Table of Contents

Introduction

Linux is not just an operating system. It is a lifestyle in the tech world. From cloud computing to DevOps, cybersecurity to backend development, understanding Linux puts you in control of your infrastructure, your automations, and your future.

This series is for people like you who want to:

  1. Level up your tech career
  2. Gain confidence managing enterprise systems
  3. Transition into DevOps, SRE, SysAdmin, or Platform Engineering roles
  4. Get RHCSA + RHCE certified in a practical way.

I am documenting every step of my 30-day Linux journey towards mastering both RHCSA and RHCE, using real-world use cases and actual implementation walkthroughs.

Meet Cloud Whistler - Our Training Company

Cloud Whistler specializes in upskilling engineers in cloud technologies and DevOps practices. The tech team is tasked with setting up a secure, scalable, and automated Linux environment to support development, operations, and future cloud migration. The CTO believes in Red Hat-based Linux environments and wants the team skilled in RHCSA and RHCE levels to support growth.

We will simulate being a Junior Systems Engineer at Cloud Whistler, solving day-to-day problems, automating tasks, and building toward enterprise-level Linux mastery.

Day 1: Introduction to RHCSA, RHCE & Lab Setup

Let’s get started by setting up our learning environment, the foundation of our journey.

What Are RHCSA and RHCE?

  • RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator): Validates your ability to perform the core system administration skills required in Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.
  • RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer): Focuses on automation of Linux system administration tasks using Ansible and shell scripting. It builds on RHCSA.

RHCSA = Manual operations while RHCE = Automated operations (think scripting and Ansible)

Why RHCSA + RHCE Together?

Because real-world job roles often require both manual troubleshooting and automated provisioning.

Lab Setup for Cloud Whistler Engineers

Let us walk through how to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 9) on a virtual machine.

For MacBook Apple Silicon Users

  • Download and Install VirtualBox or UTM.(VirtualBox will be used for this scenario).
  • Download RHEL 9 ISO
  • Create the VM and allocate resources:
  • Memory: 4GB, CPU: 2 Cores
  • Storage: 25GB disk (or more)
  • Install RHEL and follow the default installation steps.

Start the Configuration

  1. Download virtualBox here.

VirtualBox download page

  1. After the downloading. Open it and Click New. To create a new VM
  2. Name it( Used RHEL 9-VM2)
  3. Choose other configurations as seen in the picture below
  4. Click Finish when done.

New VM

Storage

VM setup

  • The final configuration output should reflect this:

Final

Starting the VM

  • Click on start to begin the installation

  • Choose "Install Redhat Enterprise Linux 9".

  • The installation will begin showing a green OK.

Downloading the package

  • When done select your preferred language

Language

  • Go to the installation Destination, select your VBOX HARDDISK. (Make sure it is properly selected).

Installation guide

VBOX HD

  • Click Done.
  • Next Set Up your Root Password and select 'Allow root SSH login with password. Click Done.

Root password guide

  • Click 'Begin Installation'

  • Once Complete, Click 'Reboot System'

complete install

Reboot System

Installer

  • Now Installation is complete, go on and set up your Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.0! with your name and password.

For Windows Users

  • Download VirtualBox.
  • Download RHEL 9 ISO: RHEL for x86_64
  • Create a new VM in VirtualBox with these specifications:
  • RAM: 4GB, CPU: 2
  • Storage: 25GB
  • Mount the RHEL ISO and follow the installation steps.

Conclusion

We have laid the foundation, from understanding what RHCSA and RHCE really mean to getting your RHEL lab set up on both Mac and Windows. From here on, it's real-world tasks, hands-on practice, and levelling up day by day.

Let’s keep pushing — see you on Day 2!

Let's Connect!

If you want to connect or share your journey, feel free to reach out on LinkedIn. I am always happy to learn and build with others in the tech space.

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