The Accidental Administrator: Linux Server Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

Based on CentOS 6.5

The Accidental Administrator: Linux Server Step-by-Step Configuration Guide is packed with 54 hands-on, step-by-step exercises and 185 graphics including screen captures showing you exactly what you should be seeing on your own screen. It's the most straight-forward, visual approach to learning how to configure a Red Hat/CentOS Linux server, filled with practical tips and secrets learned from years of teaching, consulting, and administering Linux servers.

There's no time wasted on boring theory. The essentials are covered in chapters on installing, administering, user management, file systems and directory management, networking, package management, automated task scheduling, network services including DHCP and DNS, Samba, NFS, mail servers, Web and FTP servers, SSH, security, firewalls, NAT, performance monitoring, management tools, and more.

Inside this concise, step-by-step guide, you'll find:

• Where to find and legally download the free server software
• How to build and configure an Apache Web server, including virtual hosts
• How to configure file and printer sharing for Windows clients with Samba
• How to understand Linux file and directory permissions

With hands-on exercises using virtualization (VMWare is used in the book, but other virtualization environments will work equally as well), this book is perfect for both individuals working by themselves or for groups such as classes and users groups.

All the information is presented in a straightforward, yet casual style that you can understand and use right away. This practical book makes it possible for you to build a working Linux server in a matter of minutes. Of course, some of the more advanced configs may take a little longer, but even so, you'll be able to "get it done" in a minimal amount of time.

This edition of the Linux Server configuration guide is the result of listening to reader and student feedback on previous editions, combined with many hours of research and testing. Like its predecessor, it is based on training materials I developed for my Linux server workshops. I specialize in accelerated training and this book reflects that approach to learning:  lots of material, delivered in a short amount of time.  I rewrote the training materials to create this book with the idea of giving you a lot of hands-on exercises and only the essential bits of theory and background information.  I tried to include lots of tips and shortcuts that I've learned and used in managing Linux servers.  (We use Linux servers exclusively in my business and I'm the guy who manages them!)  Whether you're brand new to Linux in general or new to Red Hat/CentOS, My goal is that you'll find this book helpful in learning the basics and even some of the more advanced concepts of Linux configuration and administration.