IT Professional Fundamentals: Operating Systems from Pluralsight

If you want to understand computers, start with operating systems: the software that communicates with both hardware and application programs. This course will teach you key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Operating systems are the beating heart of computer systems: the hidden engine that makes everything else possible. Every IT professional must have a solid grounding in modern operating systems. In this course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Operating Systems, you'll see the pros and cons of today’s most popular operating systems and how to set them up for productive and secure computing. First, you'll explore different editions of Windows, decide between an in-place upgrade and a clean install, understand domain versus workgroup networking, and understand the basics of PowerShell. Next, you'll discover how to build your own management consoles, install applications, set up Windows as a network client, navigate the Linux file system from the Terminal, and secure the macOS. Then, you'll learn how to navigate the maze of Windows control panels, utilities, and command-line tools, and understand when to use which tool. Finally, you'll know the best practices for ongoing operating system maintenance and management. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to use the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Common Operating Systems and Their Purposes

Microsoft Windows Editions and Versions

OS Installation Considerations and Upgrade Methods

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces modern operating systems, which are essential for IT professionals

Covers key features and functionalities of Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems

Focuses on practical applications, such as system setup, application installation, and security measures

Provides hands-on exercises and assignments to reinforce understanding

Taught by experienced industry professionals, ensuring relevance and practical insights

Reviews summary

Essential os foundations for it pros

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in operating systems, covering essential aspects of Windows, macOS, and Linux. Many appreciate its focus on practical skills, including command-line tools and utilities, which are highly relevant for entry-level IT professional roles. Students find the content clear and well-explained, making it excellent for beginners. While it offers broad coverage across multiple operating systems, some suggest it may not delve deeply into highly advanced or niche topics, making it ideal for a comprehensive overview rather than specialized expertise.

Perfect for those new to IT or seeking a comprehensive overview.

"As someone just starting in IT, I found the explanations incredibly clear and easy to follow."

"This course is perfect for anyone building their initial understanding of operating systems, very accessible."

"It provided a fantastic entry point into the world of computer operating systems, demystifying complex ideas."

Focuses on hands-on use of command-line tools and utilities.

"The sections on PowerShell and Linux Terminal were incredibly useful; I can apply them immediately."

"I appreciate how the course equipped me with real-world skills for OS setup and management through practical demos."

"Learning to navigate Windows control panels and use various command-line tools was a major takeaway for me."

Provides a strong base in essential operating system concepts.

"This course gives me the solid grounding I needed in modern operating systems for my IT career."

"I now have a strong grasp of OS fundamentals, covering Windows, macOS, and Linux, which is critical."

"It lays a fantastic foundation, explaining key concepts clearly for anyone new to IT systems."

Highly applicable to foundational IT professional roles.

"This course is directly relevant to what IT professionals need to know on a daily basis; very practical."

"It provides essential knowledge for anyone looking to secure an entry-level position in IT support or administration."

"I feel much more confident in job interviews and on the job now that I've completed this course."

Offers wide coverage but doesn't delve deeply into advanced topics.

"While comprehensive in breadth, I wished for more in-depth coverage on advanced troubleshooting or specific security configurations."

"It's a great high-level overview of different OSes, but don't expect deep dives into every single feature or architecture."

"I felt some topics were covered too briefly, suggesting it's more for foundational knowledge than expert-level understanding."

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 IT Professional Fundamentals: Operating Systems with these activities:

Command-line Practice

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Improve proficiency in using the command-line interface in Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Open a command-line terminal (e.g., Command Prompt, Terminal, PowerShell).
Practice basic commands, such as navigating directories, creating and deleting files, and running programs.
Attempt challenges and exercises to solve problems using command-line tools.

Operating System Comparison Infographic

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Reinforce understanding of the key differences and similarities between Windows, macOS, and Linux by creating a visual infographic.

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Gather information about the features, advantages, and disadvantages of each operating system.
Use a tool like Canva or Google Slides to create a visually appealing infographic.
Present the infographic to classmates or share it online.

Network Troubleshooting with Wireshark

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Develop skills in identifying and resolving network issues using Wireshark, a packet analyzer.

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Install Wireshark on your computer.
Follow online tutorials on using Wireshark to capture and analyze network traffic.
Practice troubleshooting network issues using Wireshark.

Two other activities

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Operating System Security Discussion

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Enhance understanding of operating system security by engaging in discussions with peers.

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Join or create a study group with classmates.
Discuss different security threats and vulnerabilities in operating systems.
Share tips and best practices for securing operating systems.

Contribute to Open-source Operating System Projects

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Gain practical experience in working with operating systems by contributing to open-source projects.

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Identify an open-source operating system project that aligns with your interests.
Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase.
Make contributions to the project, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.

Career center

Learners who complete IT Professional Fundamentals: Operating Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. They install, configure, and maintain network hardware and software, and monitor network performance to ensure that it is running smoothly and securely. This course can help you build a foundation in the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux. This knowledge is essential for anyone working in IT, including Network Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer systems. They install, configure, and maintain operating systems, software, and hardware, and monitor system performance to ensure that it is running smoothly and securely. This course can help you build a foundation in the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux. This knowledge is essential for anyone working in IT, including Systems Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computers and other electronic devices. They troubleshoot problems, answer questions, and provide training on how to use software and hardware. This course can help you build a foundation in the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux. This knowledge is essential for anyone working in IT, including Computer Support Specialists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems and services within an organization. They oversee the work of IT staff and ensure that IT systems are aligned with the business needs of the organization. This course can help you build a foundation in the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux. This knowledge is essential for anyone working in IT, including IT Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work with developers and operations teams to ensure that software is developed and deployed quickly and efficiently. This course may be useful for DevOps Engineers who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software applications to ensure that they meet the requirements of the users. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate the security and effectiveness of IT systems and processes. They work with management to ensure that IT systems are aligned with the business needs of the organization. This course may be useful for IT Auditors who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to use IT to improve their business operations. They work with clients to understand their needs and then recommend and implement IT solutions that meet those needs. This course may be useful for IT Consultants who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of databases. They install, configure, and maintain databases, and monitor database performance to ensure that it is running smoothly and securely. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with users to understand their needs and then create software solutions that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Software Developers who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work with users to understand their needs and then create websites that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, develop, and manage cloud computing systems. They work with users to understand their needs and then create cloud solutions that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Cloud Engineers who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models. They work with data scientists to understand the business problem and then create machine learning solutions that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to learn more about the key features of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer