UNIX System Administration Course

This course is taught by a live instructor and is available in two class formats:

1. Live Online for Individuals
2. Onsite/Online for Private Groups

UNIX System Administration is the process of managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting UNIX-based computer systems. A system administrator is responsible for making sure the system runs efficiently and securely. They will often be responsible for tasks such as setting up user accounts, installing software, configuring hardware, ensuring data security, implementing backups, and monitoring system performance.

A Brief History of UNIX dates back to the mid-1960s with the development of Multics, a time-sharing operating system from Bell Labs. This project was unsuccessful but inspired Unix, which was developed by Kenneth Thompson in 1969. Since then, Unix has gone on to become one of the most popular and widely used operating systems in the world.

Evolving Standards are an important part of UNIX System Administration. The system administrator must constantly keep up with the latest industry standards to ensure maximum security and performance. This may include researching new technologies, staying on top of patches/updates, and understanding best practices as they relate to the particular environment they are working in.

Navigating the Documentation for UNIX System Administration can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help system administrators understand their systems and make informed decisions. These include official documentation from the vendor, books, and articles written by industry professionals, blogs discussing new technologies, and online forums where users can ask questions and get answers from experienced system administrators. By doing their research and taking the time to understand their systems, system administrators can ensure that they are making the best decisions for their organization.

System Administrators must also be ever-vigilant when it comes to security threats. They must stay abreast of new exploits in the wild, patch vulnerabilities quickly, and ensure that their systems are as secure as possible. This is essential in today's digital world where malicious actors could easily use a system to do damage or steal sensitive information. By staying on top of security threats, system administrators can help protect their organizations from potential disasters.

User administration in UNIX is a process of managing user accounts, groups, and passwords. A "user" in UNIX is an individual who has been granted access to the system and has settings, such as file permissions, environment variables, and other information. This information is stored in the /etc/passwd file which contains the username, user ID (UID), and other information. Groups are collections of users which can be used to manage permissions on the system as well as assign each user privileges within the group. The /etc/group file contains information about these groups including the group name, GID (Group ID), and members of the group. Passwords are encrypted and stored in a shadow file (typically /etc/shadow).

Adding users involves specifying the desired username, UID, and other information which is then added to the /etc/passwd file. Deleting users entails removing them from this file and deleting any related files. Modifying user attributes can be done by editing their entry in the passwd file or using the usermod command. The login process involves authenticating users by prompting for a username and password which is then compared to the information stored in the shadow file.

At login time, certain settings can be configured that apply to all users or specific users. In particular, /etc/profile and .profile (in a user's home directory) are read to set environment variables and other parameters. The /etc/motd file can be used to display a message of the day, while the wall command can be used to send messages to all logged-in users.

User administration in UNIX provides system administrators with a way to manage users on their system and ensure that only authorized users have access to the system. By using the tools available, administrators can add, delete, and modify user attributes as well as configure certain settings for all users or individual users. Proper use of these features allows for secure and efficient user management in UNIX.

UNIX file system basics refer to the fundamental building blocks of the UNIX operating system. The hierarchy structure is based on a tree structure with "root" at the top and branches stemming from there. Files are stored in directories, which are like folders on Windows or Mac OS X computers. There are two primary types of files: device files and character files. Device files refer to physical devices, such as disks or printers, while character files are textual documents or executable programs. The/dev directory contains all of the device files for a particular UNIX system. Lastly, links provide a way to reference data and files from elsewhere in the file system. In addition to standard hard links, there are symbolic links that refer to files indirectly, rather than directly.

Knowing the file system basics is essential for navigating and managing files within UNIX systems. When exploring a UNIX system, the df command can be used to display information on mounted file systems. The du command is a tool that allows users to quickly estimate the amount of space taken up by directories and subdirectories. The find command is useful for locating files based on search criteria such as name, size, or time. Knowing these commands can be invaluable when managing complex UNIX systems. With this knowledge, users can better access and manage the files stored in their system.

