Expert Linux Administration Guide: Administer and Control Linux Filesystems, Networking, Web Server, Virtualization, Databases, and Process Control

by Vishal Rai

Length: 796 pages
Edition: 1
Language: English
Publisher: BPB Publications
Publication Date: 2022-06-08
ISBN-10: 9355510985
ISBN-13: 9789355510983
Sales Rank: #1552744 (See Top 100 Books)

0 ratings

Print Book Look Inside

Linux administration based on hosted virtualization.

Key Features

Designed for absolute beginners and early Linux users with the most up-to-date knowledge.
Contains troubleshooting tips and best practices for running a Linux system on your own.
Supplemental knowledge and insights in server security, threat management, and virtualization.

Description

‘Expert Linux Administration Guide’ is for the readers who are interested in developing the skills and abilities essential to operate as a professional Linux system administrator. This is the only book that explains everything about Linux practically through examples, simplified visuals, solution tips, and expert-led best practices.

This book begins with an introduction to Linux fundamentals and swiftly progresses to the day-to-day tasks of a Linux administrator. You practically learn how to plan your network by installing Linux and gaining a firm grasp of its file system and system configuration. This book covers all the Linux server settings, including DNS, mail servers, Squid proxy servers, and backup recovery. In addition, the book contains troubleshooting hints and ready-to-use solutions for server configuration, load balancing, firewall configuration, network security concerns, and virtualization. The book does not end here, as it discusses some of the advanced administrator’s responsibilities. Topics such as monitoring system performance, process controls, user provisioning, file and database recovery and backup, and software package upgrades are also covered.

By the end of this book, you’ll be able to practise and implement the latest system administration techniques in a Linux environment considerably more effectively.

What you will learn

Learn to install and configure Linux servers quickly.
Manage configurations, license software, and patch security flaws.
Obtain the highest level of support for RAID configurations.
Learn how to set up database servers, backups, and system recovery.
Expert advice on firewalls, web servers, disc utilization, and network resources.

Who this book is for

This book is intended for System Managers, System Administrators, Network Administrators, Server Administrators, System Engineers, and others interested in becoming professional Linux Administrators. No prerequisite knowledge is required, as the book covers everything clearly and precisely.

