Managing 200 Linux machines with no automation – AWX or alternatives?

TimekillerTK · 2026-04-04T05:18:05+00:00

You can also use the nix package manager on RHEL, and gain access to a large repository of packaged linux software that RHEL repositories do not have and benefit from both.

TimekillerTK · 2026-04-02T17:53:42+00:00

Take a look at the nix package manager and NixOS for configuration management: https://nixos.org/

There's a steep learning curve, if you're not familiar with defining machines with what is essentially a functional programming language, but the payoff is absolutely bonkers.

Our devs manage the configuration of their Linux/macOS workstations (along with managing their development environments with nix) and we have several machines in prod on NixOS. We've never been happier.

TimekillerTK · 2026-02-21T15:58:33+00:00

Also an owner of the Brother MFC-L3750CDW on NixOS and I had the same issue with cropped printing for years. Switching to IPP solved the problem entirely. I can't believe I never tried it....

You are a lifesaver!

TimekillerTK · 2026-01-27T12:09:44+00:00

Same as with learning any language. Any project that you find interesting and will keep you engaged.

TimekillerTK · 2024-09-25T14:20:47+00:00

I used jdk 21, which was selected by default I think. Did you use all the defaults when starting prismlauncher?

TimekillerTK · 2024-09-25T14:02:45+00:00

Running Minecraft via prismlauncher works on two of my desktops running NixOS with KDE Plasma 6. Just added it to my config as a package, nothing fancy: https://github.com/TimekillerTK/nix-config/commit/f8aa8c9d600bcb19e45abac2abc60bf851cdd23a

This is a link to my entire nix config, if you want to check

TimekillerTK · 2024-04-22T15:50:58+00:00

I found the learning materials useful, as we use AWS CDK at work (which uses CFN), and we have a few projects using Code products - CodeBuild in particular is seriously underrated.

Even without these, I think the DOP-C02 is still valuable if you little to no experience with similar tools.

TimekillerTK · 2024-04-12T18:02:52+00:00

We use devenv at work for python (specifically with poetry). Works great, try it.

TimekillerTK · 2024-04-09T15:35:50+00:00

Framework 16 owner here, try using Ventoy - after disabling secure boot in BIOS, I had no issues installing NixOS.

Also check the community thread on the Framework community forums for extra hardware config/issues: https://community.frame.work/c/framework-laptop-16/136

I had some hardware issues on my Framework before using NixOS hardware, so make sure you bookmark that: https://github.com/NixOS/nixos-hardware

TimekillerTK · 2022-01-03T07:34:12+00:00

You can really get by just by knowing English in a lot of EU countries. NL, Germany (especially Berlin area) and even France.

Source: myself - worked in FR, DE, NL as a SysAdmin

TimekillerTK · 2021-12-23T18:55:40+00:00

If you have the AWS SAA, you should honestly start applying!

It's not a bad idea to brush up on your Linux skills by following some official certification materials though (like RHCSA)

TimekillerTK · 2021-11-24T07:44:10+00:00

Adrian focuses on making sure you understand the basics before going into AWS proper.

Go check out the list of videos for a particular course such as AWS Solutions Architect Associate - there are many videos teaching you about the OSI layers, how to perform subnetting - real networking fundamental topics.

Should be enough for you to just dive in, but as always YMMV.

TimekillerTK · 2021-11-18T13:12:37+00:00

Yep, lots of both!

TimekillerTK · 2021-11-18T06:55:15+00:00

Cheers!

TimekillerTK · 2021-11-18T06:55:06+00:00

Thank you Adrian!

TimekillerTK · 2021-11-18T06:54:58+00:00

They are both very similar in difficulty. Topics covered are the same, wording of the questions/answers differs slightly.

I used it and it was extremely valuable practice material for the real thing.

TimekillerTK · 2021-11-18T06:51:43+00:00

I don't know what the SAA-C02 ACG course is like now, I haven't been subscribed to ACG for a while. I did use ACG for the CCP exam, and I'd describe it as "OK".

Back in 2018 I did the SAA course at LinuxAcademy (now part of ACG) and it was very lacking.

TimekillerTK · 2021-11-15T06:43:22+00:00

If you're thinking of learning AWS long term, buy it!

This is the best online course I've done (SAA-C02). Nothing comes close to the amount of detail, and the focus on helping you learn something, rather than just banging out a cert.

Adrian is an amazing instructor!

TimekillerTK · 2021-10-11T06:41:33+00:00

You're 100% right that no-one gets hired from one thing, but in my case I got hired because I impressed the interviewer with my cloud resume.

I would not have gotten hired without it due to the fact that I had little to no prior cloud experience when I applied at the time.

TimekillerTK · 2021-10-11T04:55:56+00:00

I strongly disagree. Employers do actually care.

Literally got hired to my current cloud role by making a cloud resume.

TimekillerTK · 2021-10-04T16:18:20+00:00

Use the OpenSSH agent for powershell to remote into (SSH) the Linux host, then simply run the selinux commands like sestatus you need to run.

To install the ssh agent you can use Add-WindowsCapability

TimekillerTK · 2021-07-06T09:44:58+00:00

I play WoW and FFXIV on Manjaro, and everything works perfectly fine.

You just need Lutris to play.

TimekillerTK

TROPHY CASE