By understanding the UNIX file system basics, users will have a better understanding of their system and be able to use it more efficiently. This knowledge can make working with a UNIX system easier and more efficient.

UNIX advanced file system concepts are important to understand how a UNIX operating system efficiently stores and retrieves data. The physical file system is the actual arrangement of files, directories, and other related components on disk. It consists of several distinct layers that provide an efficient method for the OS to access information.

The Inode File contains information about each file, such as its size, type, owner, and access rights. The inode number is used to identify and locate the correct inode for a given file.

Data blocks are used to store the actual content of files on disk. The OS reads these blocks when a user requests data from a file. The superblock is a special block that contains information about the disk and its layout. It stores important parameters such as the number of free blocks, the size of each data block, and other important details about the file system.

The free list keeps track of which data blocks are available for use and which ones are already in use by files. This helps to make sure that no data is overwritten and lost.

Slices are logical structures used to divide a disk into multiple sections. This allows for multiple file systems to be stored on the same disk, as well as providing support for multiple operating systems running simultaneously.

There are several different types of file systems available in UNIX, including ext2, ext3, and ReiserFS. Each file system type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to select the one that best suits your needs. Many third-party tools are available for managing file systems.

Understanding these UNIX advanced file system concepts is essential for anyone wishing to work with a UNIX-based operating system. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you’ll be able to better utilize the system and get the best performance from it.

UNIX Disk Management is a set of processes that are used to manage the storage space on UNIX-based systems. These processes include making a file system, sharing file systems, mounting disks, managing the fstab file, running fsck commands, and maintaining the lost+found directory.

Making a File System is the process of allocating space on a physical disk for use by the operating system. This is done using the mkfs command, which allows users to create a file system with specific settings.

Sharing File Systems refers to setting up connections between multiple computers or hosts so that they can access the same shared resources. This process is achieved with the mount command, which allows users to add a file system to the local server.

The fstab File is a configuration file that contains information about each mounted device, including settings for how the device should be treated when mounting and unmounting. It also includes mount point information and other parameters used by the operating system.

The fsck Command is used to check the integrity of a file system and repair any errors. This command should be run regularly to make sure all data on the disk is valid and that there are no inconsistencies in the file system.

The lost+found Directory is a special directory that holds files recovered by fsck if something goes wrong with the file system. These files are usually marked as "damaged" and can be used to recover data that has been lost or corrupted.

The prtvtoc Command is used to print the table of contents (TOC) for a disk. This command is useful for viewing the layout of a disk and can help identify potential issues with the file system. It is also used to create a backup of the TOC in case it needs to be restored.

UNIX Disk Management helps users keep their file systems organized, secure, and reliable. It is essential for ensuring data on disk storage remains safe and accessible. By following best practices and using the correct tools, users can ensure they are properly managing their disks.

UNIX backups are a form of data protection used to store copies of important files, databases, and software in case of data loss or corruption. A well-structured backup strategy helps ensure that all critical data is stored safely and securely in the event of an unexpected hardware failure or malicious attack.

When designing a UNIX backup strategy, it is important to consider the type of data being stored, the frequency of backups, and any other special requirements. Depending on your business needs, it may also be beneficial to include multiple backup destinations, such as both local and cloud storage.

When choosing UNIX backup tools, organizations should consider their specific use cases, operating system compatibility, and how the tools support their overall data protection strategy. Common UNIX backup tools include the tar command, the cpio command, and the dump command.

The tar command is perhaps one of the simplest backup tools available, as it can be used to quickly and easily create an archive file of multiple files or directories stored on a local machine. The tar command is also versatile enough to be used for both full and incremental backups.

The cpio command is another popular UNIX backup tool, as it allows users to quickly copy data from one directory structure to another while preserving the file attributes. This tool can also be used to compress or encrypt files before they are stored, adding a layer of security to the backup process.

The dump command is a more advanced UNIX backup tool that enables users to quickly store and retrieve files from a variety of different storage media, such as tape drives or optical disks. This tool can also be used to create full and incremental backups, as well as perform remote backups over a network connection.

