Summary

In this chapter, we reviewed the path to becoming a SysAdsmin and proposed three basic rules for the acquisition of good habits.

First, we looked at backing up any information with which we have contact with the system. This backup will ensure that changes that are made can be returned safely in case they’re needed. It also provides a snapshot of the system at a certain point in time. Next, we looked at various task automation techniques to streamline our daily routine. This principle lightens your workload and allows SysAdmins to get free time that might be occupied with expanding their knowledge. The last point we considered was to never stop learning. Since technology is advancing faster and faster, this should be taken as a responsibility.

In the following chapters, we will make use of these principles and apply them to various particular aspects of systems administration. We will start by learning how to tune operating systems.