Cover Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication Page
About the Author
About the Reviewers
Acknowledgements
Preface
Errata
Table of Contents
1. Linux Fundamental
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to Linux shells
        Bourne Shell
            Bourne Shell features
        C-shell
            C shell features
        TC-shell
            TCSH features
        Korn shell
            Korn shell features
    Characteristics in Linux shell
    GNU project (GNU-not Unix)
    Linux distribution
    The Shell Login process
    Linux lab set-up process
    Introduction to Oracle Virtual Box
        Creating a new virtual machine
    Basic Linux commands with an example (bird’eye view to understand the theory)
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
    Questions
2. Files, Directories, and User Management
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objectives
    Introduction to Linux file system
        Ext (Extended file system)
        Ext2 (Extended file system2)
        Ext3 (Extended file system3)
        Ext4 (Extended file system4)
    File system hierarchy in Linux
    Basics of path
    Absolute path
    Relative path
    Creating a file
    Creating an empty file
    Viewing the contents of a file
    Creating a directory
    Introduction to group and ownership of a file
    Root user account
    Commands to manage user accounts
    Example related to useradd with -m
    Working of skeleton directory
    Commands to manage groups
    Inode
        Direct pointer
        Single indirect pointer
        Double indirect pointer
        Triple indirect pointer
    UMASK
        Calculation of permission using UMASK
        User/Owner
        Group
        Others
    File permission using chown/chmod/chgrp
        Case-1: Users (members) can access /USERDATA but others can Read data
        Case-2: Different directory for different users but others cannot access
    Permission at a Glance 
    Wheel group
    Linux command basics
        Commands in typical condition
    Summary of command list
    Conclusion
    Multiple Choice Questions
    Answers
3. File Compression and Archival
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objectives
    Introduction to compression
        Compressing a file using gzip
            Advance use of gzip
        Decompressing a file using gunzip
            Advance use of gunzip
    Compressing files using bzip2
    Decompressing a file using bunzip2
        Compressing a file using zip
        Decompressing a file using unzip
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
4. Performing Search
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    General introduction
    Simple Search
    Wild card-based search
    User, group, and ownership-based search
    Other searching option
    Introduction to redirection
        Output redirection (STDOUT)
        Input redirection (STDIN)
        Error redirection
    Conclusion
    Questions
    Answers
5. Vi Editor
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to vi editor
        Vi editor background
    Vi editor basic commands
    Conclusion
     Multiple choice questions
    Answer
6. Linux Installation
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    BIOS (Basic Input Output System) overview
        BIOS settings for installation
    Linux installation modes
        Oracle virtual box setting for Linux deployment
    Scenario: Linux deployment using FTP
    Scenario: Linux deployment using Apache
    Scenario: Linux deployment using NFS (Network File Sharing)
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
7. System Initialization
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objectives
    Linux boot process- an overview
    About GRUB (Boot Loader)
    About kernel initialization
    Introduction to MBR
    Introduction to systemd
        Target
        Device
        Mount
        Swap
        Service
        Slice
        Snapshot
        Path
        Socket
        Timer
        Auto mount
        Scope
        Creating a customized systemd service in Linux for mounting a volume
    Run levels and related services
    Switching to run level
        Switching to runlevel2
        Switching to runlevel3
        Switching to runlevel4
        Switching to runlevel5
        Switching to runlevel6
    Run level configuration
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
8. Overview of Network Commands
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objectives
    Assigning hostname of Linux machine
    Assigning hostname using Network Manager Text user interface (nmtui)
    Assigning IP address of the Linux machine
        Command line by changing the Network Adapter file
    About ifconfig command
    About netstat command
        3-Way Handshake method in TCP connection at a glance
    About ping (Packet Internet Groper)
    Network statistics
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
9. Firewall Setup
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objectives
    Introduction to firewall
    Linux firewall zones
    Displaying zone settings
    Displaying the list of services
        Finding active zones
        Checking firewalld configuration
    Enabling/disabling panic mode
    Assigning network interface to zone
    Creating customized zones
    Allowing Apache web service on Linux firewall
    Introduction to Rich Rule
    Linux firewall configuration modes
    About whitelist
    Introduction to masquerading
    IP masquerading demo for accessing Internet
    Introduction to GUI mode of Linux firewall
    Introduction to Firewalld lockdown
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
10A. Partition System in CentOS7/8
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    General introduction to partition
    Lab preparation process using Oracle Virtual Box
    Step-by-step process of creating a partition 
    Step-by-step method of assigning a file system on partition
    Mounting the file system using /etc/fstab
    Creating an extended partition using fdisk
    Creating a partition size larger than 2 TB Linux version 7/8
    Commands related to hardware
    Deleting the partition
    Resizing the partition
    Introduction to Redundant Array of Independent (RAID) disks CentOS7/8
        RAID levels
        Introduction to RAID 0
    RAID 0 configurations
    Removing RAID from CentOS7/8
    Introduction to RAID 1 (mirroring)
    Steps-by-step configuration of RAID-1
    Deleting the RAID-1 array
    Introduction to RAID10 (mirroring + striping)
    RAID-10 configuration
    Deleting the RAID-10 array
    Adding spare disk to RAID-10
    Introduction to RAID-5
    Configuration of RAID-5
    Assigning faulty disk and removal in RAID-5
    Introduction to RAID level 6–striping with double parity
    Configuration of RAID-6
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions 
    Answers
10B. LVM and ISCSI CentOS7/8
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to Logical Volume Manager (LVM)
    Steps to create an LVM logical volume
    Extending the volume group
    Reducing the volume group
    Moving one physical volume to new or existing volume group
    Resizing the LVM Logical Volume
    Extending the logical volume
    Reducing the logical volume
    Commands related to LVMs/VGs
    Backup and Restore the Logical Volume Group
    Exporting the volume group to another Linux machine
    Introduction to Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI)
        iSCSI server specification
    iSCSI configuration steps
        Client-side configuration (iscsi initiator)
    Introduction to Openfiler
        Scenario using Openfiler
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answer
11. YUM Server
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to YUM Server
    Scenario for the YUM server using FTP
    Scenario for the dnf server using Apache on CentOS8
    YUM/DNF server behind Squid proxy
    Removing/adding packages using YUM/DNF
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
12. Telnet
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to Telnet
    Installation of Telnet – Server packages
    Oracle Virtual Box setting for lab scenario
    Configuration of Telnet server (based on scenario) CentOS7/CentOS8
        Client machine configuration
        Configuration of Telnet on Windows machine
    Telnet Server Scenario-2
        Endian Firewall network setting for Oracle Virtual Box
        Telnet server network setting for Oracle Virtual Box
        Client machine network setting for Oracle Virtual Box
    Endian Firewall configuration
        Testing of Telnet
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
13. Domain Name System
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to DNS
    DNS database
        Root domain
        Top-level domain
        Second level domain
        Working of DNS
    Introduction to DNS zones
    Authoritative DNS server
    DNS caching name server
    Getting your own domain from registrar
    Primary and secondary DNS configurations
    DNS zones file syntax
    DNS resource record
    Allow/Deny DNS in UTM/Linux Firewall
        DNS Server Network Setting for Oracle Virtual Box
    Client machine network setting for Oracle Virtual Box
    Testing DNS server from Green-Zone
    Troubleshooting
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
14. Dynamic Host Control Protocol
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to DHCP server
    Installation of DHCP packages using YUM/dnf
        DHCP server configuration on CentOS7/8
    Introduction to DHCP relay agent
        DHCP relay agent configuration on CentOS7/8
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
15. Unified Threat Management (UTM)
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to UTM
    Introduction to Proxy Server
        Transparent proxy server
        Non-transparent proxy server
            Transparent proxy server using Endian firewall
            Configuration of non-transparent proxy (manual proxy) using Endian Firewall
    Introduction to Demilitarized zone (DMZ)
    Allow Telnet in DMZ
    Allow Internet in Green Zone
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
16. Squid Web Proxy
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introducing Squid web proxy server
    Installing Squid packages using YUM
    Configuring the squid server
    Writing allow/block rule in Squid
        Allow networks to enable internet access
        Block bad URL’s
        Restrict file type downloads
        Restrict access to the internet according to the time period
    Monitoring internet activity using squid
    Changing the squid port
    Transparent and non-transparent squid server
    Configuration of transparent Squid proxy
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answer
17. Apache Web Server
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introducing Apache web server
    Installing Apache web server by YUM server
    Configuring Apache web server based on scenario
        Apache web server (scenario using Oracle Virtual Box)
    Introduction to virtual hosting
        Domain name based virtual hosting
        IP address based virtual hosting
    Web server configuration based on authentication
        HTTP basic authentication
        Digest authentication
    Configuring redirection on Apache web server
    Apache configuration testing of Web Sever
    Configuring VPS server
    Introduction to SSL
    Installing SSL on VPS (CentOS7/CentOS8)
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions 
    Answer
18. Linux as a Router
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Hardware/software requirements to set up Linux as a Router
