1. Command Line Mastery
Proficiency in essential Linux commands is crucial. Key commands include:
- Navigation: ls, cd, pwd
- File manipulation: cp, mv, rm
- Text processing: grep, sed, awk
- Process management: ps, top, kill
2. User and Permission Management
Understanding user accounts, groups, and file permissions is fundamental[2]. This includes:
- Creating and modifying user accounts and groups
- Setting appropriate file and directory permissions
- Using sudo for elevated privileges
3. Package Management
Familiarity with package managers like apt, yum, or dnf for software installation, updates, and removal[2][5].
4. System Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Proficiency in using tools for system performance monitoring and troubleshooting[2][5]:
- top, htop for process monitoring
- netstat, ss for network statistics
- iotop for disk I/O monitoring
- vmstat for system resource usage
5. Networking Configuration
Knowledge of network configuration and troubleshooting[2][6]:
- Configuring network interfaces
- Setting up DNS and DHCP
- Using tools like ping, traceroute, and tcpdump
6. Security Best Practices
Understanding Linux security principles[6]:
- Implementing firewalls (e.g., iptables)
- Configuring SSH securely
- Keeping systems updated with security patches
7. Shell Scripting
Ability to write and understand shell scripts (primarily Bash) for task automation[2][5].
8. Log Management
Skills in monitoring, analyzing, and managing system logs[6]:
- Locating and interpreting log files in /var/log
- Using tools like journalctl for systemd-based systems
9. Backup and Recovery
Knowledge of backup strategies and disaster recovery procedures[8].
10. Virtualization and Containerization
Familiarity with virtualization technologies (e.g., KVM, VMware) and containerization platforms like Docker[2].
11. Configuration Management
Understanding of configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef for managing multiple systems efficiently[3].
12. Performance Tuning
Skills in optimizing system performance, including:
- CPU and memory management
- Disk I/O optimization
- Network performance tuning
13. File System Management
Knowledge of Linux file systems (e.g., ext4, XFS) and related tools:
- Partitioning and formatting disks
- Managing logical volumes (LVM)
- Monitoring disk usage and health
14. Service Management
Understanding how to manage system services using systemd or init scripts[5].
15. Automation and Scripting
Proficiency in automating repetitive tasks using scripts and tools to improve efficiency and reduce human error[2][12].
By mastering these 15 areas, Linux system administrators will be well-equipped to handle most challenges in managing and maintaining Linux systems effectively.
Citations:
[1] https://hostman.com/tutorials/17-linux-commands-every-sysadmin-should-know/
[2] https://grras.com/blog/what-are-the-basic-skills-of-a-linux-system-administrator
[3] https://cycle.io/learn/linux-system-administration
[4] https://linuxblog.io/90-linux-commands-frequently-used-by-linux-sysadmins/
[5] https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-linux-skills-do-you-need-great-system
[6] https://tuxcare.com/blog/10-best-linux-server-security-practices-for-sysadmin-in-2024/
[7] https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/linux-commands-to-know
[8] https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/skills-linux-sysadmin
[9] https://serverfault.com/questions/75476/toolkit-habits-for-linux-network-system-administration
[10] https://www.zippia.com/linux-systems-administrator-jobs/skills/
[11] https://serverfault.com/questions/167991/what-a-linux-administrator-must-know-by-head
[12] https://yellowtail.tech/learn/linux/administration/linux-admin-skills/
[13] https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/15wfawm/learning_linux_system_administration/
[14] https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxadmin/comments/19eoekp/what_linux_system_admin_skills_are_in_demand_to/
[15] https://yellowtail.tech/learn/linux/administration/how-to-be-a-linux-sys-admin/
[16] https://opensource.com/article/17/7/20-sysadmin-commands
[17] https://cets.seas.upenn.edu/answers/linux-best-practices.html