In addition to the tools mentioned above, organizations may also choose to implement a network backup strategy. This type of strategy allows users to store their data on remote computers or servers, which can help reduce the risk of data loss in the event of an unexpected hardware failure. Network backups are also beneficial for businesses with multiple locations or those that need to back up large volumes of data.

No matter which UNIX backup strategy an organization chooses, it is important to ensure that the backups are tested regularly and stored in a secure location. Doing so will help organizations protect their data and keep operations running smoothly in case of an unexpected incident.

UNIX processes are the building blocks of a computer's operating system. They provide an interface between hardware and software, as well as enable users to interact with the system. A process is essentially an instance of a running program or command. Every process has its own space in memory, which it uses to store variables, data structures, and other resources. The kernel tracks all of these processes in a process table and assigns each process its own unique Process ID (PID), which is used to differentiate it from other running processes.

The fork/exec mechanism is the primary mechanism by which new processes are created and launched on UNIX systems. When a user runs a command, the kernel creates a new process by “forking” off an existing process and giving it its own unique PID. The “exec” component then executes the command with the given parameters and environment, creating a completely new process. This process can then interact with other processes or wait for input from the user to execute commands.

The ps command can be used to view all running processes on a UNIX system. This command provides useful information, such as the process ID (PID), parent PID, status, and start time. It also allows users to filter processes to show only those that are of interest.

Background processes are those that run without user intervention or supervision. These processes are often used to perform essential system tasks, such as scheduled backups or log rotation. The kill command can be used to terminate a process at any time. However, it should only be used in extreme cases, as it can potentially cause data loss and other unwanted side effects.

Scheduling operations is an important part of UNIX administration. This involves creating jobs or tasks that run at regular intervals, often without user intervention. The cron daemon is a service used to schedule these jobs and execute them when they are due. The at command can be used to schedule a job to run one time in the future, while the crontab command allows users to create persistent schedules that run at regular intervals.

The format of cron files is a set of instructions used to indicate when and how tasks should be executed. These files are written as plain text and contain information about the command to be executed, the user who will launch it, the time at which it should be started, and any other parameters. Access to the scheduling facilities on a UNIX system is typically restricted, as it can potentially lead to malicious activities. Users should always use caution when granting others access to these tools.

By understanding how processes work and using commands such as ps, kill, at, and crontab, users can effectively manage their UNIX systems and ensure that tasks are performed efficiently and securely. This is an essential skill for any UNIX system administrator.

UNIX system startup and shutdown is an important process that ensures the correct operation of a computer. It involves the initialization of processes, such as loading hardware configurations, enabling users to log in, and powering down the system.

Run States are the different operating states of a UNIX system. The init Daemon is a process that is responsible for managing run states. /etc/inittab is a configuration file that contains information about how to transition between run states. It includes entries that define inittab Actions—the steps performed when transitioning between run states.

The init Command is the primary application used to control the run states of a UNIX system. It is responsible for loading hardware configurations and initiating user logins during startup, as well as powering down the system when it is time to shut down. The rc Scripts are shell scripts that contain commands for transitioning between run states, which are executed by the init Command.

Single-User Mode is a special run state that allows only one user to be logged in at a time, and that user has root permissions. This mode is useful for diagnosing problems during startup or shutdown, as well as performing system maintenance tasks.

The shutdown Command is used to initiate the shutdown process. It can be used to perform a controlled shutdown, which safely terminates all running processes and powers down the system, or to reboot the system without powering it down.

UNIX system startup and shutdown are essential for keeping a computer running smoothly and securely. Knowing how each of these components works together can help ensure a successful system startup and shutdown process.

UNIX system security is an integral part of any operating system, and the UNIX system is no exception. It encompasses a variety of measures to protect your data from unauthorized access and use. Security begins with physical security - it's important to maintain secure physical access to computer systems. This includes using strong passwords, implementing user authentication, and limiting access to the systems.

