Course Content
Preparing Our Lab Environment
In this course, we are going configure our lab environment for hands-on practice. We are going to use a virtual machine. This virtual machine can be installed on a Hypervisor like VMWare Workstation, Oracle Virtual Box. It could also be a cloud server hosted in Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) or in any other cloud provider. For the purpose of this training, we will be using VMWare Workstation PRO as our hypervisor. The main computer system for hands-on learning activities is workstation. Students also use two other machines for these activities: servera and serverb. All three systems are in the lab.uta.com DNS domain. All student computer systems have a standard user account, student, which has the password student. The root password on all student systems is redhat.
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Lab Setup | How To Download VMWare Workstation Pro
09:49
Lab Setup | How To Create a Red Hat Account
02:22
Lab Setup | Download RHEL 9.5 Image
03:56
Lab Setup | Create Virtual Machines in VMWare Workstation PRO 17 and Install Operating System
25:39
Lab Setup Configuring Hostnames and Hosts Files in Workstation
15:25
Lab Setup Configuring Hostnames and Hosts Files in Servera and Serverb
14:03
Lab Setup | How to Communicate From One Server to Another Server
07:23
Lab Setup | Understanding the GUI
11:49
Lab Setup | How to Take a Snapshot of our Servers
06:59
Lab Setup | How to Grant Sudo Privilege to a User
06:14
Chapter 1. Introduction to Red Hat Enterprise Linux
While Linux in general offers flexibility, security, and performance, RHEL provides additional enterprise-level features, support, and long-term stability, making it an excellent choice for businesses and large-scale deployments.
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Definition of Linux and open-source software.
Benefits of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Overview of Linux Distributions (Distros)
Importance of Linux Skills
Chapter 1. Introduction to Red Hat Enterprise Linux Quiz
Red Hat System Administration I for Beginners
About Lesson

A Linux distribution (or “distro”) is a complete operating system built around the Linux kernel and includes additional software, tools, and applications that make the system usable. Linux distributions are typically created to cater to different types of users or use cases, such as home users, developers, businesses, or servers. Some distros are beginner-friendly, while others are geared towards advanced users or specific tasks.

Here are key components commonly found in a Linux distribution:

  1. Linux Kernel: The core of the operating system, which manages hardware resources (e.g., CPU, memory, peripherals).
  2. Package Manager: A system for installing, updating, and removing software packages (e.g., apt for Debian-based distros, yum or dnf for Red Hat-based distros).
  3. Desktop Environment (DE): A graphical interface that allows users to interact with the system (e.g., GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce).
  4. System Libraries: Collections of code that provide functionality for programs.
  5. Utilities and Applications: Basic tools and software packages, including text editors, file managers, and system monitoring tools.

Popular Linux Distributions:

