Linux server admin
My relationship with Linux started a few years ago when I was absolutely determined to learn how to host my own websites and reverse proxy them through Apache and Nginx. This has been a steep learning curve and I have focused on learning as much as possible about Debian-based distros as possible.
In my own home lab, I have a Dell Enterprise server running XCP-ng (a fork from Xen server) as a hypervisor and because of the 256Gb ram, I’ve got the freedom to run a huge about of virtual machines for testing networks and firewall setups as well as experiment with enterprise software like Nextcloud, Rocket Chat, TrueNAS core, PfSense, and more.
Most of the hosting I do are done on a bare-bones Ubuntu or Debian server installation. On top of this, I’ll typically run microservices in docker on private networks in either a bridged or mac vLan configuration. To say I’ve not been hacked would be a lie but after some extensive studying of firewalls, I’ve yet to have any problems since about 2 years ago. I’m confident with the knowledge I have that Iv’e have firm understanding and grasp on how a server aught to be set up to stand the best chance at surviving when opened to the internet.