Basic Linux System Administration (LINSYS-1)
Boost Your System Administration Career With Expert-Led Training
Want to get into DevOps/SRE? It all starts with Linux.
Every cloud server, every DevOps pipeline, every modern internet infrastructure runs on Linux. Yet most beginners struggle to learn it effectively. They get lost in complex documentation, overwhelmed by command-line interfaces, or stuck with superficial and outdated tutorials that don't reflect real-world practices. It's easy to spend a lot of time and effort without seeing the results in your skills.
What if you could learn Linux from someone who's been doing it for 30+ years? I started using Linux in 1993. And since 2001, I've been teaching what I know about system administration. In this course, I'll make sure that you have a great start into Linux system administration yourself.
The next cohort starts in May!
Sign-up is open for our next cohort starting on 11 May 2026. Learn all the important basics of Linux system administration with a friendly group of peers, over the span of 12 weeks. All course materials and weekly live sessions with me included.
Participation in this cohort requires a GROW or THRIVE membership in The Server Room. This membership grants you access not only to this course, but many more benefits that will boost your DevOps career.
Early bird discount: Use the coupon code “LINUXMAY” before 27 April to get 50% off your membership fee for the lifetime of your membership.
Who this course is for
If you are a beginner or junior engineer, this course is ideal for you. It covers fundamental Linux administration skills you will need for your first system administration or DevOps role.
This course, especially the cohort-based variant, is also great for junior system administrators who want to reinforce their Linux skills and close knowledge gaps working with a veteran instructor.
What you will learn
This course covers all the important areas you need as a beginning Linux system administrator:
- Linux Fundamentals & Installation
- File Management
- User & Group Administration
- Process & Service Management
- Package Management & Software Installation
- Networking Fundamentals
- System Monitoring & Performance
- Basic Shell Scripting & Automation
- Security Essentials
- Backup & Recovery
With this job-focused curriculum, you'll learn the skills employers expect from junior engineers in the DevOps and SRE space.
Three Ways to Boost Your Skills and Knowledge
Choose what works for you! I offer this course in several modes:
- A cohort-based, instructor-led course for an efficient path to practical system administration skills.
- A self-paced course for learners who prefer doing it on their own.
- An intensive, 5-day online course in which you'll be learning full-time with your instructor and your peers.
Cohort Course (recommended)
Perfect for: Beginners who are eager to learn quickly while enjoying guidance, community, and accountability.
You work through the materials in your own time. In weekly live sessions, we review concepts, tackle challenging topics, and answer your questions. You'll be part of a supportive community of learners who are all working toward the same goal.
- Complete written course materials (> 200,000 words) and exercises
- Weekly live group sessions
- A community of fellow learners
- A private forum and chat channel for sharing questions and insights
- Direct instructor feedback
- Access to our community lab infrastructure
- 1:1 guidance with a THRIVE membership
Sign-up: Join The Server Room with a GROW or THRIVE membership.
Self-Paced Course
Perfect for: Self-motivated learners who prefer complete flexibility.
Access all course materials online and work through them at your own pace. This is the same curriculum used in the cohort course, but without the direct instructor feedback and live sessions.
- Complete written course materials (> 200,000 words) and exercises
- Practical, hands-on learning approach
- Learn on your own schedule
- No time pressure or deadlines
Sign-up: Join The Server Room with a SPROUT membership.
Intensive Bootcamp
Perfect for: Committed learners who want to dive deep as efficiently as possible.
One week of full-time, hands-on online training. Learn with maximum efficiency in a focused, immersive environment.
- Intensive hands-on training
- Complete curriculum in one block
- Direct instructor guidance throughout
- Immediate feedback and troubleshooting help
- Small group size for personalized attention
Get in touch to learn more!
Testimonials
“The pace and rhythm of the course was good, it was always easy to keep up and there was enough time to understand the given lesson.”
“We at undpaul have relied on Jochen's expertise for over a decade now. Thanks to him and his team, we can focus on developing ambitious applications, knowing we have a strong partner at our side who takes care of scalability and stability.”
“Jochen's expertise enables us to build websites that delight our customers with not only their design and functionality but also outstanding speed and reliability.”
Frequently asked questions
- Which membership level do I need for the cohort-based course?
To take part in my cohort-based, instructor-led course, choose a GROW or THRIVE membership.
- Which membership level do I need for self-study?
If you prefer to learn on your own, any membership level from SPROUT on up gives you access to the course materials you'll need.
- Can I join just for the duration of the cohort course?
Sure, no problem! You can end your subscription at any time, and it won't renew after the current membership cycle. But I'm pretty sure you'll miss all the benefits of being a member of our community!
- Where do I get the course materials?
I publish my course materials on a dedicated website. Here are the materials for the Basic Linux System Administration course. Some chapters are publicly available; community members get access to all chapters.
- I have another question.
I'm happy to answer it. Please send me an email!
Ready to dive deep into Linux system administration?
Join The Server Room, and get started!
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