Linux administrators training (3 days)

The course uses Debian, or Ubuntu on request, and follows the real path of a move off Windows, from the first standard desktop to your organisation's migration plan.

Objectives

By the end of the course, each participant can:

• install and configure a standard Debian desktop, with its packages, accounts and permissions
• deploy that desktop repeatably, with printing, file shares and the existing directory
• keep a Debian server updated, backed up and documented
• build their organisation's desktop migration plan, from pilot to switchover

Who this course is for

A local authority or public body

The IT team prepares the move of its desktops off Windows and stays autonomous afterwards. Your business applications and printers are the common thread over the three days.

A small or medium business

The technician or IT manager learns to install, update and document a Linux fleet, so that someone else could take over the information system.

Custom training

The three-day programme below is the starting point. It can focus on desktops or on the server depending on your project, and day three can start from your own migration plan.

Organisation

The details to record in your training plan.

Program

Day 1: Debian foundations and the first standard desktop

Morning

• Mapping a migration from Windows to Linux: desktops, scope, blocking applications, phasing
• Debian: releases, support lifetime, desktop or server
• Guided desktop installation: BIOS or UEFI, partitions, user, sudo

Afternoon

• Packages with apt: searching, installing, updating, purging, choosing sources
• Users, groups, permissions and sudoers: organising rights
• Basic networking: IP, DNS, optional proxy, troubleshooting with ip, ss and the journal
• Workshop: building a minimal staff desktop image, with desktop, browser, LibreOffice and internal tools

Day 2: Desktop fleet, printing and identity

Morning

• Repeatable deployment: preseed or reference image, cloning checklist, first-boot pitfalls
• Printing and scanning with CUPS: print servers, drivers, user rights
• Joining existing systems: local accounts or an LDAP or Active Directory directory

Afternoon

• SMB file shares on the client side: mounting, permissions, business folders
• Updates and lifecycle: unattended-upgrades, maintenance windows, rollback
• Desktop security: an overview of disk encryption, locking, basic firewall, service accounts
• Workshop: ten desktops for a department, with deployment, printing, shares and user accounts

Day 3: Server, operations and migration plan

Morning

• A first Debian server: hardened SSH, updates, minimal monitoring through logs and simple alerts
• Virtualisation with KVM and QEMU, to test desktops and servers before the real fleet
• Backups: user data and configurations, frequency, restore tests

Afternoon

• Inventory and documentation: what to write down so someone else can take over the system
• Remaining Windows business applications: web version, container, application virtual machine or free software alternative
• Migration plan: pilot, user training, switchover criteria, rollback
• Final workshop: your organisation's roadmap, step by step, or that of a typical local authority or business

Frequently asked questions

Can the course be delivered remotely?

Yes. It takes place on your premises or remotely by video call, with one Debian virtual machine per participant.

Do participants need to know Linux already?

No. Windows administration basics or networking notions are enough. The Linux command line is taught from the start.

Can a session be run for our team only?

Yes. Each session is run for a single organisation, with exercises adapted to your context. The programme and price are set on quote.

Next steps

For staff: Zorin OS training. For an infrastructure that is described and reproducible: NixOS training.