Modern System Administration: Managing Reliable and Sustainable Systems

System administration has become increasingly complex, requiring in-depth knowledge of a variety of services and technologies. This practical guide helps operations professionals stay relevant by providing examples of modern practices and tools, including collaboration, automation, and the evolution of systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2022
Publisher: O'Reilly Media

The evolution of system administration has seen a significant shift in complexity and requirements. In the past, a deep understanding of individual systems was sufficient. However, today's job involves managing an ever-growing list of technologies and third-party services, making it a highly specialized and dynamic field. To remain relevant in this evolving landscape, individuals need to adapt and acquire new skills.

This practical guide is designed to assist anyone involved in operations, including sysadmins, automation engineers, IT professionals, and site reliability engineers. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the essential concepts of system administration in the modern era. Collaboration, automation, and the continuous evolution of systems have fundamentally changed the way operations work. Regardless of one's level of experience, this book offers valuable insights and resources to help individuals advance their system administration skills.

The book covers a range of topics essential for modern system administration. These include development and testing, deploying and configuring services, scaling administration, and monitoring and observability. Author Jennifer Davis, a seasoned systems administrator, provides real-world examples and practical tips to help readers apply these concepts effectively. She also recommends relevant materials and tools to further enhance one's skills.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of collaboration in system administration. It emphasizes the need for teams to work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge and responsibilities to ensure efficient and effective operations. Automation plays a pivotal role in modern system administration, allowing for the efficient deployment and management of services. The book explores various automation tools and techniques, such as Infrastructure as Code (IaC), containerization, and serverless computing, that can help streamline operations and reduce human error.

Scaling administration is another critical aspect of modern system administration. It involves managing the growth and expansion of systems while ensuring optimal performance and availability. The book covers capacity planning, log management, monitoring and observability, and security and compliance, all essential components of scaling a system effectively.

In conclusion, the evolution of system administration has created a demand for individuals who can adapt and excel in this dynamic field. This practical guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the essential concepts and skills required for modern system administration. By leveraging collaboration, automation, and the continuous evolution of systems, individuals can stay relevant and advance their careers in operations. Whether you are a seasoned systems administrator or just starting your journey, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their system administration abilities.

Dimension: 233 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781492055211