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Elise Deitrick and Chalece DeLaCoudray

Practice managing devices and networks without installing anything!

This course is designed for learners with no technical experience, providing a solid foundation of connecting to devices and networks. Learners will gain hands-on practice on an Ubuntu system that can be easily transferred to other Unix-based operating systems. The modules in this course cover managing devices and partitions, basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks to create backups.

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Practice managing devices and networks without installing anything!

This course is designed for learners with no technical experience, providing a solid foundation of connecting to devices and networks. Learners will gain hands-on practice on an Ubuntu system that can be easily transferred to other Unix-based operating systems. The modules in this course cover managing devices and partitions, basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks to create backups.

To allow for a truly hands-on, self-paced learning experience, this course is video-free. Assignments contain short explanations with images and runnable examples with suggested edits to explore examples further, building a deeper understanding by doing. You'll benefit from instant feedback from a variety of assessment items along the way, gently progressing from quick understanding checks (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and un-scrambling code blocks) to small, approachable exercises that take minutes instead of hours.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Managing Devices
Learn about some different types of devices, how to connect or mount devices to the system, how to partition storage disks, and configure disks into a RAID configuration.
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the fundamental skills for connecting to devices and networks
Provides a solid foundation for those with no technical experience
Focuses on hands-on practice through interactive assignments with instant feedback
Covers essential networking concepts for beginners
Emphasizes network security through topics like SSH and firewalls

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Reviews summary

Practical beginner networking & device management

According to students, "Connecting to Devices and Networks" is a highly effective course providing a solid foundation in IT fundamentals. Learners particularly praise the extensive hands-on labs, which allow for practical application without requiring complex setup. The course structure is exceptionally beginner-friendly, making it accessible even for those with no prior technical experience. Its self-paced, video-free format is appreciated by many for focused learning, complemented by instant feedback on exercises. While it excels at building core skills in device and network management, some learners note its introductory scope means it doesn't delve into advanced topics. It's ideal for career-focused individuals seeking essential, actionable knowledge.
Emphasizes self-paced reading and exercises, though some may miss video explanations.
"The video-free format allowed me to study at my own pace without distractions."
"While I appreciated the text, I sometimes wished for a video explanation for visual clarity on certain topics."
"It's a great approach for those who prefer reading and doing over watching lectures."
Offers immediate assessment checks to reinforce learning and correct misunderstandings.
"The instant feedback on exercises was incredibly helpful for knowing if I understood the material."
"I loved that the course provided immediate checks; it kept me engaged and on track."
"The frequent small quizzes and runnable examples with feedback were very effective."
Builds a robust base in networking and device management for future study.
"This course provides an excellent starting point for anyone looking to get into IT or system administration."
"I feel much more confident about basic networking concepts after completing this."
"It gave me the fundamental knowledge I needed before moving on to more advanced areas."
Accessible and well-structured for learners with no prior technical background.
"Perfect for someone completely new to networking; it breaks down complex topics well."
"The course is designed with absolute beginners in mind, which made it easy to follow along."
"I had no technical experience, and this course gave me a solid foundation."
Provides essential real-world practice for network and device management.
"The hands-on labs were truly invaluable; I learned by doing rather than just reading."
"I really appreciated the practical exercises; they helped solidify my understanding immediately."
"The virtual environment worked flawlessly and made practicing new concepts easy."
Covers foundational concepts thoroughly but does not delve into advanced topics.
"While excellent for beginners, those with some background might find it too basic."
"Don't expect deep dives into network architecture; it's strictly an introduction."
"It's a great start, but I'll need to seek additional resources for more advanced network configurations."

