Linux: Intro to the Linux Skill Blocks Repository

New Linux users must chart a path through a dense forest of online resources that may contain incomplete or contradictory information. They must deal with distribution differences and graphical user interface variations while trying to learn the command line and keep their Linux system usable.

Linux users often pursue IT certifications like CompTIA Linux+, Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA), SCA in SUSE Enterprise Linux Server 15, or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). Their goal may be breaking into IT or shifting their skillset from Windows administration to Linux. Regardless, it’s a difficult challenge.

The New Stack Linux Repository

The New Stack introduces the New Stack Linux Repository, a central place to find all the resources you need to start with Linux and delve into more advanced topics. Whether you’re just entering IT or are an experienced administrator on another platform, this collection is for you.

I’ve organized the collection into groups of related Skill Blocks, though each article is a standalone piece that does not require you to read anything further before absorbing the knowledge.

The Skill Blocks include the following:

• SB01 Access Management: Managing user and group access to files and directories using standard Linux permissions.
• SB02 System Management: Understanding hardware information, managing services, and controlling processes.
• SB03 Deploy Linux Systems: Understanding installation choices, Linux distributions, and virtualization.
• SB04 Maintain Linux Systems: Managing Linux storage, log files, and software, plus using text editors.
• SB05 Mange Linux Network Settings: Managing Linux network identities, firewall settings, and SSH key-based authentication.

As posts are published, they will be updated here.

Topics will include references to more extensive documentation or man pages so you can learn to investigate your questions using valid sources.

It’s not enough to just write a series of articles describing various sysadmin tasks—you need an opportunity for hands-on experience. The series kicks off with a tutorial on setting up a companion lab you can use to practice the skills covered. The lab environment is optional, but it provides a convenient sandbox. Also, here is a companion tutorial for running the Linux command line.

Wrap up

Check The New Stack website regularly for new tutorials. Recall that while each is a standalone piece, you’ll get the most mileage by following along with specific Skill Blocks.