Key Linux Component Prerequisites

The Red Hat Linux System Administration Series is designed for users of Linux (or UNIX) who wish to build skills in administering Red Hat Linux systems to a level where they can attach and configure a workstation to an existing network.

In order to complete the Red Hat Linux System Administration Series successfully, students should be able to do the following:

1. Install Red Hat Linux on standard and non-standard hardware
2. Navigate and use the Linux filesystem
3. Perform common file maintenance tasks
4. Issue essential Linux commands from the command line
5. Open, edit, and save text documents using the vi or PICO editor
6. Explain and implement file and directory access permissions
7. Install, upgrade, delete, and query packages on the system

In the next lesson, course requirements will be discussed.

Linux is one of the most important technology advancements of the twenty-first century. Besides its impact on the growth of the Internet and its place as an enabling technology for a range of computer-driven devices, Linux development has been a model for how collaborative projects can surpass what single individuals and companies can do alone. Google runs thousands upon thousands of Linux servers to power its search technology. Its Android phones are based on Linux. Likewise, when you download and run Google's Chrome OS, you get a browser that is backed by a Linux operating system. Facebook builds and deploys its site using what is referred to as a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache web server, MySQL database, and PHP web scripting language). In fact, Facebook itself uses an open source development model, making source code for the applications and tools that drive Facebook available to the public. This model has helped Facebook shake out bugs quickly, get contributions from around the world, and fuel Facebook's exponential growth.
Financial organizations that have trillions of dollars riding on the speed and security of their operating systems also rely heavily on Linux. These include the New York Stock Exchange, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The widespread adoption of Linux around the world has created huge demand for Linux expertise. This module starts you on a path to becoming a Linux expert by helping you understand what Linux is, where it came from, and what your opportunities are for becoming proficient in it. The rest of this book provides you with hands-on activities to help you gain that expertise.