Linux System Administration

Solve Real-Life Linux Problems Quickly

For experienced system administrators looking to acquire Linux skills, and seasoned Linux users facing a new challenge, Linux System Administration provides advice for managing a complete range of systems and servers. This book summarizes the steps you need to build everything from standalone SOHO hubs, web servers, and LAN servers to load-balanced clusters and servers consolidated through virtualization. You’ll also learn about the tools you need to set up and maintain these working environments.

Linux System Administration serves as an introduction to Linux for Unix veterans, MCSEs, and mainframe administrators, and as an advanced guide for existing Linux administrators who want to refresh or enhance their skills.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:

• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot a DNS server using BIND
• Set up an email service for a small- to medium-size site, complete with authentication
• Install and configure Apache, PHP, and MySQL on a web server built from scratch
• Combine computers into a load-balanced Apache web server cluster based on the free Linux Virtual Server
• Use Linux virtualization with Xen or VMWare to run multiple kernels on one piece of hardware; manage each kernel’s access to processor time, devices, and memory
• Create shell scripts and adapt them for your own needs
• Back up and restore data with rsync, tar, cdrecord, Amanda, and MySQL tools

Linux System Administration offers a wealth of knowledge and experience in one convenient place. In the course of their research, the authors solved many problems that were completely undocumented previously. They now pass their lessons on to you.

About the Authors
Tom Adelstein works as a technical analyst writer for a large international publishing company headquartered in Texas. He became a young author in 1985 and has written prolifically ever since. Tom's career began as a CPA and progressed into investment banking where he excelled by using computer technology to help his companies become industry leaders. In 1993, he decided to change careers and pursue information technology. He says he chose to follow his heart instead of his head.

Bill Lubanovic started developing software with UNIX in the 70s, GUIs in the 80s, and the Web in the 90s. He now does web visualization work for a wind energy company. He enjoys life in Minnesota with his wonderful wife Mary, excellent children Tommy and Karin, and confused cats Patches, Inga, and six-toed Chester.