In this chapter, you will learn how to set up the Linux startup shell configuration scripts so that users’ sessions are configured according to your (and their) requirements. You will learn how to create and implement policies for managing disk usage—by user or by group.

Next, you will learn how to upgrade, configure, compile, and install your own custom kernels. You will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of monolithic and modular kernels. You have three different ways to customize and optimize your kernel configuration for size and functionality. You will also learn the recommended techniques for configuring and installing the kernel. Finally, you’ll learn how to schedule the one-time and periodic execution of jobs.

For the Red Hat exams, the skills you learn in this chapter are important for the Installation and Configuration exam. As described in the Red Hat Exam Prep guide, you need to know how to manage accounts and set up the user environment.

Inside the Exam Configuring Users You need to know how to create and configure users on the Red Hat exams. This means that you need to know how to configure the environment associated with each user account—in configuration files and in user settings. You also need to know how to specify the configuration files associated with the default bash shell. Finally, you need to know how to limit the resources allocated to each user through quotas. These requirements are all explicitly cited in the Red Hat Exam Prep guide for both exams. Managing Kernels As a competent Linux administrator, you need to know how to install, patch, and recompile kernels. It’s easy to install a new kernel from an RPM, which makes it a reasonable requirement on the RHCT and RHCE exams. However, the latest RHCE Exam Prep guide no longer explicitly requires that you need to know how to recompile the Linux kernel. Therefore, the long discussion on recompiling kernels is “only” important if you want the skills needed to become a Linux systems administrator.

This is part one from the fifth chapter of Red Hat Certified Engineer Linux Study Guide (Exam RH302), fourth edition, by Michael Jang. (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004, ISBN: 0-07-225365-7). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now.