Introduction to Linux from edX

Develop a good working knowledge of Linux using both the graphical interface and command line, covering the major Linux distribution families.

Linux powers 100% of the world’s supercomputers, most of the servers powering the Internet, the majority of financial trades worldwide and over two billion Android devices. In short, Linux is everywhere. It appears in many different architectures, from mainframes to server to desktop to mobile and on a staggeringly wide variety of hardware.

Moreover, 80 percent of hiring managers reported that they will prioritize hiring Linux talent relative to other skills areas, and 47 percent of hiring managers say they’re more likely to hire a candidate with Linux certification.

This course explores the various tools and techniques commonly used by Linux system administrators and end users to achieve their day-to-day work in a Linux environment. It is designed for experienced computer users who have limited or no previous exposure to Linux, whether they are working in an individual or Enterprise environment.

Upon completion of this training you should have a good working knowledge of Linux, from both a graphical and command line perspective, allowing you to easily navigate through any of the major Linux distributions. You will be able to continue your progress as either a user, system administrator or developer using the acquired skill set.

Join the 1,000,000+ learners who are already enrolled in this course and start your Linux journey.

What's inside

Learning objectives

A good working knowledge of linux
How to navigate through major linux distributions
System configurations and graphical interface of linux

Basic command line operations
Common applications of linux

A good working knowledge of linux
How to navigate through major linux distributions
System configurations and graphical interface of linux
Basic command line operations
Common applications of linux

Syllabus

Welcome!

1. The Linux Foundation

2. Linux Philosophy and Concepts

3. Linux Basics and System Startup

4. Graphical Interface

5. System Configuration from the Graphical Interface

6. Common Applications

7. Command Line Operations

8. Finding Linux Documentation

9. Processes

10. File Operations

11. Text Editors

12. User Environment

13. Manipulating Text

14. Network Operations

15. The Bash Shell and bash Scripting

16. More on Bash Shell Scripting

17. Printing

18. Local Security Principles

Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a good foundation in Linux, which is the most popular operating system for servers, embedded devices, and other critical infrastructure

Can be used as a stepping stone to becoming a Linux user, system administrator, or developer

Suitable for experienced computer users with limited or no prior exposure to Linux

Covers major Linux distributions, offering a comprehensive overview

Includes hands-on exercises and projects to reinforce learning

Provides opportunities to apply Linux knowledge through practical projects

Reviews summary

Understand linux fundamentals

Learners say Introduction to Linux provides a foundational understanding of Linux from history, file systems, and booting processes to command line interface and scripting. They appreciate the clear instructions, screenshots, and labs. While some students would like more assignments and quizzes throughout the course, overall those new to Linux find this course offers a strong entry point.

Supplemental screenshots are helpful

"The instructions were clear, concise and the screenshots really helped too."

Useful reference material

"I will be using this as a resource in the future."

Designed for those new to Linux

"This course filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge of basic Linux operations."

"For people that have never used Linux."

Provides a strong foundation for beginners

"This is a great introduction to Linux if you haven't had any experience with Linux/Unix/FreeBSD/etc."

"It does more than just give you commands, but starts with the history of Linux, goes over the various flavors, has some great labs and even covers scripting."

Lack of assignments and quizzes

"It gives you the basics of how to use Linux, but does not encourage the student with exercises or quizzes."

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 Introduction to Linux with these activities:

Organize and review your notes, assignments, and quizzes regularly

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Regular review helps strengthen your understanding and identify areas for improvement.

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Gather your notes, assignments, and quizzes in one place
Review the materials actively, highlighting key points and making connections
Summarize the main concepts and ideas in your own words
Identify any areas where you need further clarification or practice

Install a Linux distribution on a physical machine or virtual machine

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Installing Linux is a practical way to refresh and reinforce your understanding of the OS and its components.

Browse courses on Linux Distributions

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Choose a Linux distribution and download the ISO file
Create a bootable USB drive or DVD
Boot from the USB drive or DVD and follow the installation wizard

Create a cheat sheet of essential Linux commands

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A cheat sheet can serve as a quick and easy reference for Linux commands.

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Gather a list of essential Linux commands
Organize the commands into categories or sections
Create a visually appealing and easy-to-read cheat sheet

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Read "The Linux Command Line" by William Shotts

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of Linux commands and their usage.

View The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting important concepts
Practice the commands and techniques described in the book

Practice basic command line operations in a Linux terminal

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Repetition is key to mastering command line operations.

Browse courses on Linux Commands

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Open a terminal window or SSH into a Linux server
Practice common commands such as ls, cd, mkdir, rm, cat, grep
Learn how to use command line options and flags to modify command behavior

Follow online tutorials to learn about specific Linux tools and utilities

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Tutorials provide structured guidance and additional examples to supplement course content.

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Identify topics or tools you want to learn more about
Search for online tutorials from reputable sources
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and practice the concepts

Configure a Linux server for a specific purpose, such as a web server or database server

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Applying your knowledge to a practical project will deepen your understanding of Linux configuration.

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Choose a specific purpose for your server
Research and gather information on the required software and configuration
Install and configure the necessary software and services
Test and verify the functionality of your server

Participate in Linux-related competitions or hackathons

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Competitions encourage problem-solving and foster a deeper understanding of Linux concepts.

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Find upcoming Linux-related competitions or hackathons
Form a team or participate individually
Prepare and practice your skills
Attend the competition and showcase your abilities

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Linux will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models. They work to use machine learning to solve real-world problems, such as fraud detection, image recognition, and natural language processing. Linux is a popular operating system for machine learning, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Machine Learning Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. Linux is a popular operating system for software development, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Software Engineer.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data. They work to identify trends and patterns in data, and to develop insights that can help businesses make better decisions. Linux is a popular operating system for data analysis, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Data Analyst.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and that data is secure. Linux is a popular operating system for databases, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Database Administrator.

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Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. They work to ensure that websites are running smoothly and that data is secure. Linux is a popular operating system for web development, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and that data is secure. Linux is a popular operating system for networks, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Network Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. They work to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other threats. Linux is a popular operating system for information security, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as an Information Security Analyst.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They work to streamline the software development process and to ensure that software is delivered quickly and efficiently. Linux is a popular operating system for DevOps, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a DevOps Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining cloud computing systems. They work to ensure that cloud systems are running smoothly and that data is secure. Linux is a popular operating system for cloud computing, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Cloud Engineer.

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IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities of an IT department. They work to ensure that IT systems are running smoothly and that data is secure. Linux is a popular operating system for IT management, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as an IT Manager.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting computer systems. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and that data is secure. Linux is the most popular operating system for servers, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Systems Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. They work to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other threats. Linux is a popular operating system for security, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Security Analyst.

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IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. They help users troubleshoot problems, install software, and maintain computer systems. Linux is a popular operating system for IT support, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as an IT Support Specialist.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network security systems. They work to protect networks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other threats. Linux is a popular operating system for network security, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Network Security Engineer.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems. They work to ensure that systems are running smoothly and that data is secure. Linux is a popular operating system for systems engineering, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to work with Linux effectively. You will learn about the Linux command line, file system, and graphical interface, as well as how to use common Linux applications. This course will help you build a strong foundation for a career as a Systems Engineer.

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