Ebright Linux Crash Course

Introduction

This document provides the official 1-day training timetable for the Ebright Linux Crash Course. It outlines the full session flow across both training pillars, including lecture blocks, practical labs, review activities, and instructor implementation notes.

Course Overview

The Ebright Linux Crash Course is designed to equip the IT and Administration team with practical skills for independent cloud server management.

Full detailed overview: Training Overview

Quick Guide Links

• Lecture Guide - Module 1
• Practical Guide - Module 1
• Lecture Guide - Module 2
• Practical Guide - Module 2
• Lecture Guide - Module 3
• Practical Guide - Module 3
• Linux Commands Cheat Sheet

Asset

Module	File Path	Description
Module 1	asset/module1/Dockerfile	Builds Ubuntu training image with SSH server and trainee user for remote access practice.
Module 1	asset/module1/docker-compose.yml	Starts the SSH practice container and maps host port 2222 to container port 22.
Module 3	asset/module3/docker-compose.yml	Comprehensive stack for extra lab: Nginx reverse proxy, app (whoami), PostgreSQL, Redis, Adminer, and optional toolbox profile.
Module 3	asset/module3/nginx/default.conf	Nginx reverse-proxy config with /healthz endpoint and upstream routing to app service.
Module 3	asset/module3/deploy/Dockerfile	Sample Docker image build recipe used in Module 3 image-based deployment workflow.
Module 3	asset/module3/deploy/index.html	Sample static page packaged into the Module 3 deployment image for verification.

First 2 Minutes Setup (VS Code)

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Open terminal in VS Code: Terminal > New Terminal.
3. Clone and open the training repository:

git clone https://github.com/um-csnet/ebright.git
cd ebright
code .

4. In the opened project terminal, run:

docker --version
docker compose version

Expected:

• Repository is cloned and opened in VS Code.
• Docker command returns a version string.
• Docker Compose command returns a version string.

Pillar 1: System Identity, Access & Administration

• Focus: Establishing infrastructure foundations and organizational hierarchy.
• Objective: Build a professional server mindset through CLI operations, VPS administration, SSH security, filesystem navigation, and role-based access controls for internal data protection.
• Coverage: Linux fundamentals, remote access, filesystem hierarchy, users and permissions, automation basics, and core process/network operations.

Pillar 2: Deployment, Security & Continuity

• Focus: Application delivery, monitoring, and system stability.
• Objective: Transition from system administration to application operations, including deployment workflows, system diagnostics, firewall hardening, backup planning, and recovery readiness.
• Coverage: Snapshots, package management, Git and Docker deployment workflows, DNS identity, UFW firewall setup, and continuity procedures.

Learning Outcome

By the end of the day, the Ebright IT team transitions from passive managed-host users to active cloud infrastructure administrators with practical survival skills to keep services stable, secure, and accessible.

General objectives:

• Build confidence using Linux CLI commands for daily server administration tasks.
• Apply secure access and identity practices, including SSH key usage and role-based permissions.
• Perform structured filesystem and user/group management aligned with departmental operations.
• Execute basic deployment and update workflows using package management, Git, and Docker.
• Monitor system health, interpret core diagnostics, and respond to common operational incidents.
• Implement continuity controls through snapshots, backups, firewall hardening, and recovery readiness.

Client

Ebright IT & Administration Team

Date

10th March 2026

Total Duration

8 Hours (09:00 - 17:00)

Pillar 1: System Identity, Access & Administration

Time	Session Type	Module	Key Focus
09:00 - 09:45	Lecture	Module 1: Introduction, Fundamentals & Remote Access	Ecosystem (GUI vs CLI), Cloud/VPS theory, and SSH handshake/security.
09:45 - 10:30	Practical	Module 1: Introduction, Fundamentals & Remote Access	Docker sandbox setup using asset/module1/Dockerfile + asset/module1/docker-compose.yml, system verification, and SSH key generation/testing.
10:30 - 10:45	Break	-	Morning coffee break.
10:45 - 12:00	Lecture	Module 2: Mastering the Filesystem, Users & Permissions	The 8 core topics: FHS, security logic, productivity, and network operations.
12:00 - 13:00	Practical	Module 2: Mastering the Filesystem, Users & Permissions	Hands-on: Building Ebright's hierarchy, permissions, and automation.
13:00 - 14:00	Lunch	-	Networking lunch.

Pillar 2: Deployment, Security & Continuity

Time	Session Type	Module	Key Focus
14:00 - 15:00	Lecture	Module 3: Deployment, Security & Continuity	Snapshots, package management (Apt), Git and Docker workflows, and DNS records.
15:00 - 16:15	Practical	Module 3: Deployment, Security & Continuity	Live lab: Nginx deployment (Git/Docker), Firewall (UFW) setup, and Snapshot Recovery.
16:15 - 17:00	Review	Final	Q&A, Emergency Escalation Protocols, and "Survival" Cheat Sheet distribution.

Session Breakdown Summary

Pillar 1 Session

• Duration: 3.75 Hours (Excluding Break)
• Emphasis: Transitioning to the "Server Mindset" and establishing the "Departmental Silo" structure to protect Ebright's internal data.

Pillar 2 Session

• Duration: 3 Hours
• Emphasis: Shifting from file administration to application delivery. Real-world deployment of the Ebright Parent Portal and perimeter hardening.

Instructor Notes

• Practical Buffer: The Practical sessions include buffer time for students who may encounter Docker or SSH connectivity issues.
• Quiz Integration: Short 5-minute knowledge checks (Quizzes) should be performed at the start of Module 2 and Module 3 to refresh concepts.
• New Learner Flow: Module 2 now includes beginner checkpoints and troubleshooting patterns to improve classroom pacing and confidence.