Where to start?

shocktattooer

I'm not totally new to Linux but I have minimal experience, especially when it comes to command lines and just navigating the directory in general. I've messed around with Ubuntu off and on and right now I'm running Ubuntu 12.04 and Plex media server on an old amd machine that I threw together from spare parts. I've messed around with Apache, PHP and SQL in the past and I'm planning on getting the CompTia Linux+ cert in the future. Just wondering what I really need to start focusing on as far as linux server admin and the certification is concerned. Is there a particular distro I should focus on? I see that the CompTia cert includes SuSe

slinuxuzer

Redhat is very popular in the business world, CentOS is idential to the Redhat binary files, except it doesn't include support or the Redhat logo. CBT nuggets has a really good course called CentOS essentials prep or something like that, course is made in the last two years. Other than that you should look into a machine that can run VMware workstation or something similar and could support a few virtual servers.

[Deleted User]

Agreed. CentOS is a great distro. That is what I used in my college class. Also, can't go wrong with old skool Debian. I recommend trying to stay away from "special distros" such as Kali or grml or fedora as some commands are not supported although most are.

shocktattooer

Thanks for the advice. I have installed VM on my windows box so I'll look into CentOS.

hiddenknight821

If you're going for the Linux+ in a few months from now, then you'd need to play around with the older distro. For the CentOS, you'd want to download the latest CentOS 6 version. Not version 7 since the init and boot process are a lot different. The older one use sysVinit while the newer one uses systemd startup scripts. You also need to play around with Debian-based distro to understand the difference between the package update managers.

tjb122982

I want to do the same thing. Should I avoid Ubuntu or Mint?

DntH8Me

tjb122982 wrote: »

I want to do the same thing. Should I avoid Ubuntu or Mint?

No Ubuntu and Mint are both Debian based although I would avoid the newer versions that have switched to systemmd 'if you plan to take the exam before June' If not then it doesn't matter much. Using just plain Debian and CentOS v 6.xx will give you the closest experience and both will have you more involved in the installation process than Ubuntu or Mint. Most of your command differences will revolve around the package manager used and command structure. (yum or apt-get) if you are going to use a VM in your current system, then using the server versions of the distros will help reduce the system load.

fuz1on

Yeah...it's better to run Ubuntu/Mint and also a RedHat-based distro to play around with the differences in yum vs. apt-get. Also, there are a few minor changes to the locations of folders/files like to get 'date' from a symbolic link and/or setting IP with RedHat flavors which is in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ vs. Debian-based which is /etc/network/interfaces/

*edit*

I would really recommend you guys try to run a distro on a bare-metal system just to get used to partitioning/installation; that way you can fix things by yourself - ie. update graphics card, NICs, compiz (ubuntu). Also, dual booting on a UEFI system is GREAT way to learn on your own - you learn everything. GParted and Rufus (maybe, UnetBootin) are your best friends!

ally_uk

Hi I am going to recommend a few things hope you will find them useful:

Firstly learn the basics of the command line and scripting:

The Linux Command Line by William E. Shotts, Jr.

Linux Bible: Amazon.co.uk: Christopher Negus, Christine Bresnahan: 9781118218549: Books

^ The above is more geared towards red hat derivatives but is a fantastic resource.

Setup a lap you want a machine hosting at least two virtual machines one red hat and one deb based.

download the exam objectives: CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI Certification

download Evernote: free note writing tool capable of syncing across multiple devices very useful for studying purposes

Linux+ learning how to go about it?:

Linux Training Videos | Professor Messer - CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux, Microsoft Technology Training
LPI Linux LPIC-1 101 and CompTIA Linux+ Video Training Online | CBT Nuggets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DJRM5exh0o


practice and lab avoid the roderick smith book like the plague unless you want to be sleep induced lol :P

Deathmage

I started linux with Backtrack but now use Kali but I use linux mainly these days for whitehat hacking, hobby project on the Banana/Raspberry PI's and pen testing on wireless.

I just starting messing around with linux, it's really not hard to figure out, it's so much easier when you just use "?" in cli.

shocktattooer

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. It's going to be a little while until I get to the Linux+ cert, I have to knock A+ and network+ out first. I have about 20 years of experience with building and repairing Windows based systems, i just never really had a reason to get certified but now my job is about to be outsourced so I'm moving into IT. I've setup dual boot systems with Linux and Windoze before, messed with a few different distros, Ubuntu, puppy, RH etc. I always ended up getting frustrated with hardware issues, so I'd end up back on Windows instead. I took your advice and installed Virtualbox and CentOS 6.6, messed around with it a bit, started learning some of the command lines and set up LAMP, built a simple little html test page and so far so good. I'm about to download a Debian distro and set that up on the VM too.

ally_uk

Just book the A+ and take it 20 years experience? I have 8 years experience and was scoring 95% on practice exams without study! should be a walk in the park for you..... get it booked now!

As for the Linux stuff stick to the gameplan gradually build your knowledge up bit by bit I am also going to be looking at the Linux+ as I really was to take advantage of the 3 certs.

small steps everyday and your get here

DntH8Me

ally_uk wrote: »

practice and lab avoid the roderick smith book like the plague unless you want to be sleep induced lol :P

This is so true. I equate the experience of reading the book to reading the dictionary one definition at a time
Thank you for the links

aderon

DntH8Me wrote: »

This is so true. I equate the experience of reading the book to reading the dictionary one definition at a time
Thank you for the links

Hahah I'd never thought of it this way, but I guess that's a pretty fair assessment

ally_uk

Thank god there is a 3rd edition of the book coming in 2015 with different authors so hopefully wont be as painful to read.

Sybex: CompTIA Linux+ Powered by Linux Professional Institute Study Guide, 3rd Edition: Exam LX0-101 and Exam LX0-102, 3rd Edition - Christine Bresnahan, Richard Blum

DoubleNNs

Everyone talks about the Sybex book by Roderick. How about the AIO by Robb tracy tho?

Kinet1c

I also used the Sybex book, found it great!

ally_uk

Tracey Book sucks! not enough information!

sybex = sleep inducing

DoubleNNs

I find that interesting, especially since Tracy's Book is ~ 200 pages longer.

I'm thinking of getting the Linux+ sometime this year, go good to know! Thanks.

arasdb

I am working on linux but with limited knowledge...just would like to know how to proceed work the training and certification as well

shocktattooer

Well I knocked out my 220-801 exam yesterday and thanks to all of your suggestions as far as Linux+. I'm doing LPIC-1 training with linux academy, running Virtualbox with CentOs 6.6, Ubuntu 14.04 and the latest Debian distro and I've really been learning a lot.

joemc3

If you re new to linux the roderick is so darn awful I can't describe it anything beyond that. Linux essentials will prepare you more for linux + than the roderrick book

spiderjericho

Are you referring to the CBT Nuggets Linux Essentials Video Series? Just watched it, it was good.