Linux Administration 2 — automation, security and storage

• Write robust shell scripts and use regular expressions.
• Schedule deferred, recurring and system tasks.
• Analyse, retain and correctly timestamp system logs.
• Manage the storage stack: partitions, swap space, logical volumes.
• Administer SELinux and secure server networking.
• Install the system in an automated way and run containers.

• Systems administrators and operations engineers.
• Infrastructure engineers working on a server estate.
• Teams preparing a Linux administration certification.

• Linux Administration 1 course or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on command-line practice.

Day 1 — Productivity and scheduling

• Shell scripting: conditionals, loops and exit codes
• Text matching with regular expressions
• Deferred tasks, recurring tasks and temporary files

Day 2 — Logs, time and transfers

• System log architecture and entry analysis
• Log retention and accurate time management
• Archiving, secure transfer and file synchronization

Day 3 — Performance and SELinux

• Tuning profiles and their influence on process scheduling
• SELinux: enforcement modes, contexts and boolean policies
• Methodical investigation and resolution of SELinux incidents

Day 4 — Storage stack

• Partitions, persistent file systems and swap space
• Logical volumes: creation, extension and layered storage
• NFS network storage and automatic mounting

Day 5 — Boot, networking and containers

• Boot target, administrator password and system repair
• Server firewall and SELinux port labelling
• Automated installation with a kickstart file and Podman containers