Crs 420
Linux System Administration Part 1

This course teaches the fundamental skills required to administer a Linux system. As most administration is performed at the command line (as opposed to using graphical tools) the course covers command line tools, scripting and utilities, before discussing key administrative tasks including file system management, user and group management, system logging, filesystem backup, booting, system documentation, and printer management.

The course is closely aligned with the objectives of the Linux Professional Institute's examination 101.

Course Outline

Working at the Command Line

  • Using the shell
  • Managing files and directories
  • Processing text with filter programs
  • Using pipes and redirecting I/O streams
  • Searching files using regular expressions
  • Managing processes

Configuring and Managing the File System

  • A tour of the file system organisation
  • Partitioning disks and creating file systems
  • Checking file system integrity
  • Manual and boot-time mounting of file systems
  • Controlling disk quotas
  • Manage file access permissions and ownership
  • Using hard links and symbolic links

Editing and Scripting

  • Learning to love vi
  • Creating simple shell scripts
  • Using variables, arguments, and I/O in scripts
  • Looping and branching in scripts
  • Shell startup scripts

Booting and Shutting Down

  • Configuring the boot loader
  • Changing run levels
  • Configuring run levels via inittab
  • Performing a clean shutdown and reboot

Linux Documentation

  • Finding and interpreting the man pages
  • HOWTO documents
  • The Linux Documentation Project
  • Locating documentation on the Internet

Core Administrative Tasks

  • Managing user accounts and groups
  • Customising the user environment
  • Configuring and monitoring system log files
  • Scheduling jobs with at and cron
  • Backing up the file system

Printers and Printing

  • Creating, monitoring and managing print queues
  • Printing files
  • Installing local and remote printers

Intended Audience

The course is designed for computer professionals wishing to enter the field of Linux system administration at the corporate (as opposed to home user) level. It is also appropriate for database administrators, network support staff, or helpdesk staff requiring a sound knowledge of the day-to-day running of a Linux installation.

Some previous experience of using Linux at the command line is desirable. Course 410 "Introduction to Linux" provides adequate background. Alternatively, the course would be suitable for attendees experienced in administering other platforms who are comfortable working in a command line environment and with the use of syntax-rich configuration files.

Key Skills

After completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Use the shell and key Linux utilities
  • Create and maintain Linux file systems
  • Control how a Linux systems boots
  • Find and understand the documentation you need
  • Manage user accounts and groups
  • Perform day-to-day administration

Practical Work

Extensive hands-on exercises throughout the course provide opportunity to configure and manage a Linux system in a safe, guided environment. Exercises include:

  • Adding new partitions and file systems
  • Creating user accounts and groups
  • Configuring system logging
  • Post-processing log files with text filters
  • Configuring boot-time actions
  • Making full and incremental backups