  1. Ubuntu:
    • Target Audience: General users, developers, beginners.
    • Package Manager: apt (Advanced Packaging Tool).
    • Desktop Environment: GNOME (default).
    • Features: Ubuntu is one of the most popular and user-friendly distributions. It’s based on Debian and offers regular, stable releases with good community support. It’s widely used for desktops, servers, and even in cloud environments.
    • Variants:
      • Ubuntu Server: Focuses on server environments.
      • Ubuntu Studio: Designed for creative professionals (audio, video, graphic design).
  2. Debian:
    • Target Audience: Experienced users, developers.
    • Package Manager: apt.
    • Desktop Environment: GNOME (default), but many others are available.
    • Features: Debian is known for its stability and reliability. It’s the foundation for many other distributions, including Ubuntu. Debian releases are well-tested before they’re made available, ensuring long-term stability.
    • Variants: Stable, Testing, and Unstable branches for different levels of risk and updates.
  3. Fedora:
    • Target Audience: Developers, tech enthusiasts.
    • Package Manager: dnf.
    • Desktop Environment: GNOME (default).
    • Features: Fedora is known for providing the latest and greatest technologies in the Linux ecosystem. It is backed by Red Hat and serves as a testing ground for technologies that will eventually be included in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
    • Variants:
      • Fedora Server: Focused on server environments.
      • Fedora Workstation: Desktop-oriented version with the latest software.
  4. CentOS (Now CentOS Stream):
    • Target Audience: Servers, enterprises.
    • Package Manager: dnf.
    • Desktop Environment: Typically headless (no GUI by default) for server environments.
    • Features: CentOS was traditionally a free, community-supported version of RHEL, focusing on stability. As of 2020, CentOS is now a rolling release (CentOS Stream), which is positioned between Fedora and RHEL. It remains a popular choice for businesses that need stability at a lower cost.
  5. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL):
    • Target Audience: Enterprises, businesses, and organizations requiring support.
    • Package Manager: dnf.
    • Desktop Environment: GNOME (default).
    • Features: RHEL is a commercial, enterprise-focused Linux distribution known for its long-term support, reliability, and security. It’s widely used in data centers, cloud environments, and for mission-critical applications.
    • Variants:
      • RHEL Server: For large-scale server deployments.
      • RHEL Workstation: For developers and technical workstations.
  6. Arch Linux:
    • Target Audience: Advanced users, enthusiasts.
    • Package Manager: pacman.
    • Desktop Environment: None by default; users can install any DE they prefer.
    • Features: Arch is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and rolling release model, meaning the system is continuously updated. Arch provides a bare-bones installation, and users configure it from the ground up, which is ideal for those who want total control over their system.
    • Variants:
      • Manjaro: A user-friendly Arch-based distribution with preconfigured desktop environments.
  7. Linux Mint:
    • Target Audience: Beginners, home users.
    • Package Manager: apt.
    • Desktop Environment: Cinnamon (default), MATE, Xfce.
    • Features: Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and is designed to be user-friendly. It features a traditional desktop layout, making it ideal for users transitioning from other operating systems like Windows. It includes a wide range of pre-installed software for a complete out-of-the-box experience.
  8. openSUSE:
    • Target Audience: Developers, system administrators.
    • Package Manager: zypper.
    • Desktop Environment: KDE Plasma (default), GNOME.
    • Features: openSUSE offers a stable and flexible platform, with tools like YaST (Yet another Setup Tool) for system administration. It is available in two main versions: openSUSE Leap (a stable release with regular updates) and openSUSE Tumbleweed (a rolling release for those who want the latest features).
    • Variants:
      • openSUSE Leap: For enterprise-like stability.
      • openSUSE Tumbleweed: Rolling release with the latest software.
  9. Elementary OS:
    • Target Audience: New Linux users, users transitioning from macOS.
    • Package Manager: apt.
    • Desktop Environment: Pantheon.
    • Features: Elementary OS is known for its beautiful, minimalist design, which is inspired by macOS. It’s designed to be simple and easy to use while providing a clean and polished desktop experience.
  10. Kali Linux:
    • Target Audience: Security professionals, penetration testers.
    • Package Manager: apt.
    • Desktop Environment: GNOME (default).
    • Features: Kali Linux is a security-focused distribution loaded with tools for network analysis, penetration testing, and ethical hacking. It’s based on Debian and is often used by cybersecurity professionals for testing vulnerabilities.

Types of Linux Distributions:

  • General Purpose: These distros are designed for a broad range of users and use cases (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Linux Mint).
  • Server-Focused: These distros are optimized for server environments and often lack a graphical interface (e.g., CentOS, RHEL, Ubuntu Server).
  • Security and Penetration Testing: These are tailored for security professionals and ethical hackers (e.g., Kali Linux, Parrot Security OS).
  • Lightweight Distros: These are optimized to run on older or resource-constrained hardware (e.g., Puppy Linux, Lubuntu, Xubuntu).
  • Rolling Release: These distributions continuously receive updates and the latest software features (e.g., Arch Linux, openSUSE Tumbleweed).
  • Enterprise: Distributions focused on long-term support and corporate environments (e.g., RHEL, CentOS, SUSE Linux Enterprise).

 

Summary:
The vast variety of Linux distributions provides options for every need and preference, from user-friendly desktop experiences to powerful, specialized server environments. The choice of distribution depends on factors like technical expertise, purpose, and the need for support.

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