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

The sysctl configuration file

The Linux sysctl configuration file is located at /etc/sysctl.conf. This file is used to configure kernel parameters at runtime. The sysctl.conf file contains a set of key-value pairs that represent various kernel parameters.

The sysctl.conf file is divided into sections, where each section contains a set of key-value pairs that correspond to a specific group of kernel parameters. Each key-value pair consists of the name of the kernel parameter, followed by its value. This value can be either a numeric value or a string.

Here are some examples of kernel parameters that can be configured using the sysctl.conf file:

  • net.ipv4.ip_forward: This parameter enables or disables IP forwarding. A value of 1 enables IP forwarding, while a value of 0 disables it.
  • net.ipv4.tcp_syncookies: This parameter enables or disables TCP SYN cookies. A value of 1 enables TCP SYN cookies, while a value of 0 disables them.
  • kernel.core_pattern: This parameter...