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 Connecting to Devices and Networks with these activities:
Practice using a text editor
Review skills by practicing with a text editor for note taking and assignment completion.
Browse courses on Text Editor
Show steps
  • Choose a text editor and become familiar with its interface.
  • Practice creating and editing text files.
Review the Linux command line
Sharpen skills by reviewing Linux command line operations before entering the course.
Browse courses on Linux
Show steps
  • Review basic Linux commands
  • Practice using the Linux command line
Practice managing devices in real time
Practice hands-on to solidify managing devices and partitions.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Connect a device to your computer and follow the mount command
  • Partition a storage disk.
  • Configure disks into a RAID configuration.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Look up SSH, backups, and firewalls in more detail
Follow tutorials to reinforce understanding of SSH, backups, and firewalls within Linux.
Browse courses on Linux
Show steps
  • Watch a tutorial on SSH - how to connect, how to use different SSH commands
  • Watch a tutorial on creating a network-hosted backup
  • Watch a tutorial on how to configure a firewall
Create a cheat sheet of connecting to devices and networks
Synthesize your knowledge by creating a cheat sheet.
Show steps
  • Gather the most important commands for connecting to devices and networks
  • Create a cheat sheet using the commands you've gathered
Set up a home network
Solidify and expand on understanding by configuring a home network.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Research different network configurations
  • Purchase the necessary hardware
  • Set up the hardware and configure the network.

Career center

Learners who complete Connecting to Devices and Networks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course can help you build a foundation in networking basics, such as MAC addresses, IP addresses, and hostnames. You'll also learn how to establish an SSH connection and configure a firewall, which are essential skills for Network Administrators.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer systems, including hardware, software, and networks. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and securely, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course can help you build a foundation in managing devices and partitions, basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks. These are all essential skills for Systems Administrators.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. They help users troubleshoot problems with hardware, software, and networks. They also provide training and support on new computer systems. This course can help you build a foundation in managing devices and partitions, basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks. These are all essential skills for Computer Support Specialists.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and securely, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course can help you build a foundation in managing devices and partitions, basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks. These are all essential skills for Database Administrators.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats. They identify and assess security risks, and they develop and implement security measures to mitigate these risks. This course can help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks. These are all essential skills for Security Analysts.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors are responsible for auditing computer systems and networks to ensure that they are compliant with security and regulatory requirements. They also provide guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. This course can help you build a foundation in managing devices and partitions, basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks. These are all essential skills for IT Auditors.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely, and they troubleshoot any problems that arise. This course can help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks. These are all essential skills for Network Engineers.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies, and they must have a strong understanding of computer science fundamentals. This course can help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks. These are all essential skills for Software Engineers.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies, and they must have a strong understanding of web development principles. This course can help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, and securely transferring data over networks. These are all essential skills for Web Developers.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use statistical and analytical methods to extract insights from data. They work with a variety of data sources and technologies, and they must have a strong understanding of data science principles. This course may help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, which are essential skills for Data Scientists.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning models. They work with a variety of machine learning algorithms and technologies, and they must have a strong understanding of machine learning principles. This course may help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, which are essential skills for Machine Learning Engineers.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use statistical and analytical methods to extract insights from data. They work with a variety of data sources and technologies, and they must have a strong understanding of data analysis principles. This course may help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, which are essential skills for Data Analysts.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations understand their business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. They work with a variety of stakeholders, and they must have a strong understanding of business analysis principles. This course may help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, which are essential skills for Business Analysts.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close out projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, and they must have a strong understanding of project management principles. This course may help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, which are essential skills for Project Managers.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for computer systems and software applications. They work with a variety of stakeholders, and they must have a strong understanding of technical writing principles. This course may help you build a foundation in basic networking tools and name resolution, which are essential skills for Technical Writers.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Connecting to Devices and Networks.
This classic book is widely considered one of the best references for understanding the inner workings of TCP/IP, making it a valuable resource for exploring the advanced aspects of networking covered in this course.
This comprehensive guide to Linux system programming covers topics such as process management, file systems, and network programming, providing valuable insights for those interested in developing advanced Linux applications.
This comprehensive guide will greatly expand your knowledge of different Linux devices and their drivers and will help you to configure, debug, and optimize device drivers for various devices used with Linux.
This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks, from basic concepts to advanced topics such as network security and wireless networks.
This comprehensive reference provides detailed information on Linux commands, utilities, and libraries, serving as a valuable resource for quick lookups and in-depth exploration.
This detailed guide covers the fundamentals of TCP/IP routing, including routing protocols and network design, providing a strong foundation for understanding networking concepts.
This comprehensive guide covers firewalls and intrusion detection systems, providing valuable insights into their design, implementation, and management.

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