Account security is also an important part of UNIX system security. It includes setting up user and group accounts with appropriate permissions, which determine who can access what resources and how they can be used. The 'suid' and 'sgid' settings are important for enforcing account security; these allow individual users or groups to run certain programs with special privileges.

File and directory permissions are another key element of UNIX system security. This allows you to control who can access which files and directories, as well as what sort of operations they can perform on them. You should always set up restrictive permissions for sensitive data and resources; this ensures that only authorized users can access them.

Software security is important for protecting against malicious programs or activities. It includes using secure programming techniques and stringent testing practices, as well as regularly patching the system to prevent security vulnerabilities from being exploited. Keeping the operating system and applications up-to-date with the latest patches helps ensure that your data remains secure.

By following best practices for physical and account security, as well as file and directory permissions, software security measures, and the use of the SUID and SGID settings, you can ensure that your UNIX system is secure. This helps protect your data from unauthorized access or malicious activities, ensuring that it remains safe and secure.

UNIX Performance Monitoring and Tuning is the process of monitoring, analyzing, and tuning a UNIX-based system to achieve optimum performance. The goal of this process is to identify areas where performance can be improved through changes in configuration settings or software updates.

Performance issues arise when the system’s resources are unable to handle the load. This can be caused by inadequate hardware, incorrect configuration settings, inefficient software, or a combination of these factors. It is important to identify the source of the problem to properly address it.

Methods of improving performance include increasing hardware resources such as RAM and CPU power, making modifications to existing configuration files, optimizing software code, and adding additional network connections.

Swapping and paging are two other techniques used to enhance system performance. Swapping is the process of exchanging sections of memory between main memory and disk storage to free up RAM for critical applications. Paging is similar, but memory pages stored on disk can be swapped back into main memory when needed.

The sar utility is a system performance command line tool used to monitor and analyze operating system performance. It collects and displays essential data about the system’s memory, CPU usage, disk I/O activity, network connections, user session details, and more. Using sar can help identify areas of poor performance so that corrective actions can be taken.

The truss command is another system utility that can be used to trace and report system calls made by a given process. Truss can help identify bottlenecks in the system, as well as reveal areas where optimization is needed.

By monitoring, analyzing, and tuning a UNIX-based system, organizations can ensure that their systems remain running efficiently and effectively. This will help them meet their performance and reliability goals while reducing costs associated with system maintenance. With the proper tools and techniques in place, organizations can maximize the capabilities of their UNIX-based systems.

UNIX IP addressing is a class-based system used to assign unique identifiers to devices connected to networks. It consists of four octets separated by a period, such as 192.168.1.25. Each octet has a range of numbers from 0 through 255 and is represented in binary format.

The main purpose of an IP address is to identify each device on a network and enable them to communicate with one another. It is also used as an identifier for applications that require data from multiple sources, such as file sharing or web hosting.

IP addresses are divided into five classes: A, B, C, D and E. Class A networks have the largest range of IP addresses, while Classes B and C are used for medium-sized networks. Class D is used for multicast traffic and Class E is reserved for future use.

Network classes also have associated subnet masks which determine how a network divides its address space into different subnets. A subnet mask defines the portion of an IP address that is used to identify the network and the host.

UNIX IP addressing also includes broadcast addresses, which are special IP addresses used to send a message or request to all devices on a network at once. Broadcast addresses can be used to facilitate activities like file sharing and software updates.

The Domain Name System (DNS) is commonly used to resolve IP addresses instead of using the /etc/hosts file. DNS is a hierarchical database that maps domain names to IP addresses. It allows users to access websites and other services with an easy-to-remember name, without having to remember the IP address.

UNIX IP addressing plays an important role in keeping networks functioning properly. With the correct address configuration, devices can communicate with each other and access resources such as websites or files.

