Linux+^TM Study Guide: Exam XK0-002, 3rd Edition

by Roderick W. Smith

• ISBN13: 9780782143898
• ISBN10: 078214389X
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-03-01
• Publisher: Sybex

Summary

Here's the book you need to prepare for CompTIA's updated Linux+ exam, #XK0-002. This Study Guide was developed to meet the exacting requirements of today's certification candidates. In addition to the consistent and accessible instructional approach that has earned Sybex the reputation as the leading publisher for certification self-study guides, this book provides: Clear and concise information on setting up and administering a Linux system Practical examples and insights drawn from real-world experience Leading-edge exam preparation software, including a Windows- and Linux-compatible testing engine and electronic flashcards You'll also find authoritative coverage of key exam topics, including: Determining hardware requirements Configuring client network services Managing storage devices and file systems Establishing security requirements Monitoring and troubleshooting problems Creating procedures and documentation Look to Sybex for the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's competitive IT marketplace.This book has been reviewed and approved as CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum (CAQC). Students derive a number of important study advantages with CAQC materials, including coverage of all exam objectives, implementation of important instructional design principles, and instructional reviews that help students assess their learning comprehension and readiness for the exam.

Author Biography

Roderick Smith is a Linux networking expert and the author of several books, including Linux Power Tools, also from Sybex.

Table of Contents

Introduction	xvii
Assessment Test	xxvi
Linux Installation	1	(72)
Evaluating Computer Requirements	2	(4)
Workstations	3	(1)
Servers	3	(1)
Dedicated Appliances	4	(1)
Special Needs	4	(2)
Deciding What Hardware to Use	6	(9)
A Rundown of PC Hardware	6	(2)
CPU	8	(1)
RAM	9	(1)
Hard Disk Space	10	(1)
Network Hardware	11	(1)
Video Hardware	12	(1)
Miscellaneous Hardware	13	(2)
Determining Software Needs	15	(11)
A Rundown of Linux Distributions	15	(3)
Common Workstation Programs	18	(3)
Common Server Programs	21	(2)
Useful Software on Any System	23	(2)
Validating Software Requirements	25	(1)
Planning Disk Partitioning	26	(8)
The PC Partitioning System	26	(1)
Linux Partition Requirements	27	(1)
Common Optional Partitions	28	(2)
Linux Filesystem Options	30	(2)
Partitioning Tools	32	(2)
Selecting an Installation Method	34	(4)
Media Options	34	(2)
Methods of Interaction during Installation	36	(2)
Installing Linux	38	(1)
Configuring Boot Loaders	39	(11)
The Role of the Boot Loader	40	(1)
Available Boot Loaders	41	(9)
Post-Installation X Configuration	50	(13)
Selecting an X Server	50	(4)
Configuring X	54	(9)
Summary	63	(1)
Exam Essentials	63	(2)
Commands in This Chapter	65	(1)
Review Questions	66	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	70	(3)
Text-Mode Commands	73	(56)
Basic Command Shell Use	74	(4)
Starting a Shell	74	(1)
Viewing Files and Directories	75	(1)
Launching Programs	76	(1)
Using Shell Shortcuts	77	(1)
File Manipulation Commands	78	(13)
Navigating the Linux Filesystem	79	(3)
Manipulating Files	82	(3)
Manipulating Directories	85	(1)
Locating Files	86	(2)
Examining Files' Contents	88	(2)
Redirection and Pipes	90	(1)
File Permissions	91	(11)
Account and Ownership Basics	91	(1)
File Access Permissions	92	(5)
Changing File Ownership and Permissions	97	(3)
Setting Default Permissions	100	(1)
Using ACLs	101	(1)
Editing Files with Vi	102	(4)
Vi Modes	103	(1)
Basic Text-Editing Procedures	103	(3)
Saving Changes	106	(1)
Using sed and awk	106	(2)
Setting Environment Variables	108	(4)
Where to Set Environment Variables	108	(2)
The Meanings of Common Environment Variables	110	(2)
Basic Shell Scripting	112	(6)
Beginning a Shell Script	113	(1)
Using External Commands	113	(2)
Using Variables	115	(2)
Using Conditional Expressions	117	(1)
Summary	118	(1)
Exam Essentials	119	(1)
Commands in This Chapter	119	(2)
Review Questions	121	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	125	(4)
User Management	129	(50)
Linux Multiuser Concepts	130	(9)
User Accounts: The Core of a Multiuser System	130	(5)
Groups: Linking Users Together for Productivity	135	(1)
Mapping UIDs and GIDs to Users and Groups	136	(2)
The Importance of Home Directories	138	(1)
Configuring User Accounts	139	(10)
Adding Users	139	(2)
Modifying User Accounts	141	(7)
Deleting Accounts	148	(1)
Configuring Groups	149	(3)
Adding Groups	149	(1)
Modifying Group Information	149	(3)
Deleting Groups	152	(1)
Common User and Group Strategies	152	(2)
The User Private Group	153	(1)
Project Groups	153	(1)
Multiple Group Membership	154	(1)
Account Security	154	(6)
Enforcing User Password Security	155	(2)
Steps for Reducing the Risk of Compromised Passwords	157	(1)
Disabling Unused Accounts	158	(1)
Using Shadow Passwords	158	(2)
Controlling System Access	160	(8)
Accessing Common Servers	160	(5)
Controlling root Access	165	(1)
Setting Filesystem Quotas	166	(2)
Summary	168	(1)
Exam Essentials	168	(3)
Review Questions	171	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	175	(4)
Disk Management	179	(56)
Storage Hardware Identification	180	(4)
Types of Storage Devices	180	(2)
Linux Storage Hardware Configuration	182	(2)
Partition Management and Maintenance	184	(10)
Using fdisk to Create Partitions	184	(2)
Creating New Filesystems	186	(1)
Using a Combined Tool	187	(2)
Checking a Filesystem for Errors	189	(1)
Adding Swap Space	190	(4)
Partition Control	194	(14)
Identifying Partitions	194	(1)
Mounting and Unmounting Partitions	195	(5)
Using Network Filesystems	200	(2)
Using df	202	(1)
Defining Standard Filesystems	203	(1)
Using RAID	204	(4)
Writing to Optical Discs	208	(5)
Linux Optical Disc Tools	208	(2)
A Linux Optical Disc Example	210	(2)
Creating Cross-Platform Discs	212	(1)
Backing Up and Restoring a Computer	213	(12)
Common Backup Hardware	214	(2)
Common Backup Programs	216	(6)
Planning a Backup Schedule	222	(1)
Preparing for Disaster: Backup Recovery	223	(2)
Summary	225	(1)
Exam Essentials	225	(1)
Commands in This Chapter	226	(2)
Review Questions	228	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	232	(3)
Package and Process Management	235	(70)
Package Concepts	236	(4)
File Collections	236	(1)
The Installed File Database	237	(1)
Rebuilding Packages	238	(2)
Installing and Removing Packages	240	(25)
RPM Packages	240	(7)
Debian Packages	247	(7)
Tarballs	254	(4)
Compiling Source Code	258	(4)
GUI Package Management Tools	262	(3)
Package Dependencies and Conflicts	265	(4)
Real and Imagined Package Dependency Problems	265	(1)
Workarounds to Package Dependency Problems	266	(3)
Startup Script Problems	269	(1)
Starting and Stopping Services	269	(8)
Starting and Stopping via SysV Scripts	269	(4)
Editing inetd.conf	273	(2)
Editing xinetd.conf or xinetd.d Files	275	(1)
Custom Startup Files	276	(1)
Setting the Runlevel	277	(3)
Understanding the Role of the Runlevel	277	(1)
Using init or telinit to Change the Runlevel	277	(2)
Permanently Changing the Runlevel	279	(1)
Running Jobs at Specific Times	280	(3)
The Role of Cron	280	(1)
Creating System Cron Jobs	280	(2)
Creating User Cron Jobs	282	(1)