    Setting up the Router
    Scenario
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
19. NIS Server
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to Network Information Server (NIS)
    Installation of NIS packages by Yum server
    Configuration of NIS server
        Possible troubleshoot
    Client-side configuration
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
20. NFS Server
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to Network File Sharing Server
    Installing NFS packages using YUM command
    Configuring NFS server using scenario
        Server-side configuration
    Allowing NFS in Firewall
    Accessing NFS share (client-side configuration)
    Kerberos
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
21. File Transfer Protocol
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
    FTP connection modes
    Installing FTP packages using YUM server
    Configuring FTP server
        FTP Server (scenario 2)
        Endian Firewall Network setting for Oracle Virtual Box
        FTP Server Network setting for Oracle Virtual Box
        Client Machine Network setting for Oracle Virtual Box
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
22. Samba Configuration
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to Samba
    Installing samba packages using YUM Server
    Configuring Samba server scenario 1
    Client-side configuration of Samba
    Assessing the samba share from Windows10 machine
    Configuring Samba Server (scenario 2)
        Endian firewall configuration
    Testing of samba server
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answer
23. Mail Server Configuration
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to mail sever
    Difference between different closed and open-source mail server
    Introduction to SMTP server
    Installing mail server packages
    Configuring Mail Server Scenario-1
        DNS-server configuration steps
        Configuring mail server
    Accessing mail server by using public IP address/domain scenario 2
    Testing of public mail server 
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
24. Linux Hardening
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    What is Linux hardening?
    BIOS security
    Disabling system booting from USB/DVD/CD or any external devices
    Protecting the Grub
    O.S updates from trusted sources
        Stopping or disabling unnecessary services
        Closing the open ports
        Password policy
        Assigning the limited privileges to users
        Securing SSH (Secure Shell)
    Scenario
        Limited user logins
        Deny users
        Banner
        Changing default port 22
        Allowing port in firewall if port changed
        Limiting the listening address
        Enabling Selinux 
        Removing graphical environment
        Disabling the IPv6 
        Locking the unused user account
        Disabling Ctrl + Alt + Delete
        Displaying banner
        Monitoring user activity
        Encrypting the disks
    Hardening of Linux by Bastille
    Testing of Linux hardening
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
25. Load Balancer
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introducing load balancer
    Configuring load balancer for mail server
    Testing of load balancer
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
26. Setup Network Printer Services
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to printer
        Types of printers
    Installing printer scenario 1
    Installing printer scenario 2
    Sharing printer using organization policy
    Binding printer MAC to IP address
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
27. System Backup and Restore Process
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to backup server
    Full backup
        Incremental
        Differential
    Backup tools available in open source
    Installing backup tools
        Server-side configuration
    Copying VPS data using grsync
    Cloning the VPS disk
    Copying incremental data using rsync
    Backup using rsnapshot
    Maintaining integrity of backup
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
28. Linux Virtualization KVM
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to virtualization
        Desktop virtualization
        Server virtualization
        Network virtualization
        Storage virtualization
            Block level virtualization
            File level virtualization
    Types of hypervisors
        Installing KVM packages and VM
    Methods to access the VM
    Managing VM properties
        Managing VM from CLI (Command Line Interface)
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
        Answers
29. Introduction to Open-Source Tools
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    Introduction to AIDE
    Introduction to SNORT
    Introduction to NAGIOS
    Introduction to NGINX
        Installing NGINX
            Configuring nginx
    Cockpit
    Cacti
    Zimbra
    FreeNAS
    Openfiler
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answer
30. Troubleshooting Network Issues
    Introduction
    Structure
    Objective
    What is network troubleshooting?
    Steps involved in troubleshooting
    Basic network problems
    Software-based network troubleshooting tools
    ping (packet Internet gopher)
    traceroute
    nslookup
    Finding an A record using nslookup
        To check the NS records of a domain
            To query the SOA record of a domain
            About MX record
            Debug mode of nslookup
    ifconfig
        OPTIONS
        To configure IP address of Linux machine using ifconfig
    route
        Route flags-
    netstat
    Network Interface Configuration (NIC) file
    System log files
    /etc/resolv.conf
    /etc/hosts
    /etc/hostname
    Conclusion
    Multiple choice questions
    Answers
Index