If you are interested in working with computers, networks, and software, you might have heard of the term unix specialist. But what does this role entail, and what skills and knowledge do you need to become one? In this article, we will explore the main responsibilities, challenges, and benefits of being an unix specialist in the context of system administration.
Unix is a family of operating systems that are widely used for servers, workstations, and embedded devices. Unix systems are known for their stability, security, and flexibility, as well as their compatibility with various programming languages and tools. Some of the most popular unix variants include Linux, BSD, macOS, and Solaris.
En principio desarrollado por la AT&T, es un sistema desarrollado con foco a ser multitareas y multiusuario, de gran robustez, del cual se desprendieron muchas variantes y ha servido de inspiración para otros sistemas operativos, como por ejemplo Linux, muy popular hoy dia en servidores.
An unix specialist is a system administrator who specializes in installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting unix systems and applications. Depending on the needs and preferences of their employer or client, an unix specialist may work with different types of unix systems. Common tasks they perform include setting up and managing user accounts, permissions, and access controls; installing and updating software packages and patches; monitoring and optimizing system performance and resource usage; backing up and restoring data and files; securing and hardening the system against attacks and vulnerabilities; automating and scripting common or repetitive tasks; and resolving technical issues and providing user support.
Unix es un mundo en si mismo, y un especialista debe ser capaz de realizar una gran cantidad de tareas, desde la instalacion del sistema operativo ajustado a las mejores practicas correspondientes, su securitizacion o hardening, instalacion de software dentro del SO, manejo de procesos y almacenamiento, actividades de parchados, entre otras. Claramente existen niveles de especialización, acorde a la experiencia: por ejemplo soporte nivel 1, nivel 2, etc; asi como acorde un conocimiento especifico de uso: especialista en automatización de procesos, en seguridad, etc.
To become an unix specialist, you need to be well-versed in computer science, networking, and software engineering, as well as have a good understanding of the unix architecture, commands, utilities, and shell scripting. Additionally, you must be familiar with the features and differences of the unix variant that you are working with, as well as the applications and services that run on it. Some of the skills and knowledge that are useful for an unix specialist include Linux administration and certification, Bash, Python, Perl, or other scripting languages, Apache, Nginx, or other web servers, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or other databases, SSH, FTP, SFTP, or other protocols, Git, SVN, or other version control systems, Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or other configuration management tools ,Docker ,Kubernetes ,or other containerization and orchestration tools ,AWS ,Azure ,GCP ,or other cloud platforms.
Hoy en dia, con la adopcion de metodologias agiles y la llegada de las tecnologias cloud, un especialista UNIX, no solo debe tener conocimientos de comandos del SO, sino de diferentes conceptos, como la cultura DevOps, seguridad, scripting, virtualizacion, protocolos de comunicacion, cloud, a fin de poder tener una vision amplia a la hora de administrar sistemas cada vez mas complejos e interconectados, todos factores con claves en las arquitecturas modernas. Pero siempre Linux es un buen comienzo para quienes inician esta ruta.
Being an unix specialist can be both rewarding and challenging. On one hand, you get to work with powerful and versatile systems that can handle complex and diverse tasks, as well as learning new skills and technologies that can enhance your career prospects and professional development. On the other hand, you have to face high expectations and responsibilities, as well as constantly changing and evolving environments. You also need to manage stress, pressure, and deadlines, in addition to troubleshooting and solving potential problems. Some of the challenges and benefits of being an unix specialist include a high demand and salary, creativity and innovation, variety and flexibility, collaboration and communication, security and reliability, complexity and difficulty, risk and liability, as well as continuous learning and improvement.
Las actividades mas desafiantes siempre van enfocadas a la resolución de incidentes en sistemas productivos en mi opinión personal, ya que el tiempo siempre es un factor en contra; pero son de las que mas se aprende, tanto a manejar la presión, responder adecuadamente ante situaciones de estrés y principalmente las que mas dejan lecciones aprendidas que de otro modo, no habríamos contemplado.
Pursuing a career as an unix specialist requires a passion for unix systems and the willingness to learn and grow. It's also important to have an education and experience in the field, as well as a portfolio and resume that showcase your skills and achievements. To become an unix specialist, you should get a degree or certificate in computer science, information technology, or a related field. You can gain practical experience by working as a system administrator or software developer. Mastering the unix system and its tools is also essential. Certification from a reputable organization or vendor like CompTIA, Red Hat, or Oracle will help you stand out. Networking with other unix professionals and communities can also be beneficial. Applying for jobs that match your skills and interests is important, as well as preparing for interviews and tests. Lastly, it's important to keep updating your knowledge and skills, and seek feedback and mentorship.
Hoy dia, existen mucho entrenamientos en linea para poder aprender sobre muchos temas, pero caemos en exceso de información, paralisis por análisis. Creo que es vital tener un roadmap u hoja de ruta, de que aprender a fin de poder iniciar como especialista UNIX y perderse en el intento: le diria a alguien que recien comienza: Aprende linux: Instalacion, comandos, manejo de redes y discos, monitoreo de procesos, logs; a la par de tener conocimientos base de redes, y definitivamente scripting lo que le facilitara muchas cosas.
Unix stands for uniplexed information computing system. It serves as a multitasking, multiyear operating system designed for flexibility and adaptability. Unix requires a license for you to use it unlike Linux which is a free open source operating system.