Wanna be a better Linux admin...
Posted by torcoolguy512@reddit | linuxadmin | View on Reddit | 25 comments
Hope this is the right place for this... I'm a DevOps engineer, but strangely enough the majority of my background is in Windows. In order to expand my job possibilities, I'm reeeeally wanting to get more experience and solid administration skills for Linux (and subsequently Kubernetes, etc..) under my belt. A friend suggested a tool called Troublemaker but it looks outdated and it's limited distro wise. Are there any other decent tools/resources out there I can use that would test my knowledge, maybe simulate problems, and build admin skills?
Bebop-n-Rocksteady@reddit
Kode Kloud has some good training.
FatMili@reddit
Hi, almost one year later. Did you do any course on KodeKloud? What was your experience? Which courses? I’ve just recently found it and I’m interested to try the System Administrator Path that they offer.
juandrt11@reddit
Not to be that person, this is good advice for the at-home tinkerer, the best way to gain production experience is in production, troubleshooting and deploying prod workloads. Setting up stuff at home on an old laptop won't really help you when you're working with Suzy from security and Bob from applications in an all hands bridge saying that the issue has to be with your servers.
Jezzah88@reddit
https://sadservers.com/
torcoolguy512@reddit (OP)
Wish I could upvote this multiple times. That's pretty much exactly what I'm looking for.
SadServers_com@reddit
Happy I could help :-)
Jezzah88@reddit
Remember to have fun
YooAre@reddit
Have you tried setting up a few distributions?
Pick a few flavors of debian and poke around.
You don't typically need any extra help making trouble to fix once you try pushing a fresh Linux system to do stuff. Something will need configuration or updating. Try using Bluetooth
Then perhaps try setting up your own network of Linux boxes or VMs and try doing normal admin tasks. Lock yourself out of a system and see if you can work your way in. Try to work your way through how to do a few tasks using the GUI, then maybe remotely or using cli only.
I think you'll find you still need to reach the same goals with Linux, but the way you get there will be different. You'll need to learn how and when to elevate your role to use permissions to get something done, which tools to use, where to expect configuration files etc.
tactiphile@reddit
You're evil
YooAre@reddit
I have made things work, it may have changed me.
Le_Vagabond@reddit
if anything dealing with audio devices, alsa and pipewire with bluetooth made me hate windows even more.
torcoolguy512@reddit (OP)
Definitely got the ball rolling with installing Ubuntu Server on an old laptop. Currently poking around with the OverTheWire game which seems fairly informative. I'll need to tinker with some additional VMs and the other ideas you suggested for sure!
keldrin_@reddit
install arch linux without the install script and whole disk encryption. Then set up some servers, maybe the LAMP stack or your own email server. Play around and use the command line whereever possible.
FunIllustrious@reddit
I'll second that. One place I used to work, the manager of the Data Security group insisted that all her people use command line only, no fancy GUIs. Luckily I didn't work for her, but the principal is sound. If you make a career out of it, you may find yourself managing Linux systems where you can't raise a GUI due to network or system constraints. I'm on the East Coast of the US, with 2,000 machines to manage, scattered all over the world. The ones in Japan have the worst connectivity. They'll often timeout trying to SSH to them, so imagine trying to start a remote GUI.
keldrin_@reddit
Another reason is that the command line works very similar across distributions. Once you are able to administer a PC using command line only you don't really care if you have debian, fedora, redhat or arch. You'll have your prompt and you're happy. Ok, you still have little differences like the package manager and the location of (some) configuration files.
That's also why i recommended arch. It's just the distribution that does not do anything for you. You won't find it in a production environment (unless you have a very crazy boss) but you will be able to administer any other distribution with a minimal learning curve once you master arch.
torcoolguy512@reddit (OP)
Oooh good idea with messing with LAMP. I'm definitely not in uncharted territory with Linux but those individual components are absolutely solid for performing common admin tasks and overall exposure. Appreciate it!
Key-Window3585@reddit
You're right, I should have included the link! Here it is:
KodeKloud Engineer Program: https://engineer.kodekloud.com/
This link will take you to the program website where you can learn more about the curriculum, pricing, and benefits. You can also find information about upcoming live sessions and workshops, and access testimonials from program graduates.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Key-Window3585@reddit
Try kodekloud engineer
The KodeKloud Engineer program is a unique learning platform that focuses on hands-on experience in real-world DevOps scenarios. It's designed for individuals who want to hone their skills and gain practical experience in various DevOps roles, from System Administrators to DevOps Architects.
Here are some key features of the program:
Real Project Tasks: You'll work on simulated projects that mirror real-world challenges faced by DevOps professionals. These projects cover a wide range of topics, including:
Virtual Office Experience: The program simulates a collaborative virtual office environment. You'll interact with other learners and instructors, work on projects together, and participate in discussions. This helps you develop communication and teamwork skills relevant to DevOps teams.
Progressive Learning: The program starts with fundamental concepts and gradually increases in complexity as you progress. This allows you to build a strong foundation and then apply your knowledge to more challenging tasks.
Flexible Learning: You can learn at your own pace and schedule. The program provides materials and resources for self-directed learning, as well as live sessions and interactive workshops.
Community & Support: The program offers a supportive community of learners and instructors. You can ask questions, share your progress, and get help from others.
Benefits:
Who is it for?
Overall, the KodeKloud Engineer program offers a unique and valuable learning experience for anyone interested in pursuing a career in DevOps. It provides hands-on experience, a supportive community, and the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this rapidly growing field.
I encourage you to explore the KodeKloud website and learn more about the program if you're interested in taking your DevOps skills to the next level.
FunIllustrious@reddit
One real-world problem I've had to deal with, was when a field tech set up and configured a bunch of machines at a rmote site. Pretty easy, power-up, run the config script, type in some things, move to the next one, repeat. Do that enough and eventually you get two machines with the same IP address. That's fun to deal with when you can't get a remote console and there's an app running that takes over the display/keyboard.
To try it for yourself, create two VMs (or Raspberry Pi, or whatever you have handy), give them both the same IP. Now SSH in, diagnose the problem, and fix it.
napoleon85@reddit
I’m from a similar background. Best way to learn is by doing. Install Linux on a spare system, set up WSL on your windows boxes, run some Linux servers in your home lab or personal cloud environment.
Amidatelion@reddit
Try this: https://linuxupskillchallenge.org/
torcoolguy512@reddit (OP)
That's awesome. I knew about the subreddit but not that which in hindsight tells me I didn't really know about the subreddit.. lol
Solaris17@reddit
Going to sound crazy. Your personal/work laptop. Install linux on them.
It_Might_Be_True@reddit
Do you have a Kubernetes cluster running? If not I would start with that before you think about running something like troublemaker to break it...
arkane-linux@reddit
I have always found that the best way to learn is by doing.
You have lots of options to choose from.
Try daily driving Linux, falling back to a (bare metal, meaning VMs are fine) Windows is not allowed.
Set up a little home server using an old laptop, desktop or Raspberry Pi you have laying around. Load it up with a personal Nextcloud, put it behind a reverse proxy, get SSL working.
Now redo the entire thing again but using containers or virtual machines, whicher you think is more interesting.
Implement your entire config in as code using Ansible, Saltstack etc.. Once again personal preference.
Over time you will encounter new neat technologies you may want to look in to.
Becoming half decently good at Linux administration will take at least a couple of years of actively using it, do not be discouraged when you struggle using it initially, this is the normal process any Linux admin goes through.
The primary thing you will learn as a Linux admin is not how everything works, it is what components are available and their capabilities. Even the most skilled Linux admins work with half the screen showing the actual thing you are doing and the other half shows the manual.