Does anyone have any tips on how to get started with CentOS? I've rarely used linux through the command line so I have very little idea how and what kinds of commands I need to use to set up my hosting such as apache, php, etc. I've found a few tips on installing apache, php, mysql, but most of those tutorials assume you know basic functions of linux. Any advice appreciated...thanks.
Centos is a free distro, install it on a machine you can work with locally as a test box. Older hardware usually isn't a problem! That aside MAN is your best friend, any command you want to know about you can type man <command> Secondly the easiest way to get a list of the available commands is to type <tab> <tab>, this will bring up an alpabetized list of the available commands. With google and MAN pages there is a wealth of knowledge concerning the subject that is easily accessible.
CentOS is basically the free variant of Red Hat Enterprise Linux anybooks on Red Hat would be a good start. Some good websites to get you underway. http://www.reallylinux.com/ http://www.linuxlots.com/~jam/ http://www.oreillynet.com/linux/cmd/
We both are in the same boat. I just started learning linux (CentOS). My goal is to learn server administration so that I can manage hosting servers. - The best way to learn is by practice, I just bought a cheap VPS so that I can play with it. - Get a RHEL 5 server administration book, and start reading it. CeneOS is same as RHEL5 - Learn basics of shell, scripting, package management, networking, DNS stuff etc.. - Learn stuff like quota management, user and permission management and other system admin stuff. Hope it helps.
thanks guys. those links and advice have helped me a lot. I understand how linux works and understand networking, server structure, dns alright, its the command line that I just have an issue with, so the link to all of the commands is a great resource. in the mean time, I've already managed to get most things working while switching from windows to linux.
Here is a tip - learn to use the command line - use the GUI shit only AFTER you understand how it works from the command line. Ie - when you need to create a user- learn how to do it from the command line - (useradd / passwd)