Become a Junior Linux System Administrator

Journey Obstacles

Starting your journey in Linux system administration can feel overwhelming. The field is incredibly broad, and it’s often unclear where to begin, what to focus on, or which tools and tasks are truly essential for beginners. One of the hardest parts is not just learning commands, but trying to navigate through the chaos — figuring out what you actually need, where to find reliable (and free) software, and how to approach real-world tasks.

This website is my way of sharing that path — the mistakes I’ve made, the tools I use, the lessons I’ve learned. It’s first and foremost a source of motivation for myself, but I also hope it can help others who are just starting out. I’m not an expert, just someone trying to grow, and I want to share my modest experience with those walking the same road.

Motivation and benefits

1. You Stay Relevant in an AI-Driven Future
AI tools are becoming part of the workflow, but they won’t replace real system administrators anytime soon. Instead, Linux admins who learn to use AI effectively will be more efficient, valuable, and future-proof.

2. High Demand & Career Growth
Linux runs the backbone of the internet, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems. Skilled admins are always in demand, and the role is a strong stepping stone to careers in DevOps, cloud, or cybersecurity.

3. Deep Technical Skills with Open-Source Freedom
As a Linux admin, you gain real understanding of how systems work — networking, users, security, services — all while using powerful free tools without vendor lock-in.

Road map and plan

It’s hard to know exactly where to start. For some people, books work better; for others, video tutorials are more effective. Here’s a simple roadmap to help guide your first steps into the world of Linux system administration:

  1. Install VirtualBox
    The first step is to install Oracle VirtualBox — it’s free and open-source software. With it, you can create virtual machines and install any Linux distribution. I recommend starting with Ubuntu because it has a large community and tons of tutorials and guides.
  2. Explore Basic Linux Services
    Next, search YouTube for beginner-friendly tutorials on basic Linux services — things like setting up DHCP, creating Logical Volumes, or configuring software RAID. These are a bit more advanced, but they’ll help you understand why Linux is so powerful and what kinds of services can run on it.
  3. Read a Book on Linux Essentials
    If you feel that Linux is something you’re really interested in, take a small step back and study the fundamentals. A great starting point is the book “Linux Bible” by Christopher Negus — it covers the basics and more, in a structured and easy-to-follow way.
  4. Invest a Bit
    Now’s the time to invest a little. You can either buy an online course or rent your own Virtual Private Server (VPS). Managing your own server will give you hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of real-world administration tasks.
  5. Build a Portfolio
    Start documenting the tasks you’ve completed. Create a small portfolio or even offer basic system administration services to others. This is a great way to gain experience and show potential employers what you’ve done.
    1. Apply for Jobs

Begin applying for entry-level positions while continuing to study ang drow your skills. Learning and carrer development should go hand in hand. In the Tasks section of this site, you’ll find a more detailed list of recommended software, tools, tips, and free resources to help with your self-training.