Linux is an extremely popular operating system for hackers. There are two main reasons behind this. First off, Linux's source code is freely available because it is an open source operating system. Malicious actors use Linux hacking tools to exploit vulnerabilities in Linux applications, software, and networks.
System administrators are considered jacks of all trades in the IT world. They're expected to have experience with a wide range of programs and technologies, from networks and servers to security and programming. But many system admins feel challenged by stunted career growth.
How hard is it to learn Linux? Linux is fairly easy to learn if you have some experience with technology and focus on learning the syntax and basic commands within the operating system. Developing projects within the operating system is one of the best methods to reinforce your Linux knowledge.
Here we have listed the best Linux certifications for you to boost your career.
- GCUX – GIAC Certified Unix Security Administrator.
- Linux+ CompTIA.
- LPI (Linux Professional Institute)
- LFCS (Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator)
- LFCE (Linux Foundation Certified Engineer)
So to become standard junior sysadmin you need about a two years of learning I guess, it depends on your skill and dedication, you can learn in much quicker.
7 Steps to Start Your Linux SysAdmin Career
- Install Linux. It should almost go without saying, but the first key to learning Linux is to install Linux.
- Take LFS101x. If you are completely new to Linux, the best place to start is our free LFS101x Introduction to Linux course.
- Look into LFS201.
- Practice!
- Get Certified.
- Get Involved.
- Super easy. Get a job in IT as a tech.
- Get some experience under your belt at that job and then go after some more certs.
- Then apply to some jobs.
- All I have is a few years of experience and comptia sec+ and I was able to obtain a systems admin role easily.
It is not that it is hard, it requires a certain person, dedication, and most importantly experience. Do not be that person that thinks you can pass some tests and drop into a system admin job. I generally don't even consider someone for system admin unless they have a good ten years of working up the ladder.
- Microsoft: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
- Red Hat: RHCSA and RHCE.
- Linux Professional Institute (LPI): LPIC System Administrator.
- CompTIA: CompTIA Server+
- VMware: VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)
- ServiceNow: ServiceNow Certified System Administrator.
Typically a bachelor's degree in computer science is required for a system administrator role, in web technology, network administration or something similar. However, some employers may require further training depending on the role and if it requires the system administrator to specialise in a specific area.
Key skills for network administrators
- Patience.
- IT and technical skills.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Enthusiasm.
- Teamworking skills.
- Initiative.
- Attention to detail.
Following are four system administrator certifications that will help you gain new skills, earn more money, and keep pace with the latest tech jobs.
- MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. Source.
- Oracle Linux System Administrator (Oracle) Source.
- RHCE (Red Hat): Red Hat Certified Engineer.
- CompTIA Server+
A good systems administrator must be able to communicate and get along well with others, and understand the basic principles and practices of proactive customer service (and even services delivery, as I'll dig into a bit more in the next major heading that follows).
Linux tops the charts with 80% of employers ranking it as an in-demand open source skill. This is a dramatic boost from the 2017 report (65%). Cloud technology has dropped a bit in popularity, however it still takes the number two spot. Next is web security, which then networking, and finally container technologies.
UNIX Administrator installs, configures, and maintains UNIX operating systems. Analyzes and resolves problems associated with the operating system's servers, hardware, applications, and software. Additionally, UNIX Administrator typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
The UNIX system is functionally organized at three levels: The kernel, which schedules tasks and manages storage; The shell, which connects and interprets users' commands, calls programs from memory, and executes them; and. The tools and applications that offer additional functionality to the operating system.
In Linux and Unix-like systems, the superuser account, called 'root', is virtually omnipotent, with unrestricted access to all commands, files, directories, and resources. Root can also grant and remove any permissions for other users.
National AverageAs of Nov 2, 2020, the average annual pay for a Linux System Administrator in the United States is $99,759 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $47.96 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,918/week or $8,313/month.
An early career Linux Systems Administrator with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹393,889 based on 107 salaries. A mid-career Linux Systems Administrator with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of ₹552,065 based on 23 salaries.
Linux Administrator Duties and Responsibilities
- Install and Configure Linux Systems.
- Perform System Maintenance.
- Create System Backups.
- Monitor System Performance.
- Provide Technical Support and Guidance.
- Maintain System Security.
Unix / Linux - User Administration
- Root account. This is also called superuser and would have complete and unfettered control of the system.
- System accounts. System accounts are those needed for the operation of system-specific components for example mail accounts and the sshd accounts.
- User accounts.
On a daily basis, IT Administrators perform data backups and disaster recovery operations. They operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks, and to coordinate computer network access and use.
