Inspect Linux processes with ps, top, and pgrep
Compare a point-in-time process snapshot with live CPU and memory activity, then verify the owning command before taking action.
Read guide →LEARNING PATH · BEGINNER
Linux Administration Fundamentals
For new Linux users and junior administrators who want to inspect and manage a Linux host safely.
Prerequisites
A Linux shell. Use a disposable VM for experiments that modify system state.
Learning objectives
- Read process, service, and journal state.
- Understand filesystem capacity and permission bits.
- Use common network and shell tools safely.
Follow these lessons
Manage Linux services with systemctl
Inspect a systemd unit, distinguish starting from enabling, and verify a deliberate service change.
Read guide →Inspect Linux service logs with journalctl
Filter systemd logs by unit and time, follow new entries, and preserve context around the first failure.
Read guide →Check disk usage in Linux with df and du
Separate filesystem capacity from directory usage, and check inode availability as well as bytes.
Read guide →Understand Linux file permissions and ownership
Read owner, group, and mode bits; check directory traversal and ACLs; then make a narrow ownership or mode adjustment.
Read guide →Inspect Linux network interfaces and IP addresses
Use iproute2 to inspect links, assigned addresses, and the route selected for a destination.
Read guide →Use shell pipelines and redirection safely
Understand standard input/output, pipes, overwrites, quoting, pipeline status, and command exit codes in Bash.
Read guide →
Official documentation
Practice and next steps
Practice on a disposable VM, then consider the Linux System Administration Essentials course for structured training.
Explore the hands-on lab directory and official training recommendations. Certification exams require separate registration and passing the applicable exam.