Introduction to Arch Linux for System Administrators

• Basic experience and familiarity with Linux

Arch Linux is an independently developed GNU/Linux distribution. It is often referred to as the simple Linux as it provides a minimal base system, allowing users to configure it only to add what is required.

In this instructor-led, live training, participants will learn the basics of Arch Linux as they practice the essential system administration techniques and tools needed to manage an Arch Linux system.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of Arch Linux
• Install Arch Linux on their systems
• Implement various system administration tasks on Arch Linux

Audience

• System administrators
• Developers

Format of the course

• Part lecture, part discussion, exercises and heavy hands-on practice

Introduction

Overview of Arch Linux

Understanding the Difference Between Arch Linux and Other Linux Distributions

Installing Arch Linux

• Setting the Keyboard Layout
• Verifying Boot Mode
• Connecting to the Internet
• Updating the System Clock
• Partitioning the Disks
• Formatting the Partitions
• Mounting the File Systems
• Selecting the Mirrors
• Installing the Base Packages
• Configuring the System
• Rebooting

Overview of the Basics of System Administration in Arch Linux

Implementing Basic Configuration in Arch Linux

• Setting the Hostname
• Setting the Time Zone
• Configuring the /etc/hosts File in Arch Linux

Assessing and Diagnosing Network Problems in Arch Linux

• Using the ping Command
• Using the traceroute Command
• Using the mtr Command

Implementing System Diagnostics in Arch Linux

• Checking Current Memory Usage
• Using vmstat to Monitor I/O Usage
• Using htop to Monitor Processes, Memory, and CPU Usage

Managing Files on a Linux System in Arch Linux

• Uploading Files to a Remote Server
• Protecting Files on a Remote Server
• Implementing Symbolic Linking

Package Management in Arch Linux

• Finding Installed Packages
• Finding Package Names and Information

Text Manipulation in Arch Linux

• Using grep to Search for a String in Files
• Implementing "Search and Replace" Across a Group of Files
• Editing Text

Setting up a Web Server

• Choosing a Web Server
• Resolving HTTP Issues in Arch Linux
• Monitoring Apache Logs

Working with DNS Servers and Domain Names in Arch Linux

• Redirecting DNS Queries with CNAMEs
• Setting Up Subdomains

Dealing with SMTP Servers and Email Issues in Arch Linux

• Choosing an Email Solution
• Sending Email from Your Server

Bonus: Installing Arch Linux Using VirtualBox

Summary and Conclusion