[ale] How useful is Raspbian for Newbie Learning Linux?

[Jim Kinney]

http://jimkinney.us

There's two links that can help with info. 

A super enthusiastic two thumbs up for wanting to learn more!!!

Basic command line is essential for maximum Linux functionality. For 'cool stuff' dev work, Debian or Ubuntu. For large scale, enterprise stuff, an rpm based version like RHEL or SLES or CentOS. There's plenty of mid size shops running Ubuntu LTS versions now as well. Being a sysadmin is a different mindset from being a developer. 

It getting harder to do security analyst stuff as the research side requires craptons (metric and english) of esoteric knowledge and access to gear for testing. Being a testing specialist requires extensive knowledge of tools and ability to work with and understand CVE data.

I'm not gonna touch databases other than to say Linux has a huge collection of the best of breed (and Oracle is still unable to have a type IPv4 address!).

And web servers....

And embedded systems...

And huge scale HPC systems (my world)...

There's no end (to the madness :-).

So, yes, do a raspberry pi but also do an old desktop box as a server. Make sure you can put 2-4 drives in to learn about multidrive systems (that really is good knowledge!). Have some networking gear, dumb and manage switches (the ability to mirror a port to a packet capture machine is really useful).

Microcenter has off lease boxes for cheap. Several thrift stores have old desktop PC gear for really cheap. Never keep the winders os. Wipe that crap and never look back. That's why I now have 2 laptops for work 🤦‍♂️. (I told them I would wipe it and install Linux)

Have a lot of fun!

Ask a lot of questions!  We are glad to help.

On January 9, 2021 1:59:40 PM EST, Mark Ogilvie via Ale <ale at ale.org> wrote:
>Someone asked what my specific learning goals were.
>In a nutshell I am open to whatever career opportunities a knowledge of
>Linux will provide.
>At present I install and service workstations and point of sale
>machines,
>but sometimes need to help with servers. My lack of Linux skills is
>severely limiting my ability to help customers in this arena. I hope
>that
>Linux on my Raspberry Pi can help me accomplish most of the following:
>
>How to get access to a Linux server.
>
>What a Linux distribution is and which one to choose.
>
>What software is needed to connect to Linux from Mac and Windows
>computers.
>
>What SSH is and how to use it.
>
>The file system layout of Linux systems and where to find programs,
>configurations, and documentation.
>
>The basic Linux commands you'll use most often.
>
>Creating, renaming, moving, and deleting directories.
>
>Listing, reading, creating, editing, copying, and deleting files.
>
>Exactly how permissions work and how to decipher the most cryptic Linux
>permissions with ease.
>
>How to use the nano, vi, and emacs editors.
>
>Two methods to search for files and directories.
>
>How to compare the contents of files.
>
>What pipes are, why they are useful, and how to use them.
>
>How to compress files to save space and make transferring data easy.
>
>How and why to redirect input and output from applications.
>
>How to customize your shell prompt.
>
>How to be efficient at the command line by using aliases, tab
>completion,
>and your shell history.
>
>How to schedule and automate jobs using cron.
>
>How to switch users and run processes as others.
>
>How to find and install software.

-- 
Computers amplify human error
Super computers are really cool
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