Re: [lpi-examdev] Some Ideas on Linux Essentials Objectives

[Alessandro Selli]

Mehdi Amiri ha scritto: Hello all, I have read the “Linux Essentials” objectives, I have some ideas which I would like to share them with you: Topic 1.1.1: I think we should list the major commercial/open source distributions like Fedora, Ubuntu, RHEL and SUSE as well. The candidates should be aware of the existence of major distributions.   Indeed the candidate should be aware of the existence of major distributions.  However, the very short list that was put on http://wiki.lpi.org/wiki/LinuxEssentials#1.1.1_Linux_Evolution_and_Popular_Operating_Systems is, as it is stated on that page, a "a partial list of the used files, terms and utilities".  The general principle is that LPI exams are not defined in the most exact and exhaustive possible way; rather, they only define generic "Key Knowledge Areas" that the candidate should be proficient in.  In this case, a person who is proficient in the "Knowledge of Linux Development and Major Distributions" is expected to know about not just Android, Debian and CentOS, but also about RedHat, Fedora, SuSE/Novell, Ubuntu, Slackware and Mandriva, and possibly a few more. Also, although I'm a CentOS lover, I think CentOS can be removed form this list because it is just derived from RHEL sources.   Though it is a spin-off of RedHat EL and designed at keeping thoroughly compatible with RHEL distributions, it actually is an independent distribution that is used in a good number of server deployments where such an extensive (and expensive) service assurance and uptime guarantee as RedHat offers are not required.  I believe people should be aware of this distribution, too. Topic: 1.2.2 The candidates should be also be aware of distributions software support model & the meaning of Long Term Support (LTS) in some Enterprise distribution.   Humm, perhaps those who drafted the current layout of the Linux Essentials Objectives consider knowledge of LTS in some Enterprise distributions to go beyond the scope of an Introductory Linux exam? Also I think, the “Description” part: “Knowledge of major Linux Operating Systems..” should be changed to “ Knowledge of major Linux distributions...”   I think you're right here.  A skill Linux Essentials candidates should have is the capability to discern between an OS and a distribution (with all the overlapping and grey areas between them). Topic 1.2.5 “netstat” command is very difficult to understand for beginners. I think we should add “ping”, “tracepath” and a simple command with “dig” functionality, like “nslookup” or “host” command.   A basic use of netstat is both easy and a useful tool to detect, for instance, currently established TCP/IP connections.  Even a beginner, IMO, should be able to do netstat | grep ftp to see if there are currently open FTP sockets. Topic 1.3.3 We can also add XZ & 7z, 7-zip suite as well. They are very popular these days,   I agree, anyway the same I stated above holds here as well: "The following is a partial list of the used files, terms and utilities" means that the fact lzma, xz etc. are not listed does not mean they are left out of the objective. Topic 1.3.4 xargs, sort & cut are some advanced topics mainly used in scripts, I think they do not fill in Essential Skills of Linux, they are also covered in LPIC-1. I think we should add the “locate” command here instead.   I do use sort and cut routinely on the command line, and sometimes xargs as well, but I do agree the later is not a trivial command and probably not very useful to a beginner. Topic 1.5.4 I think “Hidden files” term should be changed to “doted files” or “non displayed” files.   I wonder what they are called in the POSIX documents that describe their behaviour.  Does anyone know?  I'd take that to be their official name.   Greetings, -- Alessandro Selli Tel: 340.839.73.05 http://alessandro.route-add.net, VOIP: sip:dhatarat...@ekiga.net Chiave PGP/GPG key: EC885A8B

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