Mastering Linux: From Beginner to Expert

About the Course

Mastering Linux: From Beginner to Expert is a comprehensive training program designed to equip participants with the skills to excel in Linux system administration. Whether you’re exploring open-source operating systems for the first time or aiming to refine your existing Linux expertise, this course ensures a smooth progression from foundational concepts to advanced system administration.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Navigate and manage Linux operating systems with confidence.
• Perform essential system administration tasks effectively.
• Implement secure and optimized Linux-based environments.
• Automate tasks using shell scripting and advanced tools.

Course Features

• Interactive Learning: Hands-on labs and real-world scenarios to reinforce concepts.
• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced Linux professionals.
• Progressive Modules: Well-structured lessons that cater to beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners.

Course Outline

Beginner Level

1. Introduction to Linux and Installation

• Overview of Linux: History, evolution, and significance of Linux.
• Linux Distributions: Comparison of Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, and more.
• Linux Kernel and OS: Understanding the architecture and functions.
• Installation: Step-by-step guide for installing a Linux distribution in virtual and physical environments.

2. Linux File System and Basic Commands

• File System Structure: Overview of root, home, etc., var, usr, and other directories.
• File Management: Creating, copying, moving, and deleting files and directories.
• Commands: Detailed exploration of commands like ls, pwd, cd, cp, mv, and rm.
• Navigational Concepts: Absolute vs. relative paths.

3. User and Group Management

• User Management: Adding, modifying, and deleting users (useradd, usermod, userdel).
• Group Management: Managing groups and assigning permissions.
• Permissions: Understanding chmod, chown, chgrp, SUID, SGID, and Sticky Bit.

4. Introduction to Shell Scripting and Processes

• Shell Scripting Basics: Writing scripts, variables, loops, and conditionals.
• Process Management: Viewing and managing processes using ps, top, and kill.

Intermediate Level

5. Disk Management and File Systems

• File System Types: Overview of ext4, XFS, and others.
• Disk Tools: Usage of df, lsblk, fdisk, and parted for disk and partition management.

6. Package Management and Software Installation

• Yum and DNF: Installing, updating, and removing software.
• RPM and DEB: Understanding Linux package formats.
• Repositories: Configuring and managing software repositories.

7. Networking Basics

• Networking Fundamentals: IP addressing, subnetting, and routing.
• Configuration: Managing network settings using ifconfig, ip, and nmcli.
• Diagnostics: Using ping, netstat, and ss for troubleshooting.

8. Log Management and System Monitoring

• System Logs: Exploring /var/log, journalctl, and filtering logs using grep and tail.
• Monitoring Tools: Introduction to top, htop, and performance monitoring basics.

9. Linux Security Basics

• Secure Configuration: Best practices for managing users, groups, and permissions.
• SSH: Implementing key-based authentication and securing SSH configurations.
• ACLs: Using getfacl and setfacl for granular permissions.

Advanced Level

10. Advanced Shell Scripting and Automation

• Automation Tools: Creating cron jobs and scheduling tasks with cron and at.
• Backup Scripts: Automating backups using tar, gzip, and other utilities.

11. System Administration and Advanced Troubleshooting

• Systemd: Managing services, system startup, and shutdown processes.
• Kernel Tuning: Configuring kernel parameters using sysctl.
• Advanced Debugging: Troubleshooting complex issues with logs and diagnostic tools.

12. Performance Optimization and Networking

• Advanced Networking: Configuring firewalls, VPNs, and managing traffic with iptables.
• Optimization Tools: Identifying bottlenecks and improving system performance.

13. Security Hardening and Best Practices

• Advanced Security: Configuring SELinux, AppArmor, and implementing firewall rules.
• Compliance and Auditing: Utilizing audit tools for tracking changes and ensuring compliance.

Assessment and Certification

• Projects: Real-world scenarios to test practical understanding.
• Quizzes: Module-end quizzes to reinforce learning.
• Certification: Receive a course completion certificate upon successful assessment.