Does learning Ubuntu Linux count as "knowing" Linux?

Question

Just curious if I start learning Ubuntu and focus on that it counts as knowing some Linux for certain jobs that require Linux. Also I'm a windows administrator, but notice a lot of jobs requiring knowledge of Linux. Do I really need to know a whole lot about Linux, or just enough to do basic stuff? Does Linux really get used more than Windows in places they use it, or do they just have a Linux servers that hosts a web application or database and I just need to know enough to maintain it? Any input would be great on how much linux I really need to learn to qualify. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Since you are questioning about being able to use Linux in the enterprise or professional environment I suggest you use one of the "big three" (Debian, SUSE, Red Hat).



In the enterprise environment, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Enterprise Linux are the two big ones, Debian being the base for many "desktop workstations".



I personally do not like ubuntu (and krapbuntu) and I do not suggest you use them. and to learn "Linux" (which is actually the kernel name, it's called GNU/Linux), I suggest you use a Distro based on the either RHEL or SEL. I would use either openSUSE (based on SEL) or CentOS (based on RHEL), and unlike the enterprise versions, are free.



To "know Linux" you should learn basic folder navigation and file manipulation through the shell (aka terminal). You will also need to know samba and other server options. (basically insert what John said here)



Linux is by far superior in the enterprise environment as in addition to greater security, stability, and speed, you can easily customize the linux distro how you want, then, with a simple GUI create an install image that can be quickly deployed on all of your machines.



My personal favorite is openSUSE as it functions great as both a desktop installation and boasts a phenomenal GUI control center where a plethora of server and security options (such as app armor GUI) at your fingertips.

Answer 2

Ubuntu is just 1 type of Linux, and it is actually a really recent thing. To be known as a "Linux expert", you would have to learn everything about it from the ground up and not just from the recent thing.

Answer 3

Jobs looking for Linux experience are generally looking for people who can maintain networks or servers. If you know how to do that (LAMP, Samba, etc.) on Ubuntu, you "know" Linux. If all you know how to do is set up Ubuntu desktop and Evolution and Firefox, then you don't know Linux.

Answer 4

I agree with Jessica and PS3kid, Ubuntu is just a Linux Flavour and you need to master different demons.

(demon definition > http://linux.about.com/cs/linux101/g/demon.htm)

my advice

1.- Install Ubuntu

2.- buy some O'Reilly books on Linux Server Administration

like this one> http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596102487/

3.- read the online how-tos

http://www.linux.com/ldp-index



read and learn:

- basic shell commands: ls, cd, mkdir, rmdir, cp, ps, chmod, mount, etc

- basic shell scripting

- linux file structure

- How to create user accounts

- How to configure samba

- How to configure DHCP

- How to configure DNS

- How to configure firewall (iptables)

- How to configure squid (this is a proxy server)

- How to configure sendmail (if they have an email server)

- How to configure apache (if they have a web server)



there is a graphical tool for doing this tasks but as you master linux you will find out by yourself



good luck