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Sharon Jason and Chalece DeLaCoudray

Explore Unix system basics without installing anything!

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Explore Unix system basics without installing anything!

This course is designed for learners with no technical experience, providing a solid foundation of Unix basics. 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 what characterizes Unix-based operating systems, navigating, searching, and editing files and directories using the command line.

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

Introduction to Unix and Linux
Learn what an operating system does, what makes a Unix-based OS unique, basic Unix commands, and how to edit files on the command line.
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File System Basics
Learn about Unix filesystems, including links, types of storage, and what metadata is stored about files.
Processes, Services, and Privileges
Learn to schedule, kill, and manage processes, view a list of jobs, and perform account management tasks such as creating and deleting user accounts.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Offers a deep foundation in Unix fundamentals, catering to beginners with no prior technical experience
Utilizes a hands-on learning approach through assignments, eliminating the need for software installation
Provides instant feedback through a variety of assessments, enabling progressive learning and skill development
Covers essential Unix concepts, including file system navigation, text editing, and process management
Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in Unix and related technologies

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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 Unix System Basics with these activities:
Read Learning Unix For Dummies
Reinforces topics covered in this course by offering a gentle introduction to operating systems, the Unix environment, and an overview of essential Unix commands and utilities.
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  • Read chapters 1-4 of the book.
  • Review the example commands and utilities provided in each chapter.
  • Attempt the practice exercises at the end of each chapter.
Consolidate Course Notes
Promotes active learning and improves knowledge retention by organizing and consolidating course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams, fostering a comprehensive understanding of course content.
Browse courses on Note-Taking
Show steps
  • Review and sort through course materials.
  • Identify key concepts and summarize each topic.
  • Consolidate notes into a structured and organized document.
Navigating Unix File System
Strengthens understanding of Unix file system navigation through repetitive exercises, solidifying knowledge of commands and improving proficiency in file manipulation.
Browse courses on File System
Show steps
  • Use the 'pwd', 'cd', 'ls', and 'mkdir' commands to navigate and create directories.
  • Create files using 'touch' and 'cat' commands and practice editing them.
  • Manipulate files using 'mv', 'cp', and 'rm' commands.
  • Practice changing file permissions using 'chmod' and 'chown' commands.
Three other activities
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Explore Unix Commands with TutorialsPoint
Provides structured guidance and interactive tutorials to expand knowledge and refine skills in working with Unix commands, enhancing understanding of syntax and usage.
Browse courses on Unix
Show steps
  • Review the Unix commands tutorial on TutorialsPoint.
  • Follow along with the interactive examples and practice using the provided commands.
  • Explore the additional resources and tutorials available on the website.
Unix Command Reference Guide
Encourages active recall and deepens understanding by creating a comprehensive reference guide that summarizes essential Unix commands, their syntax, and usage examples.
Browse courses on Unix
Show steps
  • Gather information on key Unix commands.
  • Organize commands by category or function.
  • Include concise explanations and examples for each command.
Develop a Simple Unix Shell
Builds practical skills by implementing a simplified Unix shell, solidifying concepts of command parsing, input/output handling, and process management within Unix systems.
Browse courses on Unix
Show steps
  • Design and plan the structure of the shell.
  • Implement basic input handling and parsing.
  • Incorporate essential Unix commands like 'ls', 'cd', and 'pwd'.
  • Handle input/output redirection and piping.

Career center

Learners who complete Unix System Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
IT Support Technician
An IT Support Technician provides technical support to computer users, typically in an organization or company. They may work on hardware, software, or networks, and may be responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer systems and networks. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an IT Support Technician by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in business and enterprise environments. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Unix commands, file management, and system administration, which are essential skills for IT Support Technicians.
Computer Systems Analyst
A Computer Systems Analyst designs, implements, and maintains computer systems and networks. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new systems to upgrading and maintaining existing ones. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Computer Systems Analyst by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in business and enterprise environments. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Unix commands, file management, and system administration, which are essential skills for Computer Systems Analysts.
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, implements, and maintains computer networks. They may work on a variety of projects, from designing new networks to upgrading and maintaining existing ones. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Network Engineer by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in business and enterprise environments. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Unix commands, file management, and system administration, which are essential skills for Network Engineers.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Information Security Analyst by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in business and enterprise environments. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Unix commands, file management, and system administration, which are essential skills for Information Security Analysts.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator designs, implements, and maintains databases. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new databases to upgrading and maintaining existing ones. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Database Administrator by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in business and enterprise environments. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Unix commands, file management, and system administration, which are essential skills for Database Administrators.
IT Project Manager
An IT Project Manager plans and manages IT projects. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new systems to upgrading and maintaining existing ones. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an IT Project Manager by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in business and enterprise environments. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Unix commands, file management, and system administration, which are essential skills for IT Project Managers.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates documentation for computer software and hardware. They may work on a variety of projects, from writing user manuals to developing online help systems. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Technical Writer by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in business and enterprise environments. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Unix commands, file management, and system administration, which are essential skills for Technical Writers.
Cloud Architect
A Cloud Architect designs and implements cloud computing solutions. They may work on a variety of projects, from designing new cloud architectures to upgrading and maintaining existing ones. This course may be useful for a career as a Cloud Architect by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in cloud computing environments.
IT Auditor
An IT Auditor reviews and evaluates an organization's IT systems and controls to ensure that they are operating effectively and securely. This course may be useful for a career as an IT Auditor by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in business and enterprise environments.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist gathers, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make better decisions. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new data analysis tools to building predictive models. This course may be useful for a career as a Data Scientist by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in data science environments.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer bridges the gap between development and operations teams to ensure that software is delivered quickly and reliably. This course may be useful for a career as a DevOps Engineer by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in DevOps environments.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications. This course may be useful for a career as a Web Developer by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in web development environments.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be useful for a career as a Software Engineer by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in software development environments.
Cloud Engineer
A Cloud Engineer designs, implements, and maintains cloud computing solutions. This course may be useful for a career as a Cloud Engineer by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in cloud computing environments.
Cybersecurity Engineer
A Cybersecurity Engineer designs, implements, and maintains cybersecurity measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful for a career as a Cybersecurity Engineer by providing a solid understanding of Unix-based operating systems, which are commonly used in cybersecurity environments.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Unix System Basics.
This handbook must-have for anyone who wants to learn more about Unix and Linux system administration. It's packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help you master the basics and become a more effective sysadmin.
This introductory book is perfect for those who are new to the Linux command line. It covers all the basics, from simple commands to more advanced topics like scripting and system administration.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Unix shell programming. It covers everything from basic commands to more advanced topics like writing scripts and using the shell for system administration.
This in-depth book must-have for anyone who wants to learn more about advanced programming in the Unix environment. It covers topics like networking, interprocess communication, and system security.
Must-have for anyone who wants to learn more about Linux device drivers. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like kernel hacking.
Comprehensive guide to Unix network programming. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like socket programming and network security.
Provides a comprehensive overview of operating systems. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like concurrency and distributed systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like memory management and computer architecture.
Comprehensive guide to modern operating systems. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like distributed systems and cloud computing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of operating system concepts. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like virtualization and cloud computing.
Classic guide to the Unix programming environment. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced topics like shell programming and system administration.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Unix power tools. It covers everything from basic commands to advanced topics like scripting and system administration.

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