How to be a good Linux Sysadmin

A sysadmin is one whose job is to deal with and maintain a server or a multi-computer system. Currently, there are two main types of servers, one running on Microsoft Windows, the other running on Linux/ Unix. From my own experience, I have come to several rules that anyone who wants to be a Linux sysadmin should follow.

1 – Always make a scheduling backup

This rule applies for any kind of server system, whether Windows, Unix or Linux. Just ask any veteran sysadmin you know and he will tell you how important this rule is. No matter how perfect the server hardware and software is, no matter how proactive the sysadmin is, bad things always happen. In the world of sysadmins, Murphy's law is always right. That is why the first thing every sysadmin has to keep in mind is to have everything back-uped.

And in order to backup your system, whether you are working with a Windows or a Linux system, you have to check these following things:

-        Where to store your backup data

-        How often you will rotate the backup

-        Which application you will use to create the backup

-        Which scheduling tool to execute the backup

2 – As a Linux sysadmin, you need to master the command line

Even in the Linux desktop environment, the command line is the most used tool. That is why to be able to run a Linux server, mastering the command line is a mandatory skill. In Linux and Unix, every task can be performed from the command line. Of course, there have been several tools with nice graphic interface to make your life easier, but you actually do not need them and should really avoid them as well.

In short, the ability to handle the command is that separate a Linux sysadmin from a Windows one, or perhaps a good Linux sysadmin from an inexperienced one. And if you still want to be a sysadmin but do not want to work with the command line, I suggest you to switch to a Windows sysadmin job then.

3 – Automate everything

You should make the system work for you, not the other way around. In Linux and Unix, there are several good scheduling tools you can use to automate tasks like crontab or anacrontab. Firstly, try to which tasks need to performed daily, weekly and monthly then think about the methods to automate them. Again, this is where you will need the knowledge about the command line. After you automate most of the tasks, your sysadmin life will be more relax and comfortable.

Of course, do not tell your boss about this recommendation of mine. But the truth is that, the lazy sysadmins are the best sysadmins. And who on earth does not want to work at little as possible?   

About Author: An is a Linux geek and a blogger. He is currently running Linux and Life, a blog dedicated for everything related to Linux