development. All of these tasks may be necessary for a software developer. It is helpful for a software developer to understand how to manage software and deployments on a Linux server, and the skills gained here will provide an understanding of those tasks.

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Data Scientist

A data scientist analyzes large datasets to derive insights and make data-driven decisions. This course may help a data scientist, because data is often stored on Linux systems, and a data scientist may need the ability to navigate, manage, and troubleshoot Linux file systems. The course's focus on disk management and file permissions may improve a data scientist's understanding of the systems where the data resides. The skills gained here may help a data scientist in their work with data processing. For example, a data scientist may need to manage large data sets stored on Linux file systems.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intermediate Linux Troubleshooting.

The Practice of System and Network Administration

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Provides a comprehensive guide to system and network administration best practices. It covers a wide range of topics, including troubleshooting methodologies, automation, and security. While not strictly focused on Linux, the principles and techniques discussed are highly applicable to Linux environments. This book is more valuable as additional reading to broaden your understanding of system administration principles.

The Practice of System and Network Administration,...

Paperback

Practice of System and Network Administration, The:...

Kindle Edition

Linux Bible

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The 'Linux Bible' provides a comprehensive overview of Linux, covering everything from basic commands to advanced system administration tasks. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying principles of Linux and how to troubleshoot common issues. is particularly useful for solidifying foundational knowledge and exploring topics in greater depth than the course alone. It is commonly used as a reference by both students and professionals.

Linux Bible

Paperback

$$$

Intermediate Linux Troubleshooting

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What's inside

Syllabus

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