Configuring UNIX TCP/IP is an important part of connecting your system to the internet. The /etc/hosts file contains information about local IP addresses and DNS name servers, which are used to look up hostnames on the network. The ifconfig command is used to configure network interfaces, including assigning them IP addresses. The /etc/services file contains information about the services that are available on your system and how to access them. The inetd daemon is used to manage incoming network connections, and its configuration is stored in the /etc/inetd.conf file. Simple TCP/IP troubleshooting involves using the ping command to check whether a particular host can be reached, and the netstat command to view information about active network connections. Using these tools, you can quickly diagnose and solve network problems on your system.

Unix LP Print Service is a system used to manage printers in UNIX environments. It allows users to print documents on local or networked printers, as well as make changes to the settings of those printers.

The lp command is used by UNIX administrators and end-users alike to send files to designated printers. This command can be used to print single or multiple copies, as well as specify the type of printing (e.g., landscape orientation). The lpstat command allows users to view information about currently active printers, such as their status, which jobs are in the queue, and how many pages have been printed.

Administrators can use the cancel command to remove a print job from the queue, and the lpadmin command to add new printers or make changes to existing ones. The accept and reject commands allow an administrator to control which jobs can be printed on specific printers, while enable and disable commands can be used to turn a printer on/off remotely.

To use a networked printer, UNIX administrators must first establish a connection with the printer. This can be done by using the lpadmin command to add a new printer or edit an existing one. Other administrative commands can be used to manage print services more efficiently. For example, the lpmove command can be used to move a print job from one printer to another.

UNIX LP Print Service provides users with an easy way to manage their printing environment. It has powerful commands that allow administrators to add printers, modify settings, and troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently.

The UNIX operating system includes a suite of powerful network utilities to enable users to remotely connect to and manage computers and networks. Key UNIX network services include telnet, which allows for terminal emulation; ftp, for file transfer; rcp, for remote copy and rlogin, for remote login. The utility rsh enables the execution of remote commands, providing the user with a powerful tool to efficiently manage their systems. With these utilities, users can securely access and manage computer systems from virtually anywhere in the world. The UNIX network services provide a secure platform for the remote management of computer networks, giving organizations an efficient and cost-effective way to monitor their systems remotely.

UNIX also includes a wide range of other network-related utilities that allow for more efficient system management. These utilities provide the capability to monitor and analyze network traffic, scan open ports, detect rogue hosts on the network, and even set up virtual private networks (VPNs). By utilizing these powerful tools, organizations can easily and securely administer their networks from any location. UNIX network utilities provide the power and flexibility organizations need to effectively manage their computer networks.

Unix kernel reconfiguration is a process of changing the parameters and settings of an operating system’s kernel without having to reboot the computer. The process is used to adjust various software or hardware configurations, installation options, performance-related settings, or even security policies. Kernel reconfiguration allows users to tailor the system to their needs while still keeping the stability of the system intact.

Kernel parameters are used to configure the kernel and determine how it interacts with hardware, software, and other components. These parameters can be set to optimize performance or improve security. These settings must be adjusted carefully so as not to interfere with any existing functionality.

To reconfigure a kernel, several steps must be taken. First, the system needs to be shut down and powered off before any changes can be made. Next, the relevant settings should be modified according to the desired result. Once all changes have been made, the configuration should then be tested and applied before the system is brought back online.

Specific steps must be taken to reconfigure a kernel on the SVR4 operating system. First, the system should be booted into single-user mode by typing “Single” at the boot prompt. Next, all relevant settings should be modified according to the desired result and then tested before being applied. Once all settings have been applied, the system should then be rebooted to apply any changes.

Taking the time to properly configure a kernel can have many benefits, from improved performance and security measures to better compatibility with other software or hardware components. When making adjustments, it is important to do so carefully to maintain the stability of the system. Following the steps outlined above can ensure that any changes made are successful and do not cause any issues.

UNIX NIS (Network Information Service) is a directory service for Unix-based operating systems that enables the distribution of user and group information across multiple computers. It was developed by Sun Microsystems in the 1980s as a way to streamline authentication processes across networks.

