System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services from Coursera

This course will transition you from working on a single computer to an entire fleet. Systems administration is the field of IT that’s responsible for maintaining reliable computers systems in a multi-user environment. In this course, you’ll learn about the infrastructure services that keep all organizations, big and small, up and running. We’ll deep dive on cloud so that you’ll understand everything from typical cloud infrastructure setups to how to manage cloud resources. You'll also learn how to manage and configure servers and how to use industry tools to manage computers, user information, and user productivity. Finally, you’ll learn how to recover your organization’s IT infrastructure in the event of a disaster.

By the end of this course you’ll be able to:

● utilize best practices for choosing hardware, vendors, and services for your organization

● understand how the most common infrastructure services that keep an organization

running work, and how to manage infrastructure servers

● understand how to make the most of the cloud for your organization

● manage an organization’s computers and users using the directory services, Active

Directory, and OpenLDAP

● choose and manage the tools that your organization will use

● backup your organization’s data and know how to recover your IT infrastructure in the case of

a disaster

● utilize systems administration knowledge to plan and improve processes for IT environments

What's inside

Syllabus

What is System Administration?

Welcome to the System Administration course of the IT Support Professional Certificate! In the first module of this course, we will cover the basics of system administration. We'll cover organizational policies, IT infrastructure services, user and hardware provisioning, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and managing potential issues. By the end of this module, you will understand the roles and responsibilities of a System Administrator. So let's get started!

Network and Infrastructure Services

In the second module of this course, we'll learn about network and infrastructure services. We will cover what IT infrastructure services are and what their role is in system administration. We'll also learn about server operating systems, virtualization, network services, DNS for web services, and how to troubleshoot network services. By the end of this module, you will know the most common IT infrastructure services you'll encounter when handling system administration tasks.

Software and Platform Services

In the third module of this course, we'll explore software and platform services. We'll cover what types of software and platform services you may encounter in a tech role and how to manage them. We'll learn how to configure email services, security services, file services, print services, and platform services. We'll explore ways to troubleshoot platform services and common issues to look out for. By the end of this module, you'll understand how to setup and manage the IT infrastructure services to help a business stay productive, keep information secure, and deliver applications to its users.

Directory Services

In the fourth module of this course, we'll learn about directory services. Specifically, we'll cover how two of the most popular directory services, Active Directory and OpenLDAP, work in action. We'll explore the concept of centralized management and how this can help SysAdmins maintain and support all the different parts of an IT infrastructure. By the end of this module, you will know how to add users, passwords, and use group policies in Active Directory and OpenLDAP.

Data Recovery & Backups

In the fifth module of this course, we'll learn about data recovery and backups. In any tech role, it's important to know how to backup and recover data -- it's even more important for system administration. We will also learn about common corporate practices like designing a disaster recovery plan and writing post-mortem documentation. By the end of this module, you'll know the tradeoffs between on-site and off-site backups, understand the value and importance of backup and recovery testing, know different options for data backup (as well as the risks) and understand the purpose and contents of a disaster recovery plan.

Final Project

Congratulations, you've made it to the final module in the course! The last module of this course is dedicated to the final project. For the final project, you will apply all the skills you've learned in this course by providing systems administration consultation. You will assess the IT infrastructure of three fictitious (but very real-life based!) companies and provide recommendations and advice about how to support their IT infrastructure. By the end of this project, you will demonstrate the skills and problem-solving techniques of a SysAdmin. Good luck!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops knowledge of system administration, data recovery, and backups, which are core skills for IT professionals

Taught by Google Career Certificates, who are recognized for their work in IT education

Covers a wide range of topics essential for system administration, including network services, directory services, and cloud computing

Provides opportunities to practice system administration skills through hands-on projects

May require additional resources or knowledge to fully grasp some concepts

Assumes some familiarity with computer hardware and operating systems

Reviews summary

system administration and it infrastructure services

This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services essential for roles such as IT Support, Network, and System Administrators. It covers topics like Active Directory, Linux Administration, Cloud Services, Disaster Recovery Planning, and Backup and Recovery Systems. The course is highly recommended for individuals seeking to enhance their IT skills or prepare for industry certifications.

