Ubuntu System Administration Guide

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.

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

Mattias Hemmingsson is a seasoned IT professional with over two decades of experience in designing, building, and securing modern IT infrastructure. With deep roots in cloud computing, DevOps, and system architecture, he has successfully led the development and operations of high-availability systems for mission-critical environments, especially within the financial sector, where stability and performance are non-negotiable.

Mattias specializes in a wide range of technologies, including Kubernetes, Docker, Jenkins, GitLab CI, and cloud platforms such as AWS and Google Cloud. His skill set spans server orchestration, infrastructure as code, and containerized application delivery. A true advocate for developer productivity, he has implemented CI/CD pipelines, automated monitoring systems, and scalable platform services that have helped teams deploy faster with greater reliability.

Security is a cornerstone of Mattias’s expertise. He has worked extensively in IT security and compliance, securing high-performance payment gateways and writing security policies to meet industry and regulatory standards. He actively manages vulnerability assessments, runs enterprise-grade security scanners, and participates in incident response operations. His security knowledge bridges the technical and procedural, ranging from configuring firewall rules to training development teams in secure coding practices.

As a full-stack developer, Mattias works with both Python and JavaScript, building frontend and backend systems using popular frameworks like Next.js and Vue. He brings a unique blend of hands-on coding ability and infrastructure mastery, making him equally at home writing applications or deploying them in scalable, production-ready environments.

Mattias also plays an active role in the tech community. He co-hosts the DevSecOps Talks podcast and YouTube channel, where he shares insights on the intersection of development, operations, and security. He teaches classes on DevSecOps practices and serves as the local organizer for one of Stockholm’s tech meetups, helping others stay informed and connected in the ever-evolving world of IT.

Through his blog, Life and Shell, Mattias documents his professional journey, sharing practical tips and deep dives into real-world solutions for fellow developers, sysadmins, and security professionals. His work reflects a passion not just for running services, but for securing them, ensuring they are both compliant and resilient.

Whether building infrastructure, writing code, or leading training sessions, Mattias brings a comprehensive understanding of modern systems from their initial setup to their long- term security and scalability.