Using at	282	(1)
Setting Process Permissions	283	(2)
The Risks of SUID and SGID Programs	284	(1)
When to Use SUID or SGID	284	(1)
Finding SUID or SGID Programs	284	(1)
Managing Processes	285	(9)
Examining Process Lists with ps	286	(5)
Restricting Processes' CPU Use	291	(1)
Killing Processes	292	(1)
Foreground and Background Processes	293	(1)
Summary	294	(1)
Exam Essentials	295	(1)
Commands in This Chapter	296	(1)
Review Questions	297	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	301	(4)
Networking	305	(64)
Understanding Networks	306	(8)
Basic Functions of Network Hardware	306	(1)
Types of Network Hardware	307	(2)
Network Packets	309	(1)
Network Protocol Stacks	309	(5)
Network Addressing	314	(5)
Types of Network Addresses	314	(3)
Resolving Hostnames	317	(1)
Network Ports	318	(1)
Basic Network Configuration	319	(10)
Network Hardware Configuration	319	(1)
DHCP Configuration	320	(1)
Static IP Address Configuration	321	(2)
Using GUI Configuration Tools	323	(1)
Initiating a PPP Connection	324	(5)
Network Server Configuration	329	(17)
Super Server Configuration	329	(4)
Delivering IP Addresses with DHCP	333	(2)
Delivering Hostnames with DNS	335	(1)
Delivering Files with Samba	336	(2)
Delivering Files with NFS	338	(1)
Setting Up a Remote Access Server	339	(1)
Configuring Mail Servers	340	(4)
Configuring Web Servers	344	(2)
Using Network Clients	346	(4)
Using X Programs Remotely	346	(1)
Using an E-Mail Client	347	(3)
Configuring Routing	350	(1)
Remote System Administration	351	(4)
Text-Mode Logins	351	(2)
GUI Logins	353	(1)
File Transfers	353	(1)
Remote Administration Protocols	354	(1)
Using NIS	355	(2)
Network Diagnostic Tools	357	(2)
Testing Basic Connectivity	357	(1)
Tracing a Route	358	(1)
Checking Network Status	359	(1)
Summary	359	(1)
Exam Essentials	360	(1)
Commands in This Chapter	361	(1)
Review Questions	362	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	366	(3)
Security	369	(42)
Sources of Security Vulnerability	370	(5)
Physical Access Problems	371	(1)
Stolen Passwords	371	(1)
Local Program Bugs	371	(1)
Server Bugs	372	(1)
Denial-of-Service Attacks	373	(1)
Encryption Issues	373	(1)
The Human Element	374	(1)
Physical Security	375	(1)
What an Intruder Can Do with Physical Access	375	(1)
Steps for Mitigating Damage from Physical Attacks	375	(1)
Firewall Configuration	376	(11)
Where a Firewall Fits in a Network	377	(1)
Linux Firewall Software	378	(1)
Common Server Ports	378	(3)
Using iptables	381	(6)
Super Server Security	387	(2)
Controlling Access via TCP Wrappers	387	(1)
Controlling Access via xinetd	388	(1)
Intrusion Detection	389	(7)
Symptoms of Intrusion	389	(1)
Using Snort	390	(2)
Using PortSentry	392	(1)
Using Tripwire	393	(1)
Using chkrootkit	394	(1)
Using Package Manager Checksums	394	(1)
Monitoring Log Files	395	(1)
Security Auditing	396	(4)
Checking for Open Ports	396	(2)
Reviewing Accounts	398	(2)
Verifying Installed Files and Packages	400	(1)
Imposing User Resource Limits	400	(1)
Summary	401	(1)
Exam Essentials	402	(2)
Review Questions	404	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	408	(3)
System Documentation	411	(38)
Documenting System Configuration	412	(6)
Documenting the Installation	413	(1)
Maintaining an Administrator's Log	414	(1)
Backing Up Important Configuration Files	415	(1)
Documenting Official Policies and Procedures	416	(2)
Establishing Normal Performance Measures	418	(4)
Documenting CPU Load	418	(2)
Documenting Memory Load	420	(1)
Documenting Disk Use	420	(1)
Collecting System Statistics	421	(1)
Configuring Log Files	422	(7)
Understanding syslogd	423	(1)
Setting Logging Options	423	(2)
Rotating Log Files	425	(3)
Using a Remote Server for Log Files	428	(1)
Using Log Files	429	(5)
Which Log Files Are Important?	429	(1)
Using Log Files to Identify Problems	430	(1)
Tools to Help Scan Log Files	431	(3)
System Documentation and Help Resources	434	(6)
Using Man Pages	435	(2)
Using Info Pages	437	(1)
Using Miscellaneous Program Documentation	438	(1)
Using Internet-Based Help Resources	439	(1)
Summary	440	(1)
Exam Essentials	441	(1)
Commands in This Chapter	442	(1)
Review Questions	443	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	447	(2)
Hardware	449	(62)
Checking Hardware Configuration	450	(11)
Checking Cabling	451	(2)
Checking IRQ, DMA, and I/O Settings	453	(2)
Checking ATA Devices	455	(2)
Checking SCSI Devices	457	(2)
Checking BIOS Settings	459	(2)
Configuring Power Management	461	(2)
Activating Kernel Support	461	(1)
Using APM	462	(1)
Using ACPI	462	(1)
Configuring External Hardware Devices	463	(5)
Configuring PCMCIA Devices	463	(1)
Configuring USB Devices	464	(1)
Configuring IEEE-1394 Devices	465	(1)
Configuring Legacy External Devices	466	(2)
Configuring Basic Printing	468	(19)
The Linux Printing Architecture	468	(1)
Understanding PostScript and Ghostscript	469	(2)
Running a Printing System	471	(1)
Configuring BSD LPD and LPRng	472	(5)
Configuring CUPS	477	(5)
Printing to Windows or Samba Printers	482	(1)
Monitoring and Controlling the Print Queue	483	(4)
Using Scanners in Linux	487	(2)
Understanding Scanner Hardware	487	(1)
Choosing and Using Linux Scanner Software	488	(1)
Diagnosing Hardware Problems	489	(11)
Core System Problems	489	(2)
ATA Problems	491	(3)
SCSI Problems	494	(1)
Peripherals Problems	495	(3)
Identifying Supported and Unsupported Hardware	498	(1)
Using an Emergency Boot Disk	499	(1)
Using dmesg for System Diagnosis	499	(1)
Summary	500	(1)
Exam Essentials	501	(1)
Commands in This Chapter	502	(1)
Review Questions	503	(4)
Answers to Review Questions	507	(4)
Glossary	511	(30)
Index	541