Introduction

This course gives an overview of systems and network administration in a networked UNIX environment. Students learn about using Unix systems efficiently first, followed by common system administration tasks and practices. On the practical side, students will also gain experience with implementing and maintaining standard services like email, filesharing, DNS and similar. The course is focused on the UNIX operating system and uses Linux-based servers, but some information about the most fundamental differences between various UNIX systems will be provided. The main objective is to give a sound understanding of how UNIX systems work and learning the best current practices used in system and network administration.

Objectives

  • understand the UNIX OS architecture
  • be able to use a UNIX system efficiently
  • understand the structure of the Debian Linux distribution
  • be able to install a Linux system
  • be able maintain a generic UNIX system
  • be able to deal with UNIX processes
  • be able to automate common administration tasks
  • be able to administer a system cooperatively and efficiently
  • understand common services provided by and with UNIX systems
  • setup and administer generic service infrastructure on UNIX systems

Contents

  • System Administration Basics
  • UNIX Basics, Linux and Solaris Specifics
  • Network Management
  • Host Management
  • User Management
  • Configuration and Maintenance
  • Standard Services
  • Analytical System Administration
  • Automation
  • Infrastructure Planning
  • Ethics

Prerequisites

  • Programming Knowledge
    Students need some knowledge of computer programming, preferrably in a procedural programming language. The subject introduces students to shell scripting, Perl and (to a limited degree) to C and prior exposure to these languages is certainly beneficial but by no means a strict prerequisite.

    The Bond subject INFT110 can be considered to provide the absolute minimum knowledge for this requirement, but having completed INFT210 would certainly be preferrable.

  • Basic Networking Knowledge
    Students need an understanding of the basic structure and operation of local area networks and the Internet. This material is covered by Bond subjects INFT230 or INFT135.

Related Courses

Course Procedures

The course consists of following parts:
Lecture (2 hours per week)
Workshop (2 hours per week)
Tutorial (1 hours per week)

Trimester Offerings

031 042 052 082

Please note that the trimester information is complete only for subjects using the James portal; correct data for other subjects is unavailable for trimesters after 073.

inft73333@082
final exams: all marked
Some tips for the research assignment
Final Task published
Midterm: marks are up
Midterm Tomorrow: will be held in the LinuxLab
Task 7: go!
Task 4: marked, Task 6: published
Supplementary week 4: held in the Linuxlab
Important Update re Debian Installation
task 3: marked, task 4: published