Devops Relevant Books:
A proper ‘Tech Bible’ if there ever was one! This book can be both a great read to discover how systems work (from the absolute beginnings!) and a reference for just about any topic (from Linux bootstrapping to config management and python scripting).
A great project-based introduction to Ansible and Kubernetes. Jeff Geerling also has a youtube channel and is an excellent instructor, covering both the ‘why’s and ‘how’s of every aspect of these tools.
If I had to start over, these two books would be my go to, before delving into the Linux and Unix Sys Admin book. Simple but comprehensive, great examples that are well explained, these books are impossible to read before bed because they just make you wanna plop in front of a command line and try out all the cool exercises for yourself. The CLI book even has a great website that covers tons more exercises at linuxcommand.org!
Youtubers that rock:
There are so many amazing content creators out there that put a ton of educational videos for free, it’s impossible to cover them all here. But here is a list of my favorites, broken down by Linux, Networking, Devops, and InfoSec respectively:
Everything Linux and Sysadmin:
- Techworld with Nana – This lady has everything. Seriously, it’s incredible. Everything from building node.js apps to building a full pipeline to software architecture to database administration, all delivered in a very clear and well thought out manner. One of my absolute favorites.
- TutoriaLinux – Has a wonderful course on Udemy that this very website used to get started! Skims over a lot of details but gives you enough to go fill in the blanks yourself, which those above mentioned books will do wonderfully.
- LearnlinuxTV – Sysadmin with to-the-point videos on just about anything you can think of.
Networking:
- SunnyLearning – Remember the
strugglejoy* of figuring out subnetting and SSL certs for the first time? Well here’s Mr. Sunny who explains things in such a simple, logical, and clear manner, it makes all these difficult topics just make sense. Highly recommend! - David Bombal – Another great contributor to learning networking (also has an awesome example-driven CCNA course on Udemy). Recommend a good dose of coffee before watching as he tends to sound a bit monotone (sorry David), but don’t let that discourage you. David has excellent content coverage with lots of great examples, comprehensive walkthroughs and explanations, and some wonderfully motivating talks to help with the ever-present imposter syndrome in our field.
Devops:
- Techworld with Nana – Did I mention this lady has everything? I meant it.
- Jeff Geerling – Same gentleman who authored the Ansible for Kubernetes book from the above section, you’ll find a ton of in-depth content that is very well explained (and quite a few fun videos too!).
- DevOps Journey – I mean it has Devops in the name! But in all seriousness, I love this channel as a place to get ideas for practice projects. You’ll find some great playlists on Python and InfluxDB.
InfoSec:
- John Hammond – A great one stop shop for most info-sec related content. You’ll be able to find many other content creators, resources and recommendations through his channel, as well as advice on how to get started in the Information Security field.
- IppSec – A mini celebrity in the pentesting world, IppSec has great videos on methodologies and practices to apply when working on CTF events or HackTheBox puzzles.