Fundamentals of Red Hat Enterprise Linux from Coursera

This course will provide you with a basic introduction to Linux® skills using Red Hat® Enterprise Linux 8. It will show you how a Linux system is organized, and will demonstrate introductory system administration tasks, which you will be able to practice on your own.

You will be introduced to reasons why Linux and the open source development model are so important in today's computing environment. Linux systems are used everywhere—the internet, point-of-sale systems, and the world's stock markets. You’ll find Linux running smart TVs, in-flight entertainment systems, and most of the top supercomputers in the world.

There are many reasons why it is valuable for you to learn Linux. If you are looking for new opportunities in IT, Linux skills are in high demand. For example, if you are developing applications, it's likely your application or its runtime is hosted on Linux. If you're working in the cloud, your cloud instances may be based on Linux, and your private or public cloud environment is also probably based on Linux. If you're working with mobile applications or the Internet of Things, it is also likely that the operating system of your device is based on Linux. And, if you use Windows, you'll need to interoperate with Linux.

After completing this course, you will have a solid introduction to working with Linux from the command line, using Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 as a model. In applying these skills, you will be able to perform fundamental operational tasks, whether your Linux machine is on your desk or on a remote system across the Internet.

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started with Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Describe and define open source, Linux, Linux distributions, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Accessing the Command Line

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a solid foundation for learners looking to work with Linux from the command line

Covers fundamental operational tasks, making it relevant for learners regardless of their Linux system's location

Ideal for learners looking to enhance their employability in IT, particularly in areas like application development, cloud computing, and mobile applications

Useful for learners who need Linux skills for interoperability with Windows systems

Emphasizes the importance of Linux in today's computing environment, making it relevant for learners looking to understand industry trends

Taught by Chris Caillouet, an experienced instructor in Linux and open source technologies

Reviews summary

Solid foundation for red hat linux

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 for beginners. Students consistently highlight the well-structured content and the value of hands-on labs, which are crucial for practical understanding. Many appreciate the clear explanations of core Linux concepts like command-line operations, file management, and user administration. While some experienced users found it too basic, the consensus is that it's an excellent starting point for those new to Linux or aiming for IT careers. The course is widely seen as highly relevant for professionals and those preparing for Red Hat certifications, though it is not a direct certification prep course.

Focuses on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 exclusively.

"The course specifically covers RHEL 8, which is what I needed for my current work environment."

"While the core concepts are universal, the specific commands and package manager focus on RHEL 8."

"I would have loved to see content on newer RHEL versions, but RHEL 8 is still widely used in enterprises."

Perfect for newcomers, but may be basic for experienced users.

"If you're completely new to Linux, this course is absolutely perfect for you. It really helped me get started."

"As someone with a bit of prior Linux exposure, I found parts of it too slow, but it's great for absolute beginners."

"It's true to its name: 'Fundamentals.' Don't expect advanced topics, but it sets a strong base for learning."

Equips learners with essential skills for IT careers.

"The skills I learned here are directly applicable to my job in IT support and cloud operations."

"This course is a great stepping stone if you're looking to pursue Red Hat certifications or a Linux admin role."

"I feel much more confident applying for roles that require basic Linux knowledge after completing this course."

Labs solidify theoretical knowledge with practical application.

"The labs were incredibly helpful; I learned best by doing and these allowed me to practice every command."

"I gained confidence in the command line thanks to the practical exercises and interactive labs included."

"Working through the lab environments made abstract concepts much more tangible and memorable for me."

Provides a robust entry point for Linux beginners.

"This course was an excellent introduction to Linux, covering all the fundamentals I needed to get started."

"I found the course well-structured, building concepts logically from basic commands to more complex system tasks."

"As a total beginner, I really appreciated how clear and easy to follow the lessons were; it laid a perfect groundwork for me."

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 Fundamentals of Red Hat Enterprise Linux with these activities:

Review Linux fundamentals

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Refresh your understanding of basic Linux concepts to strengthen your foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Linux

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Read introductory Linux articles or watch online tutorials.
Review the Linux command line interface (CLI) basics.
Practice basic Linux commands in a virtual environment or on a test machine.

Read "The Linux Command Line: A Complete Introduction" by William Shotts

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Linux command line fundamentals and advanced techniques.

View The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read through each chapter, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Complete the exercises and examples provided in the book to practice your skills.

Compile a collection of useful Linux resources

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Organize and access valuable Linux-related resources to support your learning and future reference.

Browse courses on Knowledge Base

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Gather links to relevant documentation, tutorials, forums, and other resources.
Categorize and organize the resources based on topic or usage.
Create a central repository or document to store the compiled resources.

Five other activities

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Participate in peer study groups

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Collaborate with peers to exchange knowledge, clarify concepts, and support each other's learning.

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Form or join a study group with other students taking this course.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, share insights, and work on exercises.
Take turns presenting concepts and leading discussions.

Follow Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) tutorials

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Deepen your understanding of RHEL by completing guided tutorials provided by Red Hat.

Browse courses on RHEL

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Identify relevant RHEL tutorials from Red Hat's documentation.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the commands.
Experiment with the concepts covered in the tutorials in a hands-on environment.

Complete Linux command line exercises

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Reinforce your command line skills by solving Linux command line exercises.

Browse courses on Linux Commands

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Find online resources or textbooks with Linux command line exercises.
Attempt to solve the exercises on your own.
Check your solutions against provided answer keys or consult online forums for guidance.

Assist other students in Linux forums

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Enhance your understanding by helping others and solidifying your Linux knowledge.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Join online Linux forums or communities.
Identify questions or discussions where you can provide assistance.
Offer clear and concise answers or guidance, citing relevant documentation or resources.

Develop a Linux troubleshooting script

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Apply your Linux skills to create a script that automates troubleshooting tasks and enhances your problem-solving abilities.

Browse courses on Linux Troubleshooting

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Identify common Linux troubleshooting scenarios.
Design a script that automates steps to diagnose and resolve these scenarios.
Test and refine your script to ensure its effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Red Hat Enterprise Linux will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers that work with the operating system or embedded systems may be able to benefit from taking this course, as Linux is a common operating system that is used in many different applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers that work with operating systems or embedded systems may be able to benefit from taking this course, as Linux is a common operating system that is used in many different applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators may need to work with Linux systems to manage computer systems. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers may need to work with Linux systems. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers may work with Linux systems in order to manage cloud infrastructure. This course can help build a foundation in Linux, which may be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Computer Security Analyst

Computer Security Analysts may need to work with Linux systems to manage security systems. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Security Analyst

Web Administrator

Web Administrators may need to work with Linux systems to manage web servers. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Administrator

IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers may need to work with Linux systems. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Database Administrator

Database Administrators may need to work with Linux systems to manage databases. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Analyst

Data Analysts may need to work with Linux systems to manage data. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers may need to write documentation for Linux systems. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts may need to test Linux systems. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

IT Auditor

IT Auditors may need to audit Linux systems. This course may be helpful in building a foundation in Linux, which can be useful for those looking to work in this field.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers may need to work with Linux systems, so this course may be helpful to them.

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Information Technology (IT) Specialist

IT Specialists help manage computer systems, which may include those running Linux. This course provides an introduction to Linux fundamentals, which may be helpful in working with these systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology (IT) Specialist