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David Clinton

Looking for just the right OS for your new project? Thinking you might need to build your own? This course will help you understand the history, structure, and capabilities of the Unix family of operating systems.

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Looking for just the right OS for your new project? Thinking you might need to build your own? This course will help you understand the history, structure, and capabilities of the Unix family of operating systems.

Sometimes custom hardware projects require custom software. And derivatives of the UNIX OS - including Linux - are often the best place to start your search. If you're working on something that's going to need a bit of an out-of-the-box software stack, then *nix is what you're after. In this course, UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture, you'll get all the UNIX and Linux background you'll need to inform your choices. First, you'll learn about the stormy - but incredibly productive - history of UNIX. Next, you'll discover what exactly it is that defines a UNIX system. Finally, you'll be introduced at a high level to compiling your own custom versions of the Linux kernel and building your own Linux distribution. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the knowledge you need of the way UNIX works to better understand what you can do with *nix systems, and what they can do for you.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
A Brief History of Unix
What Defines a *nix System
Building Your Own *nix System
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by a well-respected instructor in the field
Provides a strong foundation for beginners in the Unix family of operating systems
Develops a comprehensive understanding of the history, structure, and capabilities of Unix operating systems
An excellent introduction to the Unix family of operating systems for those considering building their own custom software
Provides a solid starting point for learners interested in exploring out-of-the-box software stacks

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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 UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture with these activities:
Read 'The UNIX-haters Handbook'
Gain a critical perspective on UNIX by reading this classic work that highlights its limitations and quirks.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary materials (book, pen, and paper)
  • Set aside dedicated time for reading
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts
  • Engage with the material by asking questions and seeking clarifications
Read 'UNIX Systems Programming: The Arte of System V Network Programming'
Gain insights into the intricacies of UNIX systems and network programming by reading this seminal work.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary materials (book, pen, and paper)
  • Set aside dedicated time for reading
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts
  • Engage with the material by asking questions and seeking clarifications
Gather Resources on UNIX System Administration
Enhance your knowledge base by compiling a collection of useful resources, tools, and documentation related to UNIX system administration.
Browse courses on Resources
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources of information
  • Gather and organize relevant materials
  • Create a central repository (e.g., a website or wiki)
  • Share your compilation with others
Four other activities
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Build a Simple Command-Line Utility
Solidify your understanding of UNIX by creating a basic command-line utility that performs a specific task.
Browse courses on Unix
Show steps
  • Identify a simple task to automate
  • Design the command-line interface (CLI)
  • Write the code using a programming language of your choice
  • Test and debug the utility
  • Deploy the utility
Create a Presentation on Your Understanding of UNIX
Solidify your understanding of UNIX by presenting key concepts, capabilities, and your personal insights to an audience.
Browse courses on Unix
Show steps
  • Gather information and prepare your content
  • Design your slides
  • Practice your presentation
  • Deliver your presentation and ask for feedback
Practice Compiling and Running Linux Kernel Modules
Enhance your hands-on experience by repeatedly compiling and running Linux kernel modules to gain a deeper understanding of kernel operations.
Show steps
  • Set up a Linux development environment
  • Create a simple kernel module
  • Practice loading, unloading, and debugging kernel modules
  • Experiment with different kernel module parameters
Contribute to an Open Source UNIX Project
Enhance your practical skills and gain exposure to real-world UNIX development by contributing to an active open source project.
Browse courses on Unix
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable project
  • Set up a development environment
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase
  • Make contributions and submit pull requests

