This module will introduce you to some of the basics you will need to begin your exploration of UNIX system administration.
When you complete this module, you will:

1. Understand the origin of the different types of UNIX operating systems
   
2. Know what the root account is and how to use it safely
   
3. Know how to access, update, and configure the UNIX manual pages online

Systems administration is the installation and maintenance of the UNIX computer system. The system administrator will need to maintain the software and hardware for the system which includes hardware configuration, software installation, reconfiguration of the kernel, and networking to keep it running in a satisfactory manner. To do this the system administrator can assume superuser or root privileges to perform many tasks not normally available to the average user of the system.