The Practice of System and Network Administration

Shares the six key principles of site design and support practices: simplicity, clarity, generality, automation, communication, and basics first. This book provides advice on topics which include the key elements your networks/systems need that will make all other services run better, and building and running reliable, scalable services.

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The first edition of The Practice of System and Network Administration introduced a generation of system and network administrators to a modern IT methodology. Whether you use Linux, Unix, or Windows, this newly revised edition describes the essential practices previously handed down only from mentor to protégé. This wonderfully lucid, often funny cornucopia of information introduces beginners to advanced frameworks valuable for their entire career, yet is structured to help even the most advanced experts through difficult projects.

The book's four major sections build your knowledge with the foundational elements of system administration. These sections guide you through better techniques for upgrades and change management, catalog best practices for IT services, and explore various management topics. Chapters are divided into The Basics and The Icing. When you get the Basics right it makes every other aspect of the job easier--such as automating the right things first. The Icing sections contain all the powerful things that can be done on top of the basics to wow customers and managers.

Inside, you'll find advice on topics such as



The key elements your networks and systems need in order to make all other services run better
Building and running reliable, scalable services, including web, storage, email, printing, and remote access
Creating and enforcing security policies
Upgrading multiple hosts at one time without creating havoc
Planning for and performing flawless scheduled maintenance windows
Managing superior helpdesks and customer care
Avoiding the "temporary fix" trap
Building data centers that improve server uptime
Designing networks for speed and reliability
Web scaling and security issues
Why building a backup system isn't about backups
Monitoring what you have and predicting what you will need
How technically oriented workers can maintain their job's technical focus (and avoid an unwanted management role)
Technical management issues, including morale, organization building, coaching, and maintaining positive visibility
Personal skill techniques, including secrets for getting more done each day, ethical dilemmas, managing your boss, and loving your job
System administration salary negotiation

It's no wonder the first edition received Usenix SAGE's 2005 Outstanding Achievement Award!

This eagerly anticipated second edition updates this time-proven classic:



Chapters reordered for easier navigation
Thousands of updates and clarifications based on reader feedback
Plus three entirely new chapters: Web Services, Data Storage, and Documentation