Book Image

Linux for System Administrators

By : Viorel Rudareanu, Daniil Baturin
Book Image

Linux for System Administrators

By: Viorel Rudareanu, Daniil Baturin

Overview of this book

Linux system administration is an essential aspect of maintaining and managing Linux servers within an organization. The role of a Linux system administrator is pivotal in ensuring the smooth functioning and security of these servers, making it a critical job function for any company that relies on Linux infrastructure. This book is a comprehensive guide designed to help you build a solid foundation in Linux system administration. It takes you from the fundamentals of Linux to more advanced topics, encompassing key areas such as Linux system installation, managing user accounts and filesystems, networking fundamentals, and Linux security techniques. Additionally, the book delves into the automation of applications and infrastructure using Chef, enabling you to streamline and optimize your operations. For both newcomers getting started with Linux and professionals looking to enhance their skills, this book is an invaluable hands-on guide with a structured approach and concise explanations that make it an effective resource for quickly acquiring and reinforcing Linux system administration skills. With the help of this Linux book, you’ll be able to navigate the world of Linux administration confidently to meet the demands of your role.
Table of Contents (21 chapters)
1
Part 1: Linux Basics
7
Part 2: Configuring and Modifying Linux Systems
13
Part 3: Linux as a Part of a Larger System

Introduction to Chef

At its core, Chef follows an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) approach, where the desired state of a system or server is defined using code. This code, written in a domain-specific language (DSL) called the Chef DSL, describes the configuration, installation, and management of various components, applications, and services on a system.

What is Chef?

Chef is an open source configuration management tool that allows administrators to define and automate IaC. It follows a declarative approach, where administrators specify the desired state of the system, and Chef ensures the system conforms to that state. Chef provides a platform-agnostic solution, enabling automation across various OSs, including Linux. It is based on a client-server architecture and utilizes a DSL called Ruby.

Key features of Chef

Chef offers a set of powerful features that facilitate infrastructure automation. These features include the following:

  • Infrastructure as Code: Chef treats...