System administration refers to the management of operating systems such as Linux, iOS and Windows for a company or organisation. The primary duties of a system administrator include adding hardware, removing hardware, installing operating systems, forming, managing and removing users and groups, installing, updating and removing software, performing backups and overseeing the overall system. In addition to this, the job of Linux system administration also includes troubleshooting, documenting, and securing a system.
Administrators usually prefer to use the Linux operating system rather than other operating systems; this is because Linux provides administrators with more control of the system. Linux also provides a more desirable environment for learning new computer languages. Here is a detailed overview of how to become the best Linux System Administrator (new and improved).
10 Essential Tips To Get into Linux System Administration
1. Try To Automate As Much As Possible
You should avoid running all over the shop every day to solve ever arising problems. If you think that you are constantly occupied with doing monotonous tasks daily, then you should stop doing them as soon as possible.
If you are a Linux system administrator, then you should try to get rid of these time-consuming tasks. Linux offers open-source tools which you can use to ease your burden and automate some of your tasks.
There are several free e-books available online, which you can read to get a better idea about automation. We would highly recommend you read a book that elaborates on Bash shell scripting. It will help you in polishing your skills.
2. Develop Proficiency In A New Scripting Language
Even though it is acceptable to use Bash language for scripting, it is highly recommended that system administrators learn other scripting languages as well. They should try to use a more reliable scripting language such as Python. Python, in particular, facilitates you in writing shorter and crisper scripts. It can do this because it focuses on object-oriented programming.
3. Develop Proficiency In A New Programming Language
Is learning a new language for scripting enough? Obviously not! You should try to learn much more than that. We highly recommend you to learn as many programming languages as you can. It will help you in polishing your programming skills.
Are you conflicted regarding which programming language to learn? Do not worry! It is recommended that you should start by learning a programming language, which is common. This year the Stackoverflow Developer Survey was conducted. It revealed that Java has been leading the category of the most popular programming languages. In fact, this is not the first time. Java has been leading the race for the past two years.
You can also opt for other famous programming languages which include Unix and C. These languages are also great to learn and reliable to use.
4. Make a GitHub Account And Keep It Updated
GitHub provides you with a platform to showcase your talent. Such platforms are particularly beneficial for beginners there are plenty of opportunities to learn from others and ask questions. Therefore, if you are an amateur in the world of programming, then you should definitely try displaying your work on the platform of GitHub. By permitting others to view your scripts along with your programs, you can expect to get valuable feedback. You can then make use of this constructive feedback to create even better software and simultaneously improve your knowledge.
5. Contribute Your Work To An Open Source Project
This is another excellent way to enhance and widen your knowledge base. Contributing to an open-source project on the platform of GitHub will build your confidence and offer you something to talk about in interviews. If you think that this is something that makes you excited, then do not forget to check out Explore GitHub pages. You can look at all the repositories based on popularity or on the basis of language. This will help you in finding something exciting and appealing that you can assist in.
6. Keep Trying Out New Distributions Each Month
When it comes to distributions, there are numerous options available. You can opt for whatever you like. New distributions and spin-offs are regularly introduced in the market. The rational thing to do is to try out a different distribution every month.
You must be wondering how to keep track of all these distributions. You do not need to worry. Just subscribe to Techmint, and you are good to go. Techmint will keep you updated regarding all the new distributions.
7. Participate In A Linux Or Open Source Conference
Many system administrators do not know that the Linux Foundation regularly organises conferences. These conferences are held in different locations across the world. So if you reside near a location where such a conference is being organised, then don't forget to attend. It will be beneficial for your career in two ways. Firstly, it will help in broadening your understanding of Linux. Secondly, it will provide you with a platform to socialise with other fellow system administrators and learn from them.
8. Do A Free Or Paid Course Available On Linux Foundation
Yes, you read it right! Linux does offer courses to facilitate its users. It offers free as well as paid courses which are available on edX.org and on Linux’s own portal. There are several topics that these courses cover. However, some topics are only covered in paid courses.
Some of the topics covered in free courses are Basics of Linux, Basics of Cloud Infrastructure Technologies, and Basics of OpenStack. In contrast to this, the topics of paid courses are preparatory techniques for the LFCS Certification and LFCE certification exams, Linux for developers, Kernel internals, Linux Security, Performance testing, and High Availability. To sum it up, the free courses only cover basic topics that are mainly for beginners. Whereas, paid courses cover the advanced level topics which are mainly for system administrators who have been in the field for a while now.
If you want to do an advanced level course but cannot afford to pay, do not worry! Linux offers discounts on courses designed for enterprises. So if you can convince your manager to pay for your training, you can complete these paid courses at a discounted price. Isn’t that a good deal? Of course, it is!
If you can't convince your boss or want to get started in Linux, there are also some paid courses that are offered free of charge or a discounted rates to certain demographics to increase the amount of skilled Linux System Administrators. ADA Developers Academy offers free training to women and WithYouWithMe offer free courses to Veterans.
9. Answer Queries On A Linux Platform Every Week
Now that we have mentioned so many ways in which you can improve your knowledge base and performance, it’s time to tell you how you can help others improve. One of the best things of the Linux community is how supportive is to those using Linux. Giving back to the community is a perfect way to support your fellow Linux users.
One of the easiest ways of giving back to the community is by helping people out on Linux forums. These forums have a lot of newbies who have just started their journey and need help with several things. They usually post quite frequently, you can play your part by answering these queries.
Remember the time when you were fresh in Linux and how grateful you felt whenever someone addressed your queries? If yes, then now it is your time to pass on the favour!
10. Learn by doing
The best way is to get in there and get your hands dirty. Play around with the server, try and do new things. You may crash your computer a few times but this is where you will learn the most. Learn a skill and actually try it out.
If you're interested in learning more about Linux, then it's definitely worthwhile checking out the WithYouWithMe Portal. Courses are for FREE all ex-military.
