Hopping into Linux Land

Hey guys,

So any people have any recommendations on a Linux path? I plan on getting my Linux+, as it will be a part of my course study at WGU IT:Sec,

I have installed Slackware and Linux Mint in order to get myself entrenched in Linux environments and I have also purchased a few Python Books because I feel that knowing a program language will be extremely viable/valuable for myself in my future, especially if (when) i learn the hell out of the Linux CLI.

I know most people go to RedHat after Linux+ and even some skip it entirely and go straight to RHSCA.. does anyone suggest any websites/books/ that can help me make the switch? My goals are to have my CCNP and RHCE within 2 years... As of now I'm thinking Linux+, RHCSA, (this year) then after that I'm kind of thinking its going to be maybe a 8-12 process of finishing up CCNP and RHCE next year... I believe these are doable at the same time.

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Comments

jdancer

I suggest you jump right in and study to get a RHCSA. Get a copy of Jang's book and start doing the labs. If you don't feel you are ready yet for RHCSA, start working on a Linux+ certification.

Even though I use CentOS at work, I personally use Archlinux at home. Why not try them both? Works under virtualization.

The only way you'll really get proficient with Linux is to use it at the command line. I don't even use a GUI on my Archlinux machine.

pram

you dont use a gui on arch, so you browse the web through lynx? or is that just hyperbole

About7Narwhal

pram wrote: »

...so you browse the web through lynx?

I was thinking more along the lines of The Matrix..

On a more related point, I too am thinking of going to Linux for a bit after my 70-680. Got some co-workers on the Linux side who are really encouraging me to take the jump.

log32

Start learning the Linux basics and then go for RHCSA/LPIC-1

riahc3

If you are going for a Red Hat certification, I recommend using Fedora and CentOS at home. No Windows AT ALL (except for games, and even then, force yourself to run them in WINE)

dbrink

If you want to go down the Linux path you will have to do more than just use it as your desktop. You need to setup a system that runs vital infrastructure services like DHCP, DNS, Firewall, SMTP/IMAP, etc.

jibbajabba

Yepp - as frustrating as it might be at the beginning, try to go Linux fully - not just your desktop. For example, if RHCE is the ultimate goal then setup a lab ... As dbrink says - things which include DNS / DHCP / Firewall / Mail / Web / Database etc.

You can go baby steps ... For example, use Distributions such as SME or ClearOS - both RedHat / CentOS based distributions offering a one-click install for router / dns / firewall etc. You could perform settings using their webinterface and see what is happening on OS layer.

Even setup a proxy maybe and a VPN .. try to connect remotely etc. etc.

Linux is one thing you cannot just pass by learning questions (at least not the RHCE), so you really need hand's on ...

Just saying again - Desktop only makes no difference. Desktop distributions are so easy nowadays that you don't really need much knowledge to convert.

Especially when you get Ubuntu for example - that has so many drivers included that you don't even have to try to get your hardware working - it just will .. with Unity (their new UI) you even think you play with a glorified Windows 8 PC.

akazero

riahc3 wrote: »

If you are going for a Red Hat certification, I recommend using Fedora and CentOS at home. No Windows AT ALL (except for games, and even then, force yourself to run them in WINE)

If you want to learn linux server administration then don't bother with desktop. It's not the same. Keep Windows and just install Putty.

For learning I'd install CentOS on a VM on your home network (and/or even a cheap VPS) and gradually setup services using Red Hat's documentation as guide. I think deployment guide and security guide are pretty good starting points.

https://access.redhat.com/site/documentation/Red_Hat_Enterprise_Linux/

For example, setup a DNS/DHCP/File server for your home network. On a VPS, start hosting websites, VPN server, host your own mail/spam control. One project at a time, like someone said above, baby steps.

Read up on bash shell scripting, python (Red Hat prefer python), and PERL (if you have time).

Get familiar with vim because it's the default install on all servers.

demonfurbie

if you dont like the vm route you can always set it up on a netbook (cheaply found on craigslist in major cities) and practice with that

i personally use mint linux on all y laptops/netbooks it works great

as for learning its basically all labs for redhat but id start with linux+ if ya have no linux exp what so ever

About7Narwhal

I hear that CentOS is good for learning RedHad, is that accurate?

Qord

Yes, that is accurate. Cent is Red Hat, just a few releases behind.

lsud00d

A coworker needed some linux resources to start working on it so I sent him this which is geared towards working in CLI--

Very good but expansive and at times dry "Bash Guide for Beginners"
http://www.linuxtopia.org/online_books/bash_guide_for_beginners/index.html

Shell scripting--

Explanation on vi editor:
http://www.ccsf.edu/Pub/Fac/vi.html

Grep tutorial:
http://www.panix.com/~elflord/unix/grep.html

Grep examples:
http://www.thegeekstuff.com/2009/03/15-practical-unix-grep-command-examples/

Huge but great awk tutorial:
http://www.grymoire.com/Unix/Awk.html

Simple awk tutorial:
http://www.hcs.harvard.edu/~dholland/computers/awk.html

awk examples:
http://www.thegeekstuff.com/2010/01/awk-introduction-tutorial-7-awk-print-examples/

Long sed tutorial:
http://www.grymoire.com/Unix/Sed.html

Great sed examples:
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/doc/sed.html

Chapter 2 is good for shell scripting:
http://www.freeos.com/guides/lsst/ch02.html

Chapter 3 is good for loops:
http://www.freeos.com/guides/lsst/ch03sec05.html

Quick guide on Regular Expressions:
http://www.faqs.org/docs/abs/HTML/regexp.html

Array tutorial:
http://www.thegeekstuff.com/2010/06/bash-array-tutorial/

General linux--

Good list of common commands:
http://www.pixelbeat.org/cmdline.html

Layout of the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (FHS)
http://www.winlinhack.com/hierarchy-of-linux-file-system/

This website has a plethora of interesting *nix admin tidbits:
http://www.cyberciti.biz/

On my walls I have these printouts--

Vi editor quick commands:
https://lh3.ggpht.com/-m2HH2sX0B_Y/UCjqmXoDE4I/AAAAAAAAAjA/FmLn_1Oj4Zg/s1600/vicheatsheet.png

Command reference:
http://fosswire.com/post/2007/08/unixlinux-command-****-sheet/

Regular expressions **** sheet:
http://www.cheatography.com/davechild/****-sheets/regular-expressions/

The filesystem:
http://www.winlinhack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/linux_file_system.jpg

jdancer

pram wrote: »

you dont use a gui on arch, so you browse the web through lynx? or is that just hyperbole

Hehe. My Archlinux machine is actually my SMB and NFS fileserver. It's running on a HP Proliant Microserver using md for mirroring.

My WiFi router is running OpenWRT. And of course, my smartphone is Android.

Linux is everywhere!

For web browsing, I use a Windows 8 machine.

I am in the process of setting up an EXSi server so I can ditch the Windows 8 machine. Waiting on parts.