NIS functions by hosting an authoritative database of user information on a central server and then distributing copies of this database to any computers that require it. This means that administrators can configure their systems once and have all their users’ information available across multiple machines. It also helps to ensure data integrity and accuracy by preventing the need for manual updating of user details on each computer.

NIS is a great way for network administrators to manage their users and groups quickly and easily. It simplifies authentication processes by allowing administrators to create a central repository of user information, which can then be accessed on all computers across the network. This removes the need for manual updating of user information on multiple machines, increasing security and reducing administrative overhead.

The NIS design and implementation consists of a hierarchical system of "master" and "slave" servers. The master server holds the authoritative database, while slave servers act as replicas for redundancy. These slaves can also serve requests in cases where the master is unavailable or too busy to respond. Maps are used to define how data is stored in the master server, and how it is distributed to clients.

Configuring NIS can vary depending on the version of Unix you are running, but generally consists of setting up a master server and then configuring clients to connect to it. It is important to ensure that access permissions are configured correctly, both for the master server and for any slaves, to ensure data security.

UNIX NIS is a powerful tool for network administrators who need to manage user information across multiple computers. It simplifies authentication processes and helps to ensure the accuracy of user data by removing the need for manual updating on each computer. Proper configuration is essential for ensuring data security, however once set up it can provide administrators with a powerful and efficient way to manage user information.

Public instructor-led Unix course prices start at $2,280 per student. Group training discounts are available.

Self-Paced Unix eLearning courses cost $475 at the starting point per student. Group purchase discounts are available.

A: If you are wondering what Unix skills are important to learn, we've written a Unix Skills and Learning Guide that maps out Unix skills that are key to master and which of our courses teaches each skill.

Read Our Unix Skills and Learning Guide

A: Is Unix hard to learn? It depends on your background and goals. If you're coming from a Windows or Mac environment, there will be a bit of a learning curve. However, if you're familiar with basic concepts like file systems and permissions, then Unix shouldn't be too difficult to pick up. The most important thing is to have a good understanding of what you want to accomplish before getting started. Once you know your goals, the rest will fall into place.

A: Unix and Linux are two popular operating systems that have a lot in common. Both are based on the Unix philosophy of "small, simple, and modular" design. They both use a command-line interface (CLI) for users to interact with the system. And they both support a wide range of software applications.

However, there are also some key differences between Unix and Linux. Unix is a proprietary operating system, while Linux is open source. Unix is typically more expensive to purchase and maintain than Linux. And Linux offers more customization options than Unix.

So, which operating system is right for you? It depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need an operating system that is stable and easy to use, Unix may be a good choice. If you want an operating system that is less expensive and more customizable, Linux may be a better option.

A: With Certstaffix Training, you can learn Unix in as little as 4 days. We offer both individual online and group onsite corporate training classes, so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule and learning needs. Our experienced trainers will help you master the Unix operating system, so you can confidently use it for work or personal projects. Browse our Unix training offerings now.

A: There are a variety of skills that are important for anyone who wants to work with Unix systems. Here are some of the most important ones:

Top Unix Skills

Understanding the Unix file system and how it works - This is critical for being able to navigate the system and find the files you need.

Knowing how to use the command line - This is the most basic way of interacting with Unix systems, and it’s important to know the basics.

Learning scripting languages like Bash or Perl - These can be used to automate tasks or create custom programs.

Being familiar with common Unix utilities - There are many tools available for working withUnix systems, and it’s helpful to know which ones are available and how to use them.

Understanding security - Unix systems are often used in environments where security is critical, so it’s important to understand the basics of security on these systems.

Knowing how to troubleshoot - When something goes wrong on a Unix system, it’s important to be able to identify the problem and fix it.

These are just some of the skills that are important for working with Unix systems. By learning these skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient Unix user.

Unix Blogs

• Chris's Wiki :: blog/unix

Unix User Groups

• Unix groups | Meetup

Unix Online Forums

• The UNIX and Linux Forums
• unix - Reddit