This course will cover the basics of setting up and administering a production-quality Linux-based server environment in the manner of the EECS Instructional Servers (hivexx.cs.b.e) and those of the Open Computing Facility (tsunami.ocf.b.e, etc.). By the end of the course, we expect you to be completely comfortable interfacing with Linux, be broadly familiar with various fundamental things like system services and daemons, understand the basics of computer networking, have good sense about maintaining system security, and understand system administration essentials in general and while also getting a practical taste for what's new in the field.

As a hands-on course, there will be plenty of lab work where you will be working on real systems, configuring and fixing things, etc. Readings will also be available to give you a primer on the material we will be covering each week. Attendance is highly encouraged but not strictly mandatory - since much of the lab work can be done anywhere with an internet connection, lectures will be composed of lessons as well as office hours for students to get help with the material. Assignments, composed exclusively of lab work, will be graded on effort and completion, and there will be a final project involving setting up a complete system from the ground up for your own personal use. There are no papers or exams.

An important skill for system administrators is the willingness to quickly learn about new and unfamiliar technologies, so while we expect many students will be in CS, the only real prerequisite for this course is a desire to learn. We assume minimal prior experience and will get started and move quickly - there’s a lot of material to cover.

More information can be found at decal.ocf.berkeley.edu or by emailing info@decal.ocf.berkeley.edu.