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Jerry Cooperstein and Eric Egan

This course is ideal for those new to IT, or those who have worked with operating systems other than Linux and want to move into a career administering Linux systems. Aspiring cloud professionals will also benefit from understanding Linux administration as it serves as the basis of most cloud instances.

Along with real-world experience and study, this course will provide the skills and knowledge also tested by the Linux Foundation Certified Systems Administrator (LFCS) exam.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • After completing this course, you should be able to:
  • Administer, configure, and upgrade linux systems running one of the major linux distribution families: debian/ubuntu and red hat/centos/fedora
  • Master the tools and concepts needed to efficiently build and manage an enterprise linux infrastructure
  • Work with git and perform essential collaborative tasks
  • Use state-of-the-art system administration techniques in real-life scenarios via practical labs, and more.

Syllabus

Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Linux Filesystem Tree Layout
Chapter 3. User Environment
Chapter 4. User Account Management
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides skills and knowledge that are also tested by the Linux Foundation Certified Systems Administrator (LFCS) exam, which can help learners gain certification
Covers administering, configuring, and upgrading Linux systems running Debian/Ubuntu and Red Hat/CentOS/Fedora, which are major Linux distribution families
Explores state-of-the-art system administration techniques in real-life scenarios via practical labs, which can help learners gain hands-on experience
Taught by The Linux Foundation, which is known for its contributions to the Linux ecosystem and its certifications
Includes a module on Git, which is essential for collaborative tasks in modern software development and system administration environments
Features a module on containers, which are a fundamental technology in modern cloud infrastructure and application deployment

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Reviews summary

Essential linux system administration foundation

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in Linux system administration, particularly for those new to the field or aiming for the LFCS certification. Many students highlight the value of the practical labs, describing them as highly useful and essential for understanding concepts. The breadth of topics covered, from file systems and package management to networking and security, is often seen as a comprehensive overview. Some mention that while the course offers a strong introduction, certain advanced topics might require further study. The course is frequently recommended for its practical, hands-on approach.
Mixed views on pace and topic depth.
"Some sections moved a bit too quickly, requiring extra time to review."
"While broad, certain topics could benefit from more in-depth explanation and examples."
"For absolute beginners, the pace might be challenging at times."
"I wish there was more detail on advanced networking or scripting topics."
"Experienced users might find some early parts too basic, but it ramps up."
Helpful for LFCS exam readiness.
"This course aligns well with the LFCS objectives and serves as a solid study resource."
"I feel much more prepared for the LFCS exam after completing this course."
"The content directly covers many topics tested on the certification exam."
"Taking this course is a very useful step if you plan on taking the Linux Foundation certification."
"While not a complete replacement for dedicated exam prep, it provides a strong knowledge base."
Well-suited for newcomers to Linux.
"As someone new to Linux, I found this course very accessible and easy to follow."
"It starts with the basics and gradually builds up, which was perfect for my level."
"Highly recommended for beginners looking to get into Linux system administration."
"If you have no prior Linux experience, this is a great starting point."
"The pace was just right for understanding fundamental concepts."
Covers a wide range of essential topics.
"The course covered a vast array of topics, giving me a comprehensive overview of Linux administration."
"I learned about everything from file permissions to networking and security, which is exactly what I needed."
"The syllabus is very thorough, touching upon almost all key areas mentioned in the course description."
"It provides a good introduction to many different areas of Linux administration."
"A great course that covers the essentials needed for system administration."
Labs provide crucial hands-on experience.
"The labs provided are absolutely crucial for grasping the concepts, I found them very practical and helpful."
"Hands-on exercises were the most valuable part; they helped solidify theoretical knowledge immensely."
"I really appreciated the included labs, they are useful for applying what was learned."
"The practical exercises were well-designed and directly applicable."
"Could use more labs for certain complex topics, but the existing ones are great."

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 Linux System Administration Essentials with these activities:
The Linux Command Line
Reinforce your understanding of the Linux command line, which is essential for system administration tasks.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Try out the commands in a virtual machine.
  • Take notes on important concepts.
Review Networking Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of networking concepts, which are crucial for configuring and managing network services in Linux.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous networking courses.
  • Watch introductory videos on networking concepts.
  • Complete practice quizzes on subnetting and routing.
Linux Bible
Expand your knowledge of Linux system administration with this comprehensive guide.
View Linux Bible on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Experiment with the examples provided in the book.
  • Use the book as a reference for troubleshooting issues.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice User Management Commands
Solidify your knowledge of user account management by practicing common commands like useradd, usermod, and userdel.
Show steps
  • Create a set of practice scenarios for user management.
  • Execute the commands in a virtual machine.
  • Document the results of each command.
Document Common System Administration Tasks
Improve your understanding and retention by creating documentation for common system administration tasks.
Show steps
  • Choose a set of system administration tasks.
  • Perform each task in a virtual machine.
  • Document each step of the process.
  • Organize the documentation into a user-friendly format.
Automate System Administration Tasks with Bash Scripting
Apply your knowledge of Linux system administration by automating tasks using Bash scripting.
Show steps
  • Identify repetitive system administration tasks.
  • Write Bash scripts to automate those tasks.
  • Test the scripts thoroughly.
  • Document the scripts and their usage.
Contribute to a Linux Project
Deepen your understanding of Linux by contributing to an open-source project.
Show steps
  • Find a Linux project that interests you.
  • Review the project's contribution guidelines.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a patch or pull request.

Career center

Learners who complete Linux System Administration Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Linux Administrator
A Linux Administrator is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, particularly servers running the Linux operating system. This course provides the skills and knowledge tested by the Linux Foundation Certified Systems Administrator exam. Mastering the techniques to administer, configure, and upgrade Linux systems running one of the major Linux distribution families like Debian and Red Hat is essential for a Linux administrator. Also essential in this role is understanding user account management, file permissions, package management, and network configuration. The Linux administrator also benefits from learning version control through Git, as well as about firewalls and security.
Cloud Engineer
A Cloud Engineer designs, plans, manages, and maintains cloud computing environments. This course is suited for those interested in becoming cloud professionals. Almost all cloud environments are set up on Linux instances, so understanding Linux administration is key to becoming a cloud engineer. This course provides the fundamentals, notably in system administration, and mastering the tools needed to efficiently build and manage Linux infrastructure. The cloud engineer must also understand storage with logical volume management, as well as networking. Working with Git helps ensure that the cloud engineer can collaborate with ease.
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer focuses on the overall design, integration, and management of complex systems. This course provides the basics and tools needed to administer and configure Linux systems. The systems engineer must master the tools and concepts needed to efficiently build and manage an enterprise Linux infrastructure. Also covered are key areas such as networking, security, and system initialization. The systems engineer will also want to understand kernel services, device configuration, and backup and recovery methods.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer works to automate and streamline the processes of software development and deployment. This course equips one with the essential system administration skills needed to excel as a DevOps Engineer, especially when working within a Linux environment. Mastering system administration techniques, including administering, configuring, and upgrading Linux systems is crucial. The DevOps Engineer also benefits from a familiarity with Git, containers, and automation of infrastructure management. Understanding security and networking are also important for this role.
Technical Support Specialist
A Technical Support Specialist troubleshoots and resolves technical issues for customers or internal users. This course provides a foundation in Linux system administration that may be particularly useful if supporting Linux-based systems or users. Skills in user account management, file system navigation, and process monitoring, helps the technical support specialist diagnose and resolve issues. The technical support specialist must also understand package management. Also covered are key areas such as networking, security, and system initialization.
Site Reliability Engineer
A Site Reliability Engineer ensures the reliability, performance, and scalability of systems and services. The knowledge learned in this course may be directly applied to managing and troubleshooting Linux-based systems, which are common in modern infrastructures. Essential skills for the Site Reliability Engineer covered include administering, configuring, and upgrading Linux systems, mastering system administration techniques, and working with file systems. Also pertinent are sections on process monitoring, memory management, and network configuration.
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator is responsible for maintaining and managing computer networks. This course may be helpful, as it covers numerous Linux-based tools and concepts. The network configuration and network device configuration covered are essential for a network administrator. A foundation with firewalls and security is also key. You may also want to study up on LDAP, a directory service protocol often used in network administration.
IT Systems Analyst
An IT Systems Analyst evaluates an organization's IT systems and infrastructure to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course may provide a solid understanding of Linux system administration. Understanding how to administer, configure, and upgrade Linux systems helps the IT systems analyst be able to make informed recommendations. Also valuable is knowledge of file systems, system initialization, and security. Understanding the basics of Linux helps the IT systems analyst evaluate the role that Linux plays in the organization.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst is responsible for monitoring and protecting an organization's systems and data from security threats. This course may be valuable due to its coverage of Linux security modules, firewalls, and system rescue techniques. Key skills that help one succeed as a security analyst include administering, configuring, and upgrading Linux systems, as well as expertise in file permissions. Understanding user account management is also a must. This helps the security analyst understand the fundamentals of Linux security.
IT Manager
An IT Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing all computer-related activities within an organization. This role may benefit from this course. While an IT manager is not often doing hands-on administration, the course may help one grasp the underlying technologies and challenges faced by their team. Useful topics include administering, configuring, and upgrading Linux systems; user account management; and security. Understanding system initialization and backup and recovery methods may also prove useful.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. Understanding the underlying operating system, specifically Linux, may be helpful in optimizing database performance and ensuring data integrity. This course may help the Database Administrator learn about Linux file systems, user account management, and security configurations. Understanding the basics of Linux helps the database administrator understand the environment in which the database operates.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes and interprets complex data to help organizations make better decisions. While not directly related to data science, understanding Linux system administration may be useful for setting up and managing data science environments as well as servers. This course may help the Data Scientist learn about Linux file systems and user account management. Understanding the basics of Linux helps the data scientist manage data analysis and processing environments.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs, codes, and modifies websites, from layout to function, according to a client's specifications. This course may be helpful to a web developer, especially when deploying or managing web applications on Linux servers. This course may help the web developer understand Linux file systems, user account management, and security configurations. Understanding system administration gives one more flexibility when deploying code.
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course may provide a basic understanding of Linux system administration. Understanding how IT infrastructure is managed may help the Project Manager better coordinate technical projects. Useful topics include administering, configuring, and upgrading Linux systems; user account management; and security. This helps a project manager understand the technical aspects of a project.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst identifies an organization's needs and determines solutions to business problems. This course may provide a general appreciation for the technologies that support the business. Key topics that may be illuminating are about system administration, user account management, and security. A business analyst with a command of the technologies that power an enterprise are better suited to propose appropriate solutions.

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 Linux System Administration Essentials.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Linux command line, covering essential commands and utilities. It's particularly useful for beginners who want to gain a solid foundation in navigating and manipulating the Linux environment. This book serves as a great reference for understanding the underlying principles of Linux system administration and is often used as a supplementary text in introductory Linux courses.
The Linux Bible comprehensive guide to Linux, covering a wide range of topics from basic usage to advanced system administration. It's a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users. provides in-depth explanations and practical examples, making it an excellent reference for mastering Linux system administration. It is commonly used as a textbook in Linux courses.

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