linux-sysadmin-journey/projects/02-command-line-mastery/levels/level-1

Level 1: File System Navigator 📁

Overview

Master the fundamentals of file system operations and navigation.

Environment Setup

# Run the setup script
chmod +x ~/linux-sysadmin-journey/projects/02-command-line-mastery/setup/level1-setup.sh
./level1-setup.sh

Stages

Stage 1-1: The File Hunter

Mission: Master file search and manipulation techniques

Challenges:

1. Basic Search (100 points)

   # Find all .conf files modified in the last 3 hours
   # Expected output: At least config_*.conf files
   

2. Content Search (150 points)

   # Find all log files containing "ERROR" and count errors per file
   # Create a summary report
   

3. Size-based Search (200 points)

   # Locate files larger than 50MB
   # Create a report with file sizes in human-readable format
   

4. Complex Search (250 points)

   # Find empty files AND directories
   # Move them to ~/challenge/files/cleanup/
   

5. Advanced Filter (300 points)

   # Find files with specific permissions (600)
   # Generate a security report
   

Bonus Challenge (+500 points): Create a script that:

• Monitors directory for new files
• Categorizes them by type
• Moves them to appropriate subdirectories
• Generates hourly reports

Success Criteria:

• All files correctly identified
• Commands properly documented
• Generated reports are accurate
• Used efficient search methods
• Implemented error handling

Stage 1-2: Permission Puzzler

Mission: Master file permissions and access control

Setup Script Features:

• Creates complex directory structure
• Sets various permissions
• Simulates multi-user environment
• Creates access control scenarios

Challenges:

1. Basic Permissions (100 points)

   # Fix basic file permissions
   # Verify with ls -l
   

2. Recursive Changes (150 points)

   # Implement directory structure permissions
   # Maintain security best practices
   

3. ACL Implementation (200 points)

   # Set up ACLs for user groups
   # Test access scenarios
   

4. Special Permissions (250 points)

   # Configure SUID/SGID
   # Implement sticky bits
   

5. Complex Scenario (300 points)

   # Implement full web server permissions
   # Set up user access control
   # Configure automated permission updates
   

Bonus Challenge (+500 points): Create a permission monitoring system that:

• Detects unauthorized changes
• Logs modification attempts
• Reverts unauthorized changes
• Sends notifications

Scoring System

• Base points for completion
• Time bonus (varies by challenge)
• Efficiency bonus (fewer commands = more points)
• Style points for elegant solutions
• Documentation quality bonus

Verification Scripts

# Run verification
./verify-level1.sh

# Check score
./check-score.sh