The job of a Linux administrator is extremely dynamic and can be tedious and challenging at times. It is like any other interesting and respectful job that comes with both good days and bad days. The primary job of Linux administrators is to look for all the installations and maintenance processes of Linux software installed on computer devices or a server. It also involves tasks such as performing regular operations, troubleshooting problems, monitoring the complete system’s health, and resolving issues if any.
To get considered for the role of Linux administrator by any good company, it is required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or any other related degree or certification for the same. Having hands-on experience and internships also work as an extra advantage to get selected by the employers. Let’s learn about the complete process of becoming a Linux Administrator in detail.
Who is Linux Administrator
When it comes to computer technologies and popular operating systems, Linux is a well-known name that is widely used by various web servers, mobile devices, PCs, supercomputers, and cloud servers from all over the world. Most computing devices are powered by Linux because of its high stability, high security, and open-source environment.
In a business organization, Linux OS is installed, configured, and maintained by administrators who are responsible for processes such as installation, configuration, and maintenance. Additionally, Linux administrators are also concerned with server-side operations and troubleshooting tasks in order to allow businesses to work smoothly on the Operating System and perform required development activities. In addition, they are responsible for configuring users and granting them access to use the system daily with better security and stability.
However, becoming a Linux administrator requires an individual to have a deeper knowledge about Linux and should be able to perform various underlying tasks that may occur from time to time. They should also know about managing high-level risks and know how to work with an open-source operating system. This includes frequent communication and collaboration with multiple developers for achieving several tasks. An administrator should be well-versed with the following fundamentals:
- Linux file systems and their hierarchy
- Managing the root and superuser
- Running the bash commands
- Handling all the files, directories, and users under one organization
What does a Linux administrator do
They are in charge of all the installation and maintenance processes associated with Linux software on a computer system or server. In addition to monitoring the health and performance of the system, they are tasked with safeguarding it from various threats. Every Linux administrator also receives a lot of queries from employees working under one organization and environment that they have to resolve in real-time. Following are some of the generic tasks performed by administrators, however, the job is not restricted to these tasks only.
- Handling and processing all the requests from the internet such as DNS, RADIUS, Apache, MySQL, etc.
- Backing up the data regularly to prevent any type of data loss along with creating new stored procedures.
- Monitoring the health and look for system errors and logs. Fixing issues and assisting users for Web Hosting, ISP, and LAN Customers, and troubleshooting.
- Having regular communication and collaboration with workers, vendors, and customers.
- Install, add or create various tools or plugins for enhancing the Linux environment for feasible working and functioning.
- Authorizing and giving access to users and resolving login problems along with data recovery.
- Deploying system and security software and collaborating with data network engineers for analyzing the hardware requirements.
In simple words, the main tasks for Linux Administrators are managing all the important operations and ensuring their backups regularly. The best way for them to advance in their careers and land a promotion is to have a good amount of technical knowledge as well as to keep up to date on new skills and learning associated with Linux.
Steps to Become a Linux administrator
To get the role of “Linux Administrator” in any company, it is observed that having a graduation degree in the related field works well. The majority of the people hold a bachelor’s degree, but it is not a mandatory step. People with high school or diploma degrees are also capable of getting the same job. Some of the leading companies also ask for relevant experience in the same field.
1. Installing the OS
It is an obvious step that is the basis of all the steps. Installing Linux on the system requires certain steps that vary according to the Linux Distro you are using.
2. Exploring tools and techniques
For individuals who are new to Linux, it is mandatory to get started with the basics of operations along with learning the command line. Also, they should increase their knowledge about various tools and techniques that can be learned from various online courses available for free. They will help you explore tools that are used frequently by Linux system administrators and end-users for feasibly working on regular day-to-day activities under the Linux environment.
These courses are decided by keeping beginners in mind that have no hands-on experience or previous exposure to Linux operating systems, In addition, they offer a good working knowledge of using Linux from both graphical and command-line interfaces that enables users to access things in the most accessible way on various Linux distributions.
3. Learning Advanced Functionalities
Right after clearing out the basics and learning common operations, it’s time to go to the grass-roots level and dive deeply into the complicated side of the job. It helps in achieving crucial and bigger goals and is mandatory for professionals to learn for starting their career as a sysadmin. Instead of hopping from one place to another, users can go with courses for the same that include all the essential information at one centralized place. They come with -in-depth explanations by professionals and help users learn in a structured way along with tons of exercises to help learners get hands-on experience for the same.
4. Practice your Skills
It is rightly said that “Practice makes a man perfect”. So, after learning all the functionalities, knowing about tools and techniques, learning the command line and graphical interface, every aspiring Linux administrator should practice the skills for getting a better grip. They should perform the common and complicated tasks over and over again without taking any help for better learning. Practicing will determine the future endeavors and selection in the interviews and eventually becoming a successful professional Linux sysadmin.
5. Get Certifications
If you don’t have a relevant degree for the same field, then ensure to have certifications to validate your skills and get selected for the interviews. If you’ve opted for online courses to learn about Linux, you’ll be delivered with certifications as a system administrator. This certification will prove to employers that you have the necessary skills to be a professional Linux sysadmin.
6. Involve yourself into Real-Tasks
After getting a grasp of the basics and getting some experience, you may participate in various Linux Users Groups (LUGs) online or in-person to learn more about the subject. Regardless of age or gender, anyone can join these groups for the purpose of building their network and having better job opportunities. A person can showcase their skills by answering various questions and can also get their questions answered by asking questions.
7. Read Documentation
Documentations are the hub for all the knowledge related to a specific topic. Users can navigate themselves towards these documentations in case of getting stuck on something within Linux. These documentations are tailored with step-by-step guides for helping users get out of trouble in no time. For this, users can run a few commands such as man, info, and help that will end up providing information regarding all the aspects of Linux, right from within the operating system these resources are definitely worth trying as they are a centralized knowledge base developed by the company itself to prevent Linux administrators from getting lost and hopping from one place to another.her. Every professional should make themselves well versed with this documentation.
Wrapping up
Linux administrator is one of the most rewarding jobs in the 21st century. It comes with great challenges, learnings and builds the ability to deal with responsibility in the individuals. This job is for those who want to solve complex problems to enhance their overall computing experience. They are responsible for all the processes such as installation, configuration, and maintenance of Linux OS along with handling the security and configuration of the various users.
Having expertise in managing Linux file systems, handling root and superusers, running commands, etc is a must for Linux administrators. To become one, the first and foremost step is learning how to install Linux OS on the device. After that, one should explore various tools and techniques along with learning the basics of Linux. Getting well-versed with advanced technologies is also mandatory to achieve various crucial tasks. Now, practicing all the skills along with getting the certifications will help in getting a better grip over all the processes and have a proper validation for the same. Comment below your issues, we will try to resolve them as soon as possible.