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 System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services with these activities:

Form a study group with classmates

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Forming a study group can help you stay motivated and on track with your studies

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Reach out to your classmates
Set up a regular meeting time
Discuss the course material and work on assignments together

Attend a meetup for system administrators

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Attending a meetup for system administrators can help you network with other professionals in the field and learn about new technologies and trends

Browse courses on System Administration

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Find a meetup for system administrators
RSVP to the meetup

Attend a workshop on cloud computing

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Attending a workshop on cloud computing can help you understand the concepts and benefits of the cloud, which will be covered in this course

Browse courses on Cloud Computing

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Find a workshop on cloud computing
Register for the workshop

Six other activities

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Review linux administration skills

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Brushing up on your linux administration skills will help you feel more comfortable with the content covered in this course

Browse courses on Linux Administration

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Review the linux command line interface
Set up a linux virtual machine
Install and configure essential software packages

Read The Practice of System and Network Administration

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This book provides practical advice on how to manage and maintain computer systems and networks, which will be helpful for this course

View The Practice of System and Network... on Amazon

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Purchase a copy of the book
Read the book and take notes
Discuss the book with your classmates

Follow Kubernetes tutorials

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Following tutorials to set up and manage Kubernetes clusters will help you apply knowledge from this course in a practical way

Browse courses on Kubernetes

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Find a tutorial on setting up a Kubernetes cluster
Provision a cloud server
Install Kubernetes on the server
Deploy a simple application to the cluster

Practice troubleshooting linux systems

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Practicing troubleshooting linux systems will help you develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Browse courses on Linux Troubleshooting

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Find a list of common linux system issues
Set up a linux virtual machine
Attempt to recreate the issues on the virtual machine
Use the linux command line interface to troubleshoot the issues

Design a system architecture for a small business

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Designing a system architecture for a small business will help you apply your knowledge of IT infrastructure and services to a practical scenario

Browse courses on System Architecture

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Identify the business requirements
Research different hardware and software options
Draw a diagram of the proposed system architecture
Write a report explaining the design decisions

Compile your notes, assignments, and quizzes

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Compiling your notes, assignments, and quizzes will help you review the material and prepare for exams

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Gather your notes, assignments, and quizzes
Review the material
Organize the material into a binder or folder

Career center

Learners who complete System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer systems. This course can help you prepare for a Systems Administrator position by teaching you the skills necessary to configure and manage servers, manage user accounts, and troubleshoot system problems. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of systems administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects are responsible for designing and managing cloud computing solutions. This course can help you prepare for a Cloud Architect position by teaching you the skills necessary to design and manage cloud-based systems. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is essential for any modern Cloud Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer networks. This course can help you prepare for a Network Administrator position by teaching you the skills necessary to configure and manage servers, manage user accounts, and troubleshoot network problems. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of network administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Vice President of IT

Vice Presidents of IT are responsible for overseeing the overall IT strategy of an organization. This course can help you prepare for a Vice President of IT position by teaching you the skills necessary to manage and maintain an organization's IT infrastructure. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of IT management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vice President of IT

IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their IT systems and infrastructure. This course can help you prepare for an IT Consultant position by teaching you the skills necessary to assess and recommend IT solutions. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of IT consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for overseeing the IT needs of an organization. This course can help you prepare for an IT Manager position by teaching you the skills necessary to manage and maintain an organization's IT infrastructure. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of IT management.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are responsible for overseeing the technological needs of an organization, including system administration. This course can help prepare you for a CTO position by teaching you the skills necessary to manage and maintain an organization's IT infrastructure. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is essential for any modern CTO.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer

IT Director

IT Directors are responsible for overseeing the overall IT strategy of an organization. This course can help you prepare for an IT Director position by teaching you the skills necessary to manage and maintain an organization's IT infrastructure. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of IT management.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Director

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's IT systems and infrastructure from security threats. This course can help you prepare for a Security Analyst position by teaching you the skills necessary to identify and mitigate security risks. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of security analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for overseeing the overall security of an organization's IT systems and infrastructure. This course can help you prepare for a CISO position by teaching you the skills necessary to develop and implement security policies and procedures. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of information security management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer

Information Technology Auditor

Information Technology Auditors are responsible for assessing the security and compliance of an organization's IT systems and infrastructure. This course can help you prepare for an Information Technology Auditor position by teaching you the skills necessary to conduct security and compliance audits. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of information technology auditing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Auditor

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's IT systems and infrastructure. This course can help you prepare for an Information Security Manager position by teaching you the skills necessary to develop and implement security policies and procedures. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of information security management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's databases. This course can help you prepare for a Database Administrator position by teaching you the skills necessary to configure and manage databases, manage user accounts, and troubleshoot database problems. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of database administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights and develop solutions to business problems. This course can help you prepare for a Data Scientist position by teaching you the skills necessary to analyze data and develop solutions to business problems. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of data science.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course can help you prepare for a Software Engineer position by teaching you the skills necessary to design and develop software applications. Additionally, the course will help you gain a deep understanding of cloud computing, which is becoming increasingly important in the field of software engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer