Linux Commands for
Beginning Server Administrators
Brought to you by Mark Rais, senior editor ReallyLinux.com

Most new Linux administrator desire one easy to read list of the essential commands needed for daily server management and maintenance. I've updated my beginner administrators command list below in hopes that it will help you quickly become self sufficient in Linux server use.

Please feel free to LINK to this commands page, but please don't duplicate it elsewhere as I've tried hard to provide something useful to others.

You may also benefit from more basic commands such as: beginner commands, more advanced commands, and file permissions.

Please consider running these administrator commands on occasion with the --help parameter to read through all of their options. For example try running the command: du --help

Also note that if a server command you run gives you an output that is far more than one single screen, you can use the option |more (referred to as pipe more). This will display the output one screen at a time. Press the space key for one page at a time, and the enter key for one line at a time. For example: ps -A |more

Beginner Server Administrator Commands
Compiled and Updated by Mark Rais exclusively for ReallyLinux.com

Command

Summary Use

who

Tool used to monitor who is on the system and many other server related characteristics

Most common uses: who and also who -q and also who -b

The plain command just lists the names of users currently on the server. Using the -q option allows you to quickly view just the total number of users on the system. Using the -b option reminds you how long it has been since you rebooted that stable Linux server! One of my servers had a -b of almost three years! Yes, that's why we at reallylinux.com call it really Linux!

Please realize that these are just a few select commands for getting started in the world of Linux Server Administration.

There are many other commands that you will need to know including: those for beginners, more advanced Linux commands, or an explanation of file permissions and commands, so please read them and enjoy!


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