[ale] somewhat OT: sysadmin must-knows?

[Charles Shapiro]

Oh wow, welcome to the exciting world of professional data processing
(heh heh).  I'm more of a coder than a sys admin dude, but I often find
myself with a foot in both camps. Here's some stuff I can recommend off
the top of my head.

   * The more programming experience you have, the more flexible you'll
be. Python scripting is a Real Good Start. You're probly also gonnna
have to have some Perl and bash (argh!) experience. A reading knowledge
of C, C++, and Java is also very handy.
   * You might want to look at the Purple Book (UNIX System
Administration Handbook, Nemeth, Snyder, Seebass, Hein, ISBN
0-13-020601-6). It's fabulously expensive but has good coverage of lots
of real SysAdmin issues. It also is a wonderful reference for the "just
gimme what I need to know today" questions about various Troubles.
   * Ain't no substitute for Doing It.  I'd recommend getting involved
in any Open Source stuff you can find. It'll look good on your resume,
and it's valuable experience. Run your own website, even if it's crude.
Roll your own connection to your ISP. Whatever. It's all good.
   * Networking is good, obviously. Show up at a few professional
meetings. Try to figure out who the Cool Dudes are.

Happy Hacking!

-- CHS



On Fri, 2004-11-12 at 00:13, jay wrote:
> For everyone who doesn't know me, name is Jay Loden, I'm a student and 
> assistant systems administrator at Elon University (NC), and I need your help 
> and advice.
> 
> I just kind of "fell into" my job with systems administration, much the way  I 
> got involved with Linux, and it turns out I like both.  I am graduating in 
> May and I want to work in systems administration (or indeed anything where I 
> can use Linux daily).  Here's the problem: I'm graduating with a degree in 
> Corporate Communications.
> 
> Basically, I need to teach myself every scrap of useful information I can cram 
> into my brain before May about being a sysadmin, because I'm sure haven't 
> gotten it from my classes!  What I'm looking for is helpful suggestions, i.e. 
> books I need to read, skills I need to have, experience that's critical, etc. 
> 
> I am working on honing my Python scripting skills (with the hope of being a 
> competent Python programmer by May), and I am rapidly learning as much as 
> possible about Linux in general, but I know that there are bound to be things 
> I'm neglecting or unaware of that are essential sysadmin know-how.  I would 
> love to hear from systems administrators out there on the list...how did you 
> get into your field?  What do you think I need to know? How can I learn it 
> best?  Is getting involved with OSS projects helpful (e.g. helping with a 
> distro)? What options are there for a guy with only a small amount of 
> "official" sysadmin experience who's willing to learn fast and hard? 
> 
> Thanks in advance and I apologize for the lengthy mail! 
> 
> -Jay
> _______________________________________________
> Ale mailing list
> Ale at ale.org
> http://www.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale