10 mistakes new Linux administrators make

"#3: Poor root password choice
Okay, repeat after me: “The root password is the key to the kingdom.” So why would you make the key to the kingdom simple to crack? Sure, make your standard user password something you can easily remember and/or type. But that root password — you know, the one that’s protecting your enterprise database server — give that a much higher difficulty level. Make that password one you might have to store, encrypted, on a USB key, requiring you to slide that USB key into the machine, mount it, decrypt the password, and use it.

"#4: Avoiding the command line
No one wants to have to memorize a bunch of commands. And for the most part, the GUI takes care of a vast majority of them. But there are times when the command line is easier, faster, more secure, and more reliable. Avoiding the command line should be considered a cardinal sin of Linux administration. You should at least have a solid understanding of how the command line works and a small arsenal of commands you can use without having to RTFM. With a small selection of command-line tools on top of the GUI tools, you should be ready for just about anything."

Complete Story

Related Stories:

• 10 reasons why open source makes sense on smart phones(Jun 19, 2009)
• 10 ways the Linux desktop improves the user experience(Jun 04, 2009)
• 10 solid Linux distributions for your netbook(May 18, 2009)
• Ten ways to smooth the switch to Linux(Mar 27, 2009)
• Ten obscure Linux applications you need to try(Mar 18, 2009)
• 10 Linux and open source developer tools you should not overlook(Mar 17, 2009)
• 10 iptables rules to help secure your Linux box(Feb 20, 2009)