Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL from Coursera

This is the fourth course in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. These courses will equip you with the skills you need to apply for an entry-level cybersecurity job. You’ll build on your understanding of the topics that were introduced in the third Google Cybersecurity Certificate course.

In this course, you will explore computing skills that you’ll use on-the-job as a cybersecurity analyst. First, you'll practice using Linux, an operating system commonly used by cybersecurity professionals. For example, you'll use the Linux command line through the Bash shell to navigate and manage the file system and authenticate users. Then, you'll use SQL to communicate with a database.

Google employees who currently work in cybersecurity will guide you through videos, provide hands-on activities and examples that simulate common cybersecurity tasks, and help you build your skills to prepare for jobs.

Learners who complete this certificate will be equipped to apply for entry-level cybersecurity roles. No previous experience is necessary.

By the end of this course, you will:

- Explain the relationship between operating systems, applications, and hardware.

- Compare a graphical user interface to a command line interface.

- Identify the unique features of common Linux distributions.

- Navigate and manage the file system using Linux commands via the Bash shell.

- Use Linux commands via the Bash shell to authenticate and authorize users.

- Describe how a relational database is organized.

- Use SQL to retrieve information from a database.

- Apply filters to SQL queries and use joins to combine multiple tables.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to operating systems

You will learn about the relationship between operating systems, hardware, and software, and become familiar with the primary functions of an operating system. You'll recognize common operating systems in use today and understand how the graphical user interface (GUI) and command-line interface (CLI) both allow users to interact with the operating system.

The Linux operating system

You will be introduced to the Linux operating system and learn how it is commonly used in cybersecurity. You’ll also learn about Linux architecture and common Linux distributions. In addition, you'll be introduced to the Linux shell and learn how it allows you to communicate with the operating system.

Linux commands in the Bash shell

You will be introduced to Linux commands as entered through the Bash shell. You'll use the Bash shell to navigate and manage the file system and to authorize and authenticate users. You'll also learn where to go for help when working with new Linux commands.

Databases and SQL

You will practice using SQL to communicate with databases. You'll learn how to query a database and filter the results. You’ll also learn how SQL can join multiple tables together in a query.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces Linux, which is essential knowledge to break into cybersecurity

Students with little to no cybersecurity experience can take this course

Provides in-demand skills for an entry-level cybersecurity analyst

Emphasizes practical skills through examples and hands-on activities

Involves instruction from industry professionals

Utilizes the Bash shell for Linux commands, an industry-standard tool

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 Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL with these activities:

Practice Using Linux Commands

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Refresh your knowledge of Linux commands to prepare for the course's exploration of Linux.

Browse courses on Linux Commands

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Review basic Linux commands
Practice navigating the Linux file system
Practice using Linux commands to manage permissions

Read 'Linux Pocket Guide'

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Expand your knowledge of Linux by reading the Linux Pocket Guide.

View SSH, The Secure Shell: The Definitive Guide on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Linux
Read Chapter 2: Basic Linux Commands
Read Chapter 3: Managing Files and Directories

Complete Linux Foundation Training Tutorials

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Enhance your understanding of Linux through the Linux Foundation Training tutorials.

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Complete 'Introduction to Linux' tutorial
Complete 'Linux Command Line Basics' tutorial
Complete 'Managing Files and Directories in Linux' tutorial

Five other activities

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Follow SQL Tutorial Series on YouTube

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Expand your SQL knowledge by following a tutorial series on YouTube.

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Search for a comprehensive SQL tutorial series
Watch videos covering basic SQL concepts
Follow along with the examples and practice writing SQL queries

Create Linux Cheat Sheet

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Solidify your knowledge of Linux commands by creating your own cheat sheet.

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Compile a list of essential Linux commands
Organize commands into categories (e.g., file management, user management)
Create a visually appealing and easy-to-read cheat sheet

Practice SQL Queries on Online Platforms

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Strengthen your SQL skills by completing practice drills on online platforms.

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Sign up for an online SQL practice platform
Complete beginner-level SQL exercises
Practice writing queries to retrieve, filter, and join data

Create a Database Schema for a Cybersecurity System

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Apply your SQL skills by designing a database schema for a cybersecurity system.

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Define the entities and relationships in the cybersecurity system
Create a logical data model using tables and columns
Create a physical data model using SQL statements

Join a Study Group for Cybersecurity

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Enhance your learning by joining a study group focused on cybersecurity.

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Find a study group online or through a local university
Meet regularly to discuss course material
Collaborate on projects and assignments

Career center

Learners who complete Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Analyst

As a Cybersecurity Analyst, you may design, implement, and maintain security controls to protect an organization's IT systems and data. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by cybersecurity professionals. You'll also learn about SQL, which is a database language used to store and retrieve data. Cybersecurity Analysts commonly use these skills to identify and respond to security threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Network Security Engineer

In a Network Security Engineer role, you may be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security controls to protect an organization's network infrastructure. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by network security engineers. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by Network Security Engineers to identify and respond to security threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Information Security Analyst

As an Information Security Analyst, you may be responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by information security analysts. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by Information Security Analysts to identify and respond to security threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

As a Security Engineer, you may be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security controls to protect an organization's IT systems and data. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by security engineers. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by Security Engineers to identify and respond to security threats.

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Database Administrator

As a Database Administrator, you may be responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's database systems. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. You'll also learn about Linux, an operating system commonly used by database administrators. These skills are commonly used by Database Administrators to manage and troubleshoot database systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Cloud Engineer

In a Cloud Engineer role, you may be involved in designing, deploying, and managing cloud-based applications and infrastructure. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by cloud engineers. You'll also learn about SQL, which is a database language used to store and retrieve data. Cloud Engineers commonly use these skills to design, build, and manage cloud-based solutions.

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Systems Analyst

As a Systems Analyst, you may analyze and design business systems to meet an organization's needs. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by systems analysts. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by Systems Analysts to design and implement new business systems.

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Computer Systems Analyst

In a Computer Systems Analyst role, you may be involved in analyzing and designing computer systems to meet an organization's needs. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by computer systems analysts. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by Computer Systems Analysts to design and implement new computer systems.

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Technical Support Specialist

As a Technical Support Specialist, you may be responsible for providing technical support to users of hardware and software products. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by technical support specialists. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by Technical Support Specialists to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

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Software Engineer

In a Software Engineer role, you may be involved in the development, deployment, and maintenance of software systems. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by software engineers. You'll also learn about SQL, which is a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by software engineers to design, build, and manage software.

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IT Administrator

As an IT Administrator, you may be responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's IT infrastructure. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by IT professionals. You'll also learn about SQL, which is a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by IT Administrators to manage and troubleshoot IT systems.

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Data Analyst

In a Data Analyst role, you may be involved in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify trends and patterns. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. You'll also learn about Linux, an operating system commonly used by data analysts. These skills are commonly used by Data Analysts to clean, process, and analyze large datasets.

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Web Developer

In a Web Developer role, you may be involved in designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by web developers. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by Web Developers to design, build, and manage websites and web applications.

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Network Administrator

In a Network Administrator role, you may be responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer networks. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by network administrators. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by Network Administrators to manage and troubleshoot network devices and services.

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DevOps Engineer

In a DevOps Engineer role, you may be responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams to ensure that software is developed and deployed efficiently. This course may help build a foundation for this role by providing hands-on practice with Linux, an operating system commonly used by DevOps engineers. You'll also learn about SQL, a database language used to store and retrieve data. These skills are commonly used by DevOps Engineers to automate and streamline software development and deployment processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer