Do I need to buy hardware to try these projects?

No. A cloud VPS costs a few dollars and lets you delete and rebuild the server as many times as you want, which is genuinely useful when you're learning — mistakes cost nothing.

Is Ubuntu Server hard to learn if I've never used Linux before?

It's more approachable than most people expect. The interface is text-based rather than visual, which feels unfamiliar for the first hour or two, but the commands you actually need for these five projects number in the dozens, not the hundreds.

How long does it take to get comfortable with Linux this way?

Most people who work through five to six hands-on projects like these feel noticeably more confident within two or three weekends — far faster than working through a command reference from front to back.

Can I really put these projects on my CV?

Yes, and you should. "Built and secured a Linux file server with SSH key authentication" tells an employer more than "familiar with Linux" ever will.

5 Real Linux Server Projects for Beginners (Weekend Builds)

5 Real Linux Server Projects for Beginners (Weekend Builds) | Binary Tech Institute