Self-Study for Linux SysAdmin

In order to successfully build and operate many commonly used servers, including packet BBSs, mail servers, VoIP servers, and more, some basic Linux system administration (“sysadmin”) knowledge is required. This page provides a guide for the minimum Linux knowledge that anyone would need in order to be successful in running a Linux system. Those new to Linux can use this list as a syllabus for self study.

Over time, this syllabus will be enhanced with pointers to useful reference materials. In the mean time, any Internet search engine will find numerous sources for each topic.

Note: Most of the Santa Clara County ARES/RACES BBS network runs on Ubuntu Linux. We stick to the LTS (Long Term Support) versions. P1 credential candidates will need to use the current Ubuntu LTS version.

Prerequisites: Solid computer skills, attention to detail, self-motivation, and an ability to figure things out on the fly are all critical attributes of a successful Linux SysAdmin.

References

Books:

Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Desktop: Applications and Administration
A good overview for Ubuntu Desktop, including changes from previous LTS versions
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Server: Administration and Reference
Ubuntu Unleashed 2019 Edition: Covering 18.04, 18.10, 19.04 (13th Edition)
UNIX and Linux System Administration Handbook

Study Topics

One needn’t be an expert at any of the individual topics listed here. But one must be competent enough with each topic to perform common, everyday tasks. For example, it is not enough to have read a book or web page about the “vi” editor. One must be able to use the vi editor to create a file, edit the file, move around in the file, edit/change the file, undo a change, save a change, exit with and without saving the file, re-open the file, cut-and-paste within the file, cut-and-paste to/from other files, etc. In other words, a solid working knowledge will be needed to accomplish real sysadmin file editing tasks. The same level of understanding applies to all of the topics listed below.

In order to operate a standalone server, such as a standalone packet BBS, the following minimum knowledge (and probably more) is needed.

Operating System installation: Installation of Ubuntu YY.04 LTS Desktop, choice of disk partitioning
Ubuntu GUI: Unity, Dash, launcher, system settings, task bar, desktops/workspaces
Package management: Ubuntu Software Center, Synaptic Package Manager, Ubuntu Software Update, apt/apt-get, dpkg
Help: man, info, which
Directory and file manipulation commands: mkdir, mvdir, rmdir, ls, cp, mv, rm, ln, file, head, tail, cat, less, tar, g(un)zip, find
Ownership and permissions: add/modify/delete user, add/modify/delete group, chown, chgrp, chmod
File editing: vi, nano, gedit
Bash shell functionality: stdin, stdout, stderr, input redirection (<), output redirection (>), pipes (|), simply shell scripts
Session management: screen
Remote login and file transfer: telnet, ssh, PuTTY, ftp, sftp, Filezilla
Serial port communications: udev, cat, echo, minicom, cutecom
Network communications: ip addressing, subnetting, ping, host, dig
Compile C software: make, gcc
Logging and log rotation: logrotate, syslog

As you become more proficient and connect your system to other systems on a network, you’ll need some additional knowledge.

Bash shell: Advanced shell scripting, regex, sed, awk
Network functionality: traceroute, tracepath, mtr
Network routing: Static routing
Packet capture: tcpdump, tshark, Wireshark
Security: iptables, fail2ban