Ubuntu, a powerful and versatile Linux operating system, is the cornerstone for countless personal desktops, robust servers, and cutting-edge cloud deployments. The Ubuntu System Administration Guide provides a rapid yet comprehensive journey, equipping you with the practical skills to confidently navigate and master this essential ecosystem, from basic commands to advanced infrastructure.

This book systematically builds your expertise, starting with Ubuntu's ecosystem, installation, and desktop configuration, including diverse window managers and essential networking like VPNs. You will then cover virtualization with KVM and Vagrant, followed by modern containerization using Docker and local Kubernetes (Minikube). The book transitions to server mastery, covering various installation methods, robust health checks, and advanced server networking, including firewalls and VPN servers. It progresses to professional server virtualization with KVM and the deployment of full Kubernetes clusters. Finally, you will learn to set up web servers, deploy diverse applications, and automate tasks with powerful CI/CD pipelines, embodying DevOps practices.

Upon completing this practical guide, you will possess a profound understanding of Ubuntu, gaining both beginner-friendly competence and professional-level skills in system administration, modern application deployment, and automation, ready to tackle real-world challenges.

What you will learn

Learn Ubuntu installation, desktop configuration, and network security essentials.

Implement desktop virtualization (KVM, Vagrant) and local containerization (Docker, Minikube).

Deploy Ubuntu Server on metal, cloud, and configure advanced networking.

Build production Kubernetes clusters, including master, workers, and services.

Automate server deployments and service delivery via CI/CD pipelines.

Troubleshoot server logs, implement security HIDS, and set up alerts.

Who this book is for

This book is perfect for aspiring system administrators, developers, DevOps engineers, and IT professionals. Readers should have basic computer literacy and a desire to learn, as it guides them from fundamental Ubuntu concepts to advanced server and cloud-native practices.

Table of Contents

1. Getting Familiar with Ubuntu Ecosystem

2. Install, Upgrade, and Configure Ubuntu Desktop

3. Environments and Window Managers

4. Setting up Firewall, VPN, and Wi-Fi Networks

5. Preparing Virtualization Environment

6. Up and Running with Kubernetes and Docker

7. Install Ubuntu Server on Metal, Cloud, and Network

8. Keeping Check on Your Ubuntu Server

9. Setup Advanced Network, Firewall, and VPN Servers

10. Running Virtualization Server Environment

11. Setup Webserver, Deploy and Run Webapps

12. Kubernetes Run and Setup

13. Task Automations, CI/CD Pipeline, and Service Deployment