Linux Kernel for Administrators Training in Thimphu, Bhutan

Linux Kernel for Administrators training equips system administrators with in-depth knowledge of managing and customizing the Linux kernel. The course covers kernel architecture, configuration, and compilation, enabling participants to optimize systems for specific workloads. Key topics include managing kernel modules, analyzing system performance, and debugging kernel issues to ensure stability. Attendees will also learn about customizing kernel parameters and security features to enhance system resilience. By the end of the training, administrators will be proficient in handling advanced kernel-level tasks to maintain and optimize Linux-based environments.

Introduction to the Linux Kernel and Module Management

1. Linux Kernel Overview

• Introduction to Linux kernel architecture and its subsystems.

• Kernel space vs. user space and their interaction.

• Key kernel components: Process scheduler, memory management, file systems, and device drivers.

2. Working with Kernel Modules

• Understanding kernel modules and their role in extending kernel functionality.

• Loading, unloading, and listing kernel modules using modprobe and lsmod.

• Practical exercise

3. Kernel Configuration

• Overview of the kernel configuration process.

• Configuring the kernel using make menuconfig and .config files.

• Practical exercise

4. Compiling the Kernel

• Steps for compiling and building the kernel.

• Managing kernel sources and patching the kernel.

• Practical exercise

Kernel Tuning, Troubleshooting, and Performance Optimization

5. Memory Management in the Linux Kernel

• How the kernel manages memory: Virtual memory, paging, and swapping.

• Tools for monitoring memory usage: free, top, vmstat.

• Practical exercise

6. Managing Processes in the Kernel

• Understanding kernel process management: Process scheduling, priorities, and states.

• Tools for process management: ps, top, kill, nice, and renice.

• Practical exercise

7. Device Management in the Linux Kernel

• Kernel and device drivers: Types of drivers (block, character, network).

• Managing device files and permissions in /dev.

• Practical exercise

8. Kernel Debugging and Troubleshooting

• Using kernel logs and dmesg for diagnostics.

• Debugging kernel crashes using kexec and crash dumps.

• Practical exercise

9. Kernel Tuning and Optimization

• Adjusting kernel parameters using sysctl for performance and security.

• Optimizing kernel settings for specific hardware or workload requirements.

• Practical exercise