Embarking on a journey as a Linux system administrator (sysadmin) can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. With a multitude of tutorials and advice available, it's crucial to find a structured path to kickstart your Linux sysadmin journey. In this guide, we will provide you with a clear roadmap to begin your adventure.

Choose Your Distro — Ubuntu Server

To start your Linux sysadmin journey, you'll need to select a Linux distribution. Ubuntu Server is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced sysadmins alike due to its user-friendly interface, strong community support, and robust features. Visit the official Ubuntu Server website (https://ubuntu.com/download/server) and download the latest stable release, which, at the time of this article, is version 22.04.3.

Set Up Your Hardware

Now that you have your chosen Linux distribution, it's time to set up your hardware environment. You have two options:

a) Use an Old Computer

You don't need a cutting-edge machine to run a server; even an older 64-bit compatible computer can suffice. So, dust off that old PC or laptop sitting in your attic; it's perfect for your sysadmin journey.

b) Virtualization with VirtualBox

If you prefer not to use a physical machine, you can install VirtualBox (https://www.virtualbox.org/), a powerful, open-source virtualization platform, on your existing computer. VirtualBox allows you to create and run virtual machines (VMs) within your host operating system, making it an excellent choice for learning and experimentation.

Create a Bootable USB

If you've chosen to use an old computer, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive to install Ubuntu Server. Download Balena Etcher (https://etcher.balena.io/), a user-friendly tool for writing images to USB drives. Follow the instructions provided by Etcher to create your bootable Ubuntu Server USB.

Boot from USB or Install in VirtualBox

At this point, you should have your bootable USB ready. Insert it into your old computer, then boot from the USB drive. The exact method for selecting the boot device varies between computers but usually involves pressing a key like F12 during startup to access the boot menu. Select your USB drive to begin the Ubuntu Server installation process.

For those using VirtualBox, open the application, create a new virtual machine, and select the Ubuntu Server ISO file you downloaded earlier. Make sure to allocate sufficient resources (CPU, RAM, storage) to your VM for optimal performance.

Installation of Ubuntu Server

Follow the on-screen instructions (will be in green in the screenshots) to install Ubuntu Server

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Here you will put your own username and password, make sure to remember it, you'll need it!
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Additionally, during the installation process, you'll have the option to install the OpenSSH server. This allows remote access to your server, which can be very useful for managing your system. Consider enabling it by selecting "Install OpenSSH server" if you plan to manage your server remotely.

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Post-Installation

Once the installation is complete, your server will reboot. Remove the USB drive if you used one, and you'll be greeted with the login screen. Enter your username and password to access your server.

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Next Steps

Now that you've successfully set up your Ubuntu Server, it's time to explore the vast world of Linux sysadmin tasks. Here are some ideas (more to come, Follow me!) to get you started: Almost in order…

Starting your Linux sysadmin journey may seem overwhelming at first, but by following this structured path and gradually expanding your knowledge and skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a capable sysadmin. Remember that learning is an ongoing process, and there's always something new to discover in the world of Linux system administration. Enjoy the journey, and embrace the challenges and rewards it brings.

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