Preparation

• You should register and show up for this lecture.

Contents

Topics

• Course Organization
• Course Goals
• Laboratory Procedures
• What is System Administration
• SA Integrity

An Overview of the Website

• Be familiar with what's there.
• Policies
• Topics
• Homework, Grades, Exams
• Notices
• Laboratories
  • Where - EPS 259
  • When Open
• Resources and the CS 409 newsgroup

Goals for the Course

• The basics of Linux (Red Hat) system administration.
• Understanding the responsibilities of a system administrator.

Laboratory Procedures

• Picking a machine
• The partner problem
• BIOS passwords
  • How to disable
  • DON'T DO THIS!!

What System Administrators Do

• Install, configure and test software.
• Install, configure and test hardware.
• Install, configure and test network equipment.
• Write scripts and programs for system management.
• Troubleshoot hardware problems.
• Troubleshoot software problems.
• Plan system evolution.
• Maintain an understanding of changing technology.
• Monitor system use and provide dynamic system management.
• Protect system integrity and monitor security issues.
• Keep users happy, or at least, not too unhappy.
• Go to meetings.

SA Integrity

• With power comes responsibility.
• Treat users with respect.
• Don't misuse information.

Assignment

Read the following

• SAGE Whatis