🔹 LEVEL 1: Linux + Networking

LEVEL 1 of 5

Master the command line and understand how data flows across networks. This is your foundation—everything else builds on this.

📖 Linux Resources

📖 The Linux Command Line by William Shotts Industry Bible

Why this resource: THE definitive Linux CLI book, used by universities and professionals worldwide. Written to teach you to think in Linux.

What you'll learn: CLI fundamentals, file systems, shell scripting, permissions, processes

Time commitment: 2-3 weeks, 8-10 hours/week

License: Creative Commons (100% free forever)

Download Free PDF

🎥 Linux Server Course - freeCodeCamp (by Shawn Powers) Free

What you'll learn: System configuration, network setup, storage, services, automation

Duration: 5 hours of focused content

Watch on YouTube

🌐 Networking Resources

🎥 Practical Networking – TCP/IP & DNS Free

What you'll learn: TCP/IP fundamentals, DNS resolution, routing, subnetting, troubleshooting

Why this channel: Clear, noise-free explanations that stick

Watch on YouTube
💡 Pro Tip

Keep The Linux Command Line book as your reference throughout the entire 5-month journey. It's the foundation everything else builds on.

🧠 Output Check (Non-negotiable)

⚠️ You Must Be Able To Do This:
  • SSH into a remote server without looking up syntax
  • Start, stop, and manage services (systemd)
  • Debug which process is using which port (netstat, ss, lsof)
  • Explain DNS resolution end-to-end (from browser to IP address)
  • Set up basic firewall rules
  • Write a shell script that automates a repetitive task

Hands-On Projects

Project 1: Set Up a Linux Server

Use a free-tier cloud instance (AWS EC2, DigitalOcean, etc.) and:

  • Configure SSH key-based authentication
  • Install and configure a web server (nginx or Apache)
  • Set up a firewall (ufw or iptables)
  • Configure automatic security updates

Project 2: Network Troubleshooting Simulation

  • Set up multiple VMs/containers
  • Break connectivity intentionally
  • Use ping, traceroute, dig, nslookup to diagnose
  • Document your debugging process

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week 1: Linux Basics

  • Read chapters 1-6 of The Linux Command Line
  • Watch first 2 hours of Linux Server Course
  • Practice: Navigate filesystem, file operations, permissions

Week 2: Advanced Linux & Services

  • Read chapters 7-12
  • Watch hours 2-4 of Linux Server Course
  • Practice: Process management, services, shell scripting basics

Week 3: Networking Fundamentals

  • Complete Practical Networking TCP/IP videos
  • Hands-on: Set up static IPs, configure routing
  • Practice: DNS queries, port scanning, connection testing

Week 4: Integration & Projects

  • Complete both hands-on projects
  • Verify all output checks
  • Document your work on GitHub
✅ Ready for LEVEL 2?

Only proceed if you can confidently complete all output checks without referencing notes. Once ready, continue to LEVEL 2: Git & Cloud Core.

Continue to LEVEL 2 →

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