Hi everyone! I'm a software developer working a lot with Linux on virtual machines, and I've realized I have some big gaps in my knowledge about system administration. My manager suggested I dive deeper into topics like the /proc and /boot directories, commands, networking, PCI devices, swap, memory partitions, and even some advanced stuff like MMIO and DMA memory. I'm here seeking recommendations on how to start filling in those gaps. Are there specific courses, resources, or certifications you would recommend? Thanks!
5 Answers
I highly recommend this book as a solid starting point, even though it’s a bit older:
https://www.amazon.com/UNIX-Linux-System-Administration-Handbook/dp/0134277554
The authors clearly put a lot of effort into it, and it gives a nice overview of many concepts in Linux.
You might want to start with LPIC-1; it covers a lot of what you need to know. Also, check out Julia Evans' fun Linux books for developers—they're quite insightful!
If you’re aiming for some certification, I’d suggest looking into LPIC-1 or the LFCS from the Linux Foundation. They both provide excellent resources. While you can learn from man pages, beginners might find the vast amount of info a bit overwhelming.
Make sure to focus on your organization’s specific distribution. Getting to know it inside and out will really pay off.
The 'man' command is your best friend! Try using 'man file-hierarchy' to learn about the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS) and what each directory is for. Get comfortable using man and info pages; they have tons of helpful information. Look into Linux certifications like LPIC, RHCSA, or Linux+ for in-depth learning. I’d say LPIC and RHCSA are particularly beneficial.
That's a good tip! I struggle with navigating man pages sometimes.