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Linux Upskill Challenge Introduction

Build Practical Linux Server Skills with the Upskill Challenge

This content is based on the Linux Upskill Challenge, a free and open-source project designed to teach practical Linux server management skills. I’ll be using this resource for my own learning and adapting its lessons for my website posts.

Get hands-on experience managing a remote Linux server from the command line.

The Linux Upskill Challenge is a month-long journey for anyone aiming to break into Linux-related roles—whether that’s a junior sysadmin, a DevOps position, or something similar. This course dives deep into server management and command-line skills but starts from the basics, making it perfect for complete beginners, including those coming from Windows or macOS backgrounds.

Completely free and open source—your only investment is your time!

Why Participate?

  • Learn to manage your own Linux server with confidence
  • Emphasis on practical, real-world skills
  • A hands-on approach that encourages active learning
  • Commit just 1-2 hours a day over a month to build your skills
  • Access to curated resources and external links
  • Less formal than traditional RHEL or Linux Foundation courses

Getting Started

Begin by reviewing the FAQ to get a solid understanding of how the challenge works—most common questions are covered there.

If you’re ready to dive in, you’ll need access to an Internet-exposed server. Don’t worry if this sounds daunting—step-by-step guides are provided to help you set one up, often at little to no cost.

The challenge kicks off on the first Monday of each month, so there’s always a new opportunity to jump in!


FAQ

How It Works

  • Completely free and open source
  • Hands-on learning with a focus on practical skills
  • The challenge begins the first Monday of each month
  • Runs for 20 weekdays (Monday to Friday)
  • Lessons often include curated external links to dive deeper into each topic
  • A more informal approach compared to RHEL or Linux Foundation training

Requirements

  • A cloud-based Ubuntu Linux server (Day 0 lessons will guide you through setup)
  • Basic computer literacy (you should be comfortable using Windows or macOS)
  • Commit to 1-2 hours daily for a month, although self-paced learning is also an option

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course right for me?
This course is perfect for aspiring Linux professionals, such as junior sysadmins or DevOps enthusiasts, as well as for Windows admins looking to expand into Linux. It’s also great for anyone wanting to enhance their Linux command-line skills, even if they’re starting from scratch.

Will this prepare me for Linux certification exams?
No, this is not a certification prep course. While it’s helpful for general Linux knowledge, you’ll need specific certification training if that’s your goal.

When does the course start?
It begins on the first Monday of each month, with material delivered

How much time should I expect to spend?
Plan for 1-2 hours per lesson. Early lessons might take less time, but additional “Extension” tasks are available if you want to dive deeper.

Can I start mid-month?
Absolutely! The material is always available, so you can start at your own pace.

Do I need a cloud-based server?
Yes, using a remote server that’s exposed to the internet is essential for the experience. Instructions for setting up a server are provided in the Day 0 lessons. If you prefer to run a local server, you can follow the instructions provided on the Linux Upskill Challenge website.

What if I don’t have a credit card for cloud providers?
There are alternative options for setting up a server without a credit card, which are covered in the Day 0 lessons.

Why Ubuntu? Can I use a different Linux distribution?
The course is based on Ubuntu Server LTS to keep things straightforward. If you’re comfortable with another distro, feel free to use it, but be prepared to manage any differences on your own.

Should I turn off my server when not in use?
If you’re using a free-tier VPS, you can leave it running during the course without exceeding thresholds. Just be sure to monitor it.

What if I still have questions?
You can ask questions or discuss the course on Lemmy, Reddit, or in the Discord chat. If you’d like to contribute to the course material, feel free to submit issues or suggestions directly on GitHub.

Credits

This course was originally created by the late Steve Brorens, who ensured its continuation before his passing. It is currently maintained by Livia Lima. You can connect with her on Mastodon or LinkedIn.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.