Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User from Coursera

In this course -- through a combination of video lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice -- you’ll learn about the main components of an operating system and how to perform critical tasks like managing software and users, and configuring hardware.

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

● navigate the Windows and Linux filesystems using a graphical user interface and command line interpreter

● set up users, groups, and permissions for account access

● install, configure, and remove software on the Windows and Linux operating systems

● configure disk partitions and filesystems

● understand how system processes work and how to manage them

● work with system logs and remote connection tools

● utilize operating system knowledge to troubleshoot common issues in an IT Support Specialist role

What's inside

Syllabus

Navigating the System

Welcome to the Operating Systems course of the IT Support Professional Certificate! In the first module of this course, we will cover the basics of Windows and Linux operating systems (OS). We will learn about how directories and files work in Windows and Linux OS. You will also learn practical ways to manipulate files and directories in the Windows graphical user interface (GUI), Windows command line interface (CLI), and Linux shell. By the end of this module, you will interact with files and directories and perform basic text manipulation in Windows and Linux OS.

Users and Permissions

In the second module of this course, we'll learn about configuring users and permissions in Windows and Linux OS. As an IT Support Specialist, it's important to know how to grant the appropriate permissions to users and groups for both Windows and Linux OS. By the end of this module, you will know how to add, modify, and remove users for a computer and for specific files and folders by using the Windows GUI, Windows CLI, and Linux shell.

Package and Software Management

In the third module of this course, we'll learn about package and software management in Windows and Linux OS. It's important to know how package installs work and how devices and drivers are managed within these operating systems. We will also learn about different packaging and file compression methods. By the end of this module, you will know how to create, update, and remove software by using the Windows GUI, Windows CLI and Linux shell.

Filesystems

In the fourth module of this course, we'll learn about how filesystems work for Windows and Linux OS. We'll learn about filesystem types and why they're different for certain OS. We'll learn about disk partitioning and virtual memory and why these are so important for an IT Support Specialist's role. We'll also cover ways mount and unmount filesystems, read disk usage, and repair filesystems. By the end of this module, you will partition and format a disk drive yourself in both Windows and Linux.

Process Management

In the fifth module of this course, we'll explore process management. As an IT Support Specialist, it is important to use system tools to read and understand process statuses of machines. We will cover ways to start and terminate a process in Windows and Linux. We will also apply troubleshooting tools to solve problems with processes and resources. By the end of this module, you will use Windows and Linux commands to do practical process maintenance.

Operating Systems in Practice

Congratulations, you've made it to the final module in the course! In the last module of this course, we will cover some of the practical aspects of operating systems that you'll use all the time in IT Support. We will cover remote access and how to troubleshoot a computer from afar. We'll explore virtualization tools to manage and remove virtual instances, use logs for system monitoring, and show you a few different techniques for OS deployment. By the end of this module, you will apply all the skills from this course to debug some issues within Windows and Linux OS. Good luck!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers key concepts of operating systems, including managing software, users, and hardware

Provides hands-on practice through video lectures, demonstrations, and exercises

Suitable for beginners and those seeking to enter the IT Support field

Taught by Google Career Certificates, a reputable provider of IT education

Covers a wide range of topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of operating systems

May require additional resources or background knowledge for some concepts

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 Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User with these activities:

Review filesystem commands

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Review the most common filesystem commands in both Windows and Linux to get up to speed on managing filesystems.

Browse courses on Command Line Interface

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Review the Windows CLI, Powershell, and Linux CLI commands for file and folder creation
Practice executing these commands in both Windows and Linux Systems

Join a study group or online forum

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Joining a study group or online forum will provide you with opportunities to collaborate with peers, ask questions, and enhance your understanding of the course material.

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Identify relevant study groups or online forums
Join the groups and actively participate in discussions
Ask questions, share insights, and engage with other students

Practice using Windows and Linux command line tools

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Practice using Windows and Linux command line tools to reinforce your understanding of the commands and improve your proficiency.

Browse courses on Command Line Interface

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Review the syntax and usage of common Windows and Linux command line tools
Practice using these commands to perform various tasks, such as file management, process management, and system administration

Two other activities

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Create a cheat sheet of essential commands and concepts

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Creating a cheat sheet of essential commands and concepts will serve as a quick reference guide, helping you to recall and apply the material effectively.

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Review the course material and identify key commands and concepts
Organize and summarize the information in a clear and concise manner
Create a digital or physical cheat sheet for easy reference

Volunteer at a local IT support organization

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Volunteering at a local IT support organization can provide you with valuable hands-on experience and allow you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

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Identify local IT support organizations that offer volunteer opportunities
Apply for a volunteer position and complete any necessary training
Provide IT support to clients, troubleshoot issues, and assist with various tasks

Career center

Learners who complete Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is responsible for analyzing data to identify threats to an organization’s computer systems and networks. They develop and implement security measures to protect the organization from these threats. This course can help you become a Security Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and security concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the security of an organization’s computer networks. They ensure that the network is protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become a Network Security Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and security concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They ensure that the organization's information and systems are secure from threats both internal and external to the organization. This course can help you become an Information Security Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and security concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Systems Security Engineer

A Systems Security Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of an organization’s computer systems security. They ensure that the systems are protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become a Systems Security Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and security concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Security Engineer

Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester is responsible for testing the security of an organization’s computer systems and networks. They attempt to gain unauthorized access to the organization’s systems and networks in order to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. This course can help you become a Penetration Tester by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and security concepts.

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IT Security Manager

An IT Security Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of an organization’s information security program. They ensure that the organization’s information and systems are protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you become an IT Security Manager by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and security concepts.

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IT Systems Architect

An IT Systems Architect is responsible for the design and implementation of an organization’s IT systems. They ensure that the IT systems are aligned with the organization’s business goals and objectives. This course can help you become an IT Systems Architect by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and systems engineering concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Systems Architect

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s computer networks. They ensure that the network is running smoothly and efficiently, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course can help you become a Network Administrator by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and networking concepts.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for the overall management of an organization’s information technology resources. They develop and implement IT strategies, and they oversee the implementation and maintenance of IT systems and networks. This course can help you become an IT Manager by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and IT management concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of an organization’s computer systems. They ensure that the systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course can help you become a Systems Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and systems engineering concepts.

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Technical Support Specialist

A Technical Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to users of computer systems and networks. They help users troubleshoot problems, install software, and configure devices. This course can help you become a Technical Support Specialist by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and troubleshooting concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Virtualization Engineer

A Virtualization Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of an organization’s virtualized environment. They ensure that the virtualized environment is running smoothly and efficiently, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course can help you become a Virtualization Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and virtualization concepts.

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IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and closure of IT projects. They ensure that IT projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course can help you become an IT Project Manager by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and project management concepts.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of websites. They ensure that the websites are visually appealing, easy to use, and accessible to all users. This course may be useful for a Web Developer by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and web development concepts.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. They ensure that the software applications meet the requirements of the users and that they are efficient and reliable. This course may be useful for a Software Developer by providing you with a strong foundation in operating systems and software development concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer