Introduction to Open Source Operating Systems

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: The History and Philosophy of Unix and Linux Free and Opensource Software

Welcome to Introduction to Opensource Operating Systems! Module 1 offers a deep dive into the rich history of the Unix operating system, covering seven pivotal periods from its inception in 1969 up to today. Students will explore the developments and the philosophy that shaped Unix during its formative years and how it has continued to influence modern computing paradigms. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the seminal contributions of Unix's key architects and contributors, providing an understanding of the system's enduring legacy in today's technological landscape.

Module 2: Navigating the Linux Desktop

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the Linux ecosystem, beginning with the function and features of package managers and App stores, which streamline software installation and management. Students will understand the roles of window managers and desktop environments in shaping user interaction, as well as the intricacies of display protocols like X and Wayland. The course demystifies the various types of desktop Linux, delves into the practicalities of compiling source code, and explains the concept and diversity of Linux distributions. Comparing the major distribution families, the module also equips students with the skills to utilize virtualization platforms for deploying different Linux distributions.

Module 3: Introduction to the Linux Editors and Shell Scripts

Module 3 turns the spotlight on the powerful capabilities of the Linux command line, providing learners with the expertise to leverage the significance of shell meta-characters in expanding shell functionalities. This shows the power of text commands and the major concept of shell scripting in Linux. We will introduce you to the grep command for intricate search operations and replacements using shell meta-characters as well. Students will grasp the essentials of input/output redirection and using Linux pipes. We will be focusing on the nuances of standard input, output, and error. Key concepts such as file permissions, and security nomenclature will be explained. The course also covers the role of the Linux Shell within the OS and the use of absolute and relative paths, all while demystifying the structure of the Linux Filesystem for efficient system navigation and management.

Module 4: Intermediate Shell Scripting

Module 4 empowers students with the skills to automate routine tasks in Linux using shell scripts. We will incorporate positional parameters and control structures to give your scripts logic. Students will learn to declare and understand the scope of system environment variables. The course also explains the manipulation of the system PATH, modifications to user profiles, and the automation of tasks through shell scripting. Additionally, students will become familiar with the capabilities of the vi(m) editor, and distinguish between stream editors and text editors, laying a solid foundation for advanced text processing and system administration in a Linux environment.

Module 5: Introduction to System Administration

Module 5 provides a deep understanding of Linux system administration, starting with the sudo command's crucial role in maintaining root user security. Students will learn the processes for creating and managing user accounts, as well as the significance and analysis of system logs for maintaining system health and security. The coursework introduces essential system tools for ongoing monitoring and reporting, and presents the "3Ps" (Path, Permission, and Dependencies) troubleshooting methodology. Additionally, the module covers secure remote access techniques, ensuring students can administer Linux systems effectively while upholding stringent security standards.

Module 6: Introduction to Managing Linux Processes and Filesystems

This module focuses on the Linux boot process by breaking it down into its three fundamental phases, providing a clear explanation of what occurs during each stage. Students will compare the traditional SysVinit system with the newer systemd init system, gaining insight into their differences, functionalities, and service management techniques. Focusing on system tools for process examination, this module clarifies the purposes of Linux systemd service files. It also delves into the structure and management of filesystems, including a comparison of different Linux filesystems, the mechanics of virtual disk creation and attachment, and the fundamentals of Logical Volume Management. Additionally, the course covers efficient command-line tools for compression, archiving, disk utilization, and mounting, equipping students with practical skills for comprehensive system management.

Module 7: Introduction to Networking, Databases, and Web Technologies

This module equips students with the essential knowledge to configure, manage, and troubleshoot basic network settings on Linux operating systems. The course also provides introductions to configuring and deploying major webserver platforms. Students will learn to install and configure popular opensource SQL databases, gaining practical database management skills. And lastly, this module covers the selection and configuration of desktop-based firewalls and Linux networking.

Module 8: Introduction to Automation

This module addresses the critical role of automation in Linux systems, outlining the challenges it solves by streamlining and simplifying complex tasks. Students will be introduced to the current landscape of orchestration and automation tools, with a particular focus on the contributions of Hashicorp to the field. They will learn the processes for automating the installation of Linux operating systems and discover solutions for deploying complete applications using automation tools. Additionally, the course delves into the concept of secrets management within automated environments, teaching students how to securely handle sensitive information in an automated and scalable manner.

Summative Course Assessment

This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course. Be sure to review the course material thoroughly before taking the assessment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves into the history, philosophy, and core concepts of free and open source software

Covers topics ranging from open source licensing to business strategies and enterprise utilization of free and open source software

Develops foundational knowledge and skills in setting up, configuring, and administering an industry-standard open source operating system

Provides hands-on experience with command-line commands, system architecture, package management, and filesystem management

Examines advanced topics such as networking fundamentals, security, and support issues for open source software

Utilizes a free textbook and offers software requirements that are accessible to students

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Open Source Operating Systems - Master's with these activities:

Refresh System Administration

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Strengthen your understanding of Linux system administration before the course begins.

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Review Linux System Fundamentals
Practice Basic System Administration Tasks

Linux Notes

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Build a foundation of knowledge by creating notes on Linux commands, concepts, and best practices.

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Gather Information on Linux
Organize and Structure Notes
Review and Update Notes Regularly

Set Up Your Own Linux Environment

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Build a strong foundation by installing your own Linux environment. Start by installing a virtualization software. Follow the steps in the official documentation provided to you in the Pre-Requisite Materials.

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Download VirtualBox on your computer.
Configure the virtual machine by following the steps on the official VirtualBox documentation.
Install your Linux OS of choice on the virtual machine.

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Get Familiar With Your Linux Operating System

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Explore the depths of your Linux OS's capabilities. Use the official documentation to get familiar with the layout.

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Familiarize yourself with the desktop interface, including the system tray, menus, and icons.
Learn how to use the command line interface (Terminal) to navigate the file system.
Discover the different applications that come pre-installed with your Linux distribution.

Refine Linux Commands

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Improve your familiarity with the Linux command line by practicing commands regularly.

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Practice Navigating the Linux File System
Practice Creating and Deleting Files and Directories
Practice Editing Files with vi or nano
Practice Using Basic Linux Commands

Open Source Projects

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Enhance your Linux skills and gain practical experience by working on open-source projects.

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Research Open Source Tools and Applications
Install and Configure Open Source Tools
Build and Implement Open Source Projects

Practice Linux Networking

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Develop proficiency in Linux networking by practicing common network tasks.

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Configure a Basic Network
Connect to a Remote Host
Configure a Network Service

Contribute to Open Source

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Apply your Linux skills in a real-world environment by contributing to open-source projects.

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Research Open Source Projects
Identify a Project to Contribute To
Contribute Code or Documentation

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Open Source Operating Systems - Master's will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer systems. A background in open source operating systems is essential for Systems Administrators, as it provides the knowledge and skills needed to manage and maintain these systems. This course can help Systems Administrators to build a strong foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and maintaining these systems.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and management of cloud computing systems. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Cloud Engineers, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Cloud Engineers to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and developing software for these systems.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems from security threats. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Security Analysts, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Security Analysts to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and securing these systems.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Network Administrators, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Network Administrators to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and managing these systems.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for DevOps Engineers, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help DevOps Engineers to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and developing software for these systems.

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IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of information technology systems. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for IT Managers, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help IT Managers to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for managing and maintaining these systems.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Network Engineers, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Network Engineers to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and managing these systems.

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Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists are responsible for providing technical support to computer users. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Computer Support Specialists, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Computer Support Specialists to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for providing support to users of these systems.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing computer systems. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Computer Systems Analysts, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Computer Systems Analysts to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and developing these systems.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify patterns and trends. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Data Scientists, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Data Scientists to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and analyzing data on these systems.

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Software Test Engineer

Software Test Engineers are responsible for testing software to ensure that it meets requirements. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Software Test Engineers, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Software Test Engineers to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for testing software on these systems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Software Engineers, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Software Engineers to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and developing software for these systems.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of databases. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Database Administrators, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Database Administrators to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and managing databases on these systems.

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Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of websites. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Web Developers, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Web Developers to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and developing websites on these systems.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems from security threats. A background in open source operating systems can be useful for Information Security Analysts, as it can provide a deep understanding of the underlying principles of operating systems and how they work. This course can help Information Security Analysts to build a foundation in open source operating systems, which can be helpful for working with and securing these systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst