Linux: Companion Lab for Linux Skill Blocks Repository
The problem with learning Linux skills such as managing services, creating users, or setting permissions is that you can read the steps in an article, but you can only absorb the process once you do it yourself. People attracted to the IT field tend to be very hands-on, preferring to learn by doing.
This article covers basic choices and steps for creating a home lab environment. You may select from a physical or virtual platform, choose your distribution, and understand the steps of the installation process. I included links for anything you need to download, too.
Any Linux user can benefit from this tutorial, but it will be especially useful for those who intend to follow along with The New Stack Linux Repository article series. Those pieces explain access management, system management, software deployment, text editors, and networking. See the full syllabus here. Also, here is a companion tutorial for running the Linux command line.
Readers pursuing Linux certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate will certainly benefit from using a lab to gain hands-on experience, troubleshoot issues, and practice configuring system settings.
Installation Choice
Your first choice when constructing your lab is whether to use a physical computer or use virtualization software. Virtualization has been all the rage for many years, but you might have an older computer available that will work well. Linux is much more forgiving of older hardware than other operating systems, so check the back of your closet for a retired laptop.
Desktop virtualization solutions are applications that run on a standard computer and allocate resources to a virtual machine that, in turn, runs the Linux operating system. Some virtualization software is free or included with your OS, while others have a fee.
Here are a few choices:
- Microsoft Hyper-V: Microsoft Hyper-V is powerful, free on licensed Windows installations, and available on some Windows 10 and Windows 11 editions.
- VMware Workstation Pro: VMware offers virtualization solutions for Windows, Linux, and macOS hosts. VMware Workstation Pro isn’t free, but it does come with support.
- Parallels Desktop for Mac: Parallels provides a solid virtualization solution for macOS platforms. Its annual subscription includes support, and Parallels offers robust documentation.
- Oracle VirtualBox: Oracle VirtualBox is open source, free, and runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It’s a great solution for home lab environments.
Check the product website for installation information and requirements.
VirtualBox is a good choice for Windows and macOS users, and it’s free. I use Parallels on my Mac laptop, and it works exceptionally well. However, it isn’t free. Some Windows versions include Hyper-V, and it’s also a solid choice.
Another alternative is using a single-board computer, such as the Raspberry Pi. These devices are surprisingly powerful and affordable. Linux is a common operating system choice for Raspberry Pi.
Linux Distribution Choice
Windows and macOS users are familiar with Microsoft and Apple controlling which operating system versions are available. Furthermore, each operating system is wholly managed by one vendor.
Linux works very differently. Anyone can create their own Linux version (called a “distribution” or “distro”) — and many companies do just that. The result is there are thousands of Linux distributions, making the selection process difficult.
What about cost? Linux is open source software, meaning it’s available free of charge. You’re welcome to modify and redistribute it. You just need to download a Linux distribution from the Internet to use in your home lab.
I suggest choosing either Ubuntu or Fedora Linux for your home lab. Many other great Linux distros are available, but these two are standard and well-supported. As you gain Linux experience, you should investigate other distros.
Suggested distributions:
- Ubuntu: Ubuntu is a user-friendly Linux distribution suitable as a daily computer for managing email, browsing the web, writing documentation, creating spreadsheets, and more. It includes a wide array of free and open-source software. Ubuntu is a great introduction to Linux.
- Fedora: Fedora is a powerful and easy-to-use Linux distribution created by the Fedora Project (sponsored by Red Hat). It includes everything you need to learn Linux and is a standard for Linux desktop systems in business environments.
The most fundamental difference between the two that impacts new users is how they manage software. You’ll learn more about that when you begin working with software packages.
Basic Linux Installation Steps
Linux installations are generally as straightforward as Windows or macOS, especially on virtual machines.
The following section displays the standard steps for installing Ubuntu Linux. Other distributions will need the same kind of information (time zone, system name, installation drive, etc.).
First, boot your system to the installation media. Boot time will vary depending on the type of installation you selected and your hardware. The installation media will be an ISO image if you’re installing it on a virtual machine. Look for a file named ubuntu-22.04.3-desktop-amd64.iso. Note that the version numbers may vary slightly.
- The installer opens to a Welcome page offering the choice to Try Ubuntu or Install Ubuntu. You may also select languages on this screen. Choose Install Ubuntu for this lab, then click Continue.
Figure 1: The welcome screen for the Ubuntu installer.
- Choose your preferred keyboard layout and press the Continue button.
Figure 2: Choose a keyboard layout you’re comfortable with.
- On the Updates and other software pages, I recommend selecting the Normal installation. I also suggest you allow the installer to update the system and install any third-party software needed. The system makes these choices based on your hardware. Select Continue after you make your choices.
Figure 3: Select a normal installation, automatic updates, and the installation of third-party software.
- Be careful on the Installation type page. You probably do not want to overwrite the existing operating system on your physical computer. Make sure you’re targeting a virtual machine by checking your main computer.
Choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu. Press the Install Now button.
Figure 4: Ensure the installer is set for a virtual machine, then select to erase the disk and install Ubuntu.
- The installer warns that you are altering disks and, therefore, risk losing data. Your virtual machine should have a blank disk, so choose Continue.
Figure 5: The installer warns you before making changes to the disk.
- Choose the appropriate time zone on the Where are you? page, and then click Continue.
Figure 6: Select your time zone by clicking your region on the map.
- Fill in your name and password information on the Who are you? page, then select Continue.
Figure 7: Fill in your name, computer name, and password information.
- The installer presents a series of informative slides while copying the files to the drive. This is the longest step in the process, but the time will vary by your available hardware.
Figure 8: The file copy portion of the installer can take many minutes.
- Once the file copy finishes (about 10 minutes on my system), the Ubuntu installer prompts you to restart the system. Select Restart Now.
Post-Installation
You have few post-installation tasks, as Ubuntu Linux is configured well by default. Your system should automatically check for updates, helping it stay secure and robust. The firewall is enabled by default, too.
Log in to your new Linux system and start looking around. Find the web browser, word processor, music player, etc. You could also add software, change the desktop wallpaper, and enable dark mode. Open the terminal to issue basic commands like date and whoami. Remember to use man pages to help with commands. Type man <command> to display the appropriate help page. Below is the man page for the rm command.
Figure 10: man pages are the primary help resource on Linux systems.
You’re Ready
A standard Ubuntu or Fedora installation contains everything you need to start with Linux and work with how-to articles on The New Stack’s site. You can use this lab environment to learn the topics covered in the various New Stack Linux Repository tutorials or begin experimenting with it on your own.
Plan your learning path to include controlling access to files using user accounts, groups, and permissions. Learn to manage system processes and services, including security tools and SSH. Don’t forget about updates and software management, too.
