Debian 7: System Administration Best Practices

Learn the best ways to install and administer a Debian Linux distribution

Overview

• An in-depth look at Debian administration subjects
• Discover what distinguishes Debian from other Linux distributions
• Learn how to install, maintain, and administer Debian Linux

In Detail

Debian is one of the most popular Linux-based operating systems, with over 37 thousand software packages available in several architectures. Debian 7 is the latest version of this universal operating system and provides the foundation for thousands of web servers. It is easy to install, stable, and provides mechanisms for system security.

Debian 7: System Administration Best Practices provides valuable background information, tips, and advice on the major areas of installing, maintaining, and administering Debian Linux, from single systems to clusters. Learn what makes Debian the most stable and popular Linux distribution for Internet sites.

Debian 7: System Administration Best Practices is an overview of what administrators need to know in order to effectively administer Debian Linux systems, providing guidance and advice on what is available, and what experience has shown to work best. Starting with what distinguishes Debian from other Linux distributions, you will learn about the Debian project. Learn about the ways systems are booted, and how best to lay out disk partitions, and the basic methods to install and configure Debian software packages. Discover how to manage Debian systems, from bootup to shutdown, and what security measures may be required for your peace of mind, as well as advice on advanced topics that include high availability clustering.

What you will learn from this book

• Learn how the new Universal Extensible Firmware Interface affects Linux installation
• Discover ways to lay out and organize disk storage
• Explore Debian package management features and maintenance
• Familiarize yourself with routine system management, including startup, shutdown, file maintenance, and display management
• Discover basic security practices, including user maintenance, firewalls, and special considerations for the root account

Approach

A step-by-step, example-based guide to learning how to install and administer the Debian Linux distribution.

Who this book is written for

Debian 7: System Administration Best Practices is for users and administrators who are new to Debian, or for seasoned administrators who are switching to Debian from another Linux distribution. A basic knowledge of Linux or UNIX systems is useful, but not strictly required. Since the book is a high level guide, the reader should be willing to go to the referenced material for further details and practical examples.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Debian Basics for Administrators
Chapter 2: Filesystem Layout
Chapter 3: Package Management
Chapter 4: Basic Package Configuration
Chapter 5: System Management
Chapter 6: Basic System Security
Chapter 7: Advanced System Management