Linux Systems Administration

1. Course Overview

The Linux Systems Administration training programe equips learners with the skills needed to install, configure, secure, and maintain Linux-based systems in enterprise environments.

The program is hands-on and covers command-line expertise, server services, networking, security, automation, and troubleshooting.

This course prepares students for roles in system administration and for industry certifications such as Linux Essentials, CompTIA Linux+, and LPIC-1.

 

2. Target Audience

• Beginners wanting to enter Linux/IT administration
• System support technicians transitioning to Linux
• Students preparing for Linux certification exams
• Developers or DevOps beginners needing Linux proficiency

 

3. Course Duration

Duration: 3–5 Months

• Instructor-led sessions: 100–120 hours
• Hands-on labs: 80+ hours
• Assessments & final project included

 

4. Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, learners will be able to:

• Install and configure various Linux distributions
• Work confidently with the Linux command line
• Manage system users, services, filesystems, and permissions
• Configure networking and basic server roles (Apache, SSH, DNS, DHCP)
• Administer software packages and automate tasks
• Monitor system performance and logs
• Implement fundamental system security and backups
• Troubleshoot common Linux server issues

 

5. Course Structure & Modules

 

Module 1: Introduction to Linux

Topics:

• History and evolution of Linux
• Open-source concepts
• Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, RHEL)
• Linux architecture overview
• Navigating the Linux command line (CLI)

Skills Gained:

Basic Linux navigation, understanding OS structure.

 

Module 2: Installation & System Setup

Topics:

• Installing Linux (GUI and CLI installations)
• Partitioning: MBR, GPT, LVM
• Bootloaders (GRUB2 basics)
• Understanding the filesystem hierarchy
• System startup and shutdown processes

Skills Gained:

System installation, disk partitioning, boot management.

 

Module 3: File & Directory Management

Topics:

• Filesystem navigation commands
• File permissions and ownership
• Links (hard and soft)
• File and directory management tools
• Archiving and compression (tar, gzip, zip)

Skills Gained:

File manipulation, permission handling, backup basics.

 

Module 4: User & Group Administration

Topics:

• Creating and managing users and groups
• Password management
• Access control and privileges
• Sudo configuration
• PAM overview

Skills Gained:

Account management, secure privilege handling.

 

Module 5: Software & Package Management

Topics:

• APT and YUM/DNF package managers
• Repositories and package sources
• Installing, updating, and removing software
• Managing services with systemd

Skills Gained:

Application installation, service management.

 

Module 6: Linux Networking

Topics:

• Network configuration (static & DHCP)
• Network tools (ping, netstat, ss, ip, traceroute)
• Hostname and DNS configuration
• Configuring SSH remote access
• Basic firewall management (UFW/Firewalld)

Skills Gained:

Network setup, remote access administration, basic security.

 

Module 7: Storage & File Systems

Topics:

• Mounting and unmounting devices
• LVM management
• Swap management
• File system creation and maintenance
• Network storage basics (NFS, SMB)

Skills Gained:

Volume management, filesystem administration.

 

Module 8: Process & System Management

Topics:

• Process monitoring and management
• Log file analysis
• Cron job scheduling and automation
• Performance monitoring tools (top, htop, vmstat)

Skills Gained:

System resource management, automation, performance tuning.

 

Module 9: Linux Server Administration

Topics:

• Configuring Apache Web Server
• Managing FTP servers
• Basic DNS and DHCP configuration
• Mail server basics
• SSH security hardening

Skills Gained:

Core server service configuration.

 

Module 10: Security & System Hardening

Topics:

• Firewall configuration
• File integrity monitoring
• SELinux/AppArmor basics
• Backups and restore strategies
• System updates and vulnerabilities

Skills Gained:

Secure system practices and risk mitigation.

 

Module 11: Troubleshooting & Recovery

Topics:

• Boot and service failures
• Network troubleshooting
• Permission issues
• Application errors
• Emergency recovery mode

Skills Gained:

Problem diagnosis and system recovery.

 

Module 12: Final Project

Learners will design, deploy, secure, and document a Linux server environment.

Examples:

• Host a secure Apache server
• Multi-user environment with permissions & ACLs
• Automated backup & monitoring setup
• Linux-based DNS or DHCP server configuration

 

6. Assessment Methods

• Practical lab assessments
• Module quizzes
• Mid-term Linux administration exam
• Final capstone project
• Troubleshooting challenge

 

7. Certifications Prepared For

• CompTIA Linux+
• LPIC-1 (Linux Professional Institute)
• Linux Essentials
• Red Hat System Administration (RHCSA) – foundational alignment

 

8. Career Opportunities

After completing this certificate, students can pursue roles such as:

• Linux System Administrator (Junior)
• IT Support/Linux Technician
• System Operations Associate (SysOps)
• DevOps Support Engineer
• Cloud Support Technician (entry-level)