At first, you are introduced to the Linux environment, with a focus on browsing the filesystem, using basic commands, managing files and directories, and becoming acquainted with the shell. You'll also learn about package management and how to handle system startup and shutdown efficiently. After that, you'll learn all about system configuration files, 'systemd' for managing system services, crontab for job scheduling, and 'at' and 'batch' for automating processes. You will also learn about system performance monitoring, log files, backup and restore procedures, disk partitioning, and remote management via SSH.

Afterwards, the book delves into topics such as dependency management, system hardware configuration, kernel upgrades, and device driver management, as well as package management with 'apt' and 'yum'. You'll also learn how to create and manage repositories, and install and setup virtual machines with VirtualBox.

In the end, the book covers a wide range of topics, including creating and managing user accounts, editing user profiles, setting ownership and permissions for files, using ACLs, managing user sessions, configuring sudo for administrative tasks, implementing password policies, working with PAM, and managing group memberships. An understanding of the basics of Linux system administration will be yours by the time you finish this book.

Key Learnings

• Master essential Linux commands to efficiently navigate and manage the system's file structure.
• Gain proficiency in user and group management to ensure secure access control and permissions.
• Learn to configure and manage system services with 'systemd' for streamlined service administration.
• Implement and enforce robust password policies for enhanced security and user account protection.
• Understand and utilize package management tools for seamless software installation.
• Set up and manage virtual machines with VirtualBox to create isolated, reproducible development environments.
• Use Access Control Lists (ACLs) to fine-tune file permissions beyond the standard Unix model.
• Schedule and automate tasks using 'cron', 'at', and 'batch' to improve system efficiency and reliability.
• Monitor system performance and logs to proactively identify and address potential issues.
• Securely configure and use SSH for remote management and administration of Linux systems.