Career center

Learners who complete UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and Information Research Scientists conduct research and design new computing hardware and software technologies. As a Computer and Information Research Scientist, you might be tasked to design, implement, or evaluate new computer technology. The foundational knowledge in operating systems that you will gain from UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture course may prove valuable to you. In this course, you will examine the operating system and its capabilities. You will also learn about OS history and explore the differences and similarities between the different flavors of UNIX you may use in this role.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts prepare, analyze, and make recommendations on computer hardware and software systems. They may also design, test, evaluate, and implement computer hardware and software systems. Knowledge of operating systems is essential for a Computer Systems Analyst. The UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture course delves into the history, structure, and capabilities of the UNIX family of operating systems. This course may help you enhance your ability to prepare for, analyze, and make recommendations on computer hardware and software systems.
Software Developer
Software Developers design, create, and maintain computer systems and applications. Custom hardware projects may require you to build your own software. The UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture course can help you get a foundational understanding of the UNIX family of operating systems, including Linux. This understanding can be valuable when it comes time for you to compile custom versions of the Linux kernel and build your own Linux distribution.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Network and Computer Systems Administrators support and maintain computer networks, operating systems, and peripheral equipment. Many different kinds of operating systems are used on the networks that a Network and Computer Systems Administrator might care for. A comprehensive course on operating systems like UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture can aid you in understanding the design, implementation, and evaluation of these systems.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They may also conduct security audits and risk assessments. A deep understanding of operating systems such as UNIX is essential for excelling in this career. UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture offers a comprehensive overview of the UNIX family of operating systems. This course may be useful for expanding your skillset as an Information Security Analyst.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. Custom hardware projects may require you to build your own software. A comprehensive course on operating systems like UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture can help you gain an understanding of building your own Linux distribution.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of database management systems. Every organization needs a system to manage its data. UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture can aid you in understanding the UNIX family of operating systems. This course may lay a foundation for you to implement and maintain the databases for your organization.
Computer Network Architect
Computer Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. The better you understand operating systems, the better you may design networks. UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture will give you a broad understanding of UNIX systems. This course also introduces you to compiling custom versions of the Linux kernel and building your own Linux distribution.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, create, and maintain websites. UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture provides a unique opportunity to learn about compiling your own custom versions of the Linux kernel and building your own Linux distribution. This knowledge may be beneficial if you are interested in creating customized software stacks for your web projects.
Information Technology Project Manager
Information Technology Project Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and completion of information technology projects. A comprehensive understanding of operating systems can help you with this process. UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture gives you the in-depth knowledge you need in order to effectively lead teams.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write, modify, and test computer programs. In this role, you can develop custom hardware. UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture course may help you gain a foundational understanding of the UNIX family of operating systems and Linux. This knowledge can be valuable when it comes time to build custom software stacks for your own hardware.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. Troubleshooting complex issues may require a comprehensive understanding of operating systems. UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture provides a broad overview of the UNIX family of operating systems. This course may help you enhance your ability to resolve complex technical issues.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as instruction manuals, articles, and marketing materials. UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture provides a comprehensive overview of the UNIX family of operating systems. Taking this course may help you better understand software stacks and operating systems, which in turn may improve your ability to communicate complex technical information.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems. The course UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture may allow you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the UNIX family of operating systems. Deep knowledge of operating systems can enhance your ability to design, implement, and maintain computer systems.
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. The UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture course provides a solid understanding of the UNIX and Linux family of operating systems. The knowledge gained in this course can help you when implementing and maintaining security measures.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in UNIX and UNIX Systems: The Big Picture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of operating systems, covering topics such as process management, memory management, file systems, and I/O systems.
Provides a practical guide to building embedded Linux systems, covering topics such as hardware selection, kernel configuration, and application development.
Provides a classic introduction to the UNIX programming environment, covering topics such as the shell, utilities, and programming tools.
Provides a comprehensive guide to UNIX network programming, covering topics such as sockets, protocols, and applications.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing Linux device drivers, covering topics such as kernel architecture, device tree, and debugging techniques.
Provides a modern overview of operating systems, covering topics such as microkernels, virtualization, and cloud computing.
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to operating systems, covering topics such as processes, memory management, and file systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems, covering topics such as hardware architecture, operating systems, and computer networks.
Provides a classic introduction to computer science, covering topics such as algorithms, data structures, and programming languages.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to data structures and algorithms in Java, covering topics such as arrays, linked lists, and trees.

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