Configuring systemd Timers

Libraries: If you want this lab, consider one of these libraries.
Cloud

Configuring systemd Timers

With `systemd` comes the competitor to the traditional `cron` daemon, timers. For those already proficient in `cron`, timers may be just a curiosity or another cryptic time notation to learn, but for those who are just entering the world of Linux, `systemd` timers will be the norm. In this lab, we will list and decode timer information and view timers and their associated service unit files to see how they work together. We'll use `systemd-analyze` to investigate and tune up our time notations and see when our timers will run. We will then set up a simple timer/service pairing with a helper script that will write regular entries to the systemd journal, and then we'll make an update and view the results.

Get started Contact sales

Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

Sep 01, 2025

Duration

30m

Challenge

Query and View Timer Information
1. View the active timers.
2. View the timer unit file contents.
3. View the associated service unit file contents.
4. Analyze various timer notations.
Challenge

Create a Timer, Service and Script to Write Journal Entries
1. List the active timers.
2. Create a timer unit file.
3. Create an associated service unit file.
4. Create a script to be called by the service.
5. Enable and start the timer.
6. Troubleshoot any issues.
7. Verify the expected results.

About the author

Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

Real skill practice before real-world application

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Learn by doing

Engage hands-on with the tools and technologies you’re learning. You pick the skill, we provide the credentials and environment.

Follow your guide

All labs have detailed instructions and objectives, guiding you through the learning process and ensuring you understand every step.

Turn time into mastery

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you take time to practice. Hands-on labs set you up for success to make those skills stick.