Linux for Beginners from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objective

By the end of this course you will understand the fundamentals of the linux operating system and be able to apply that knowledge in a practical and useful manner.

Syllabus

Background, Introduction, and Preparation.

This is an overview of the Linux for Beginners course. You will learn about some of the topics that will be covered and demonstrated as the course progresses.

In this lesson you will learn:

What Linux is
Brief history of Linux
What a Linux Distribution or Linux Distro is
Reasons Linux is used

You'll briefly be introduced to: RHEL (RedHat Enterprise Linux), Fedora, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu, Debian, OpenSuse, and SLES (SuSE Linux Enterprise Server).

In this lesson, you will learn:

What a Linux Distribution or Linux Distro is
What the most common Linux Distros are
How to choose the right Linux Distro

Specifically, you'll learn about the most popular Linux Distros including RHEL (RedHat Enterprise Linux), AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, CentOS, and Ubuntu.

Other Distros are mentioned, such as Linux Mint, Debian, Manjaro, OpenSUSE, Pop!_OS, Fedora, Arch Linux, Fedora, and Slackware.

In this lesson you will learn how to install, use, and remove a Linux distro using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on Windows. You will also learn how to access the Linux files and directories using the Windows File Explorer.

In this lesson, you will learn how to install VirtualBox 7 on Windows 11. (If you need help installing VirtualBox on another version of Windows, please ask for help in the class discussion forum. I'll be happy to help you get Linux installed on your system.)

Note: Only use this lesson if you are using Mac with an Intel processor as your operating system. If you are not, proceed to the next lesson.

In this lesson, you will learn how to install VirtualBox on Mac.

In this lesson, you will learn how to install AlmaLinux 9 using an OVA file inside VirtualBox. (This lesson also applies to RHEL 9, Rocky Linux 9, and CentOS 9.)

VirtualBox Troubleshooting Tips

This lesson is for Mac users who have an Apple Silicon CPU in their systems, such as the M1, M2, or newer.

In this lesson you will learn why you need to know how to install Linux manually from scratch.

In this lesson, you will learn how to install AlmaLinux 9 and/or RHEL (RedHat Enterprise Linux) 9.

In this lesson, you will learn how to connect directly to a Linux system installed on physical hardware or inside a virtual machine. Graphical and text-based logins will be covered.

In this lesson, you will learn about the Linux directory structure. You'll learn where different components of the operating system are located. You'll also learn how applications can employ the same conventions for their directory structures.

Review

Quiz 1

Files and Directories

In this lesson you will learn what the shell is, how to access it, and what the superuser account is.

In this lesson you will learn some basic, yet essential Linux commands.

In this lesson you will learn some basic, yet essential Linux commands. You will be given an overview of each command and then a demonstration.

Commands include:
pwd

cat

man

clear

exit

In this lesson you will learn:

How to navigate man pages.
How the $PATH environment variable is used.
What the which command does.
How to ask commands for help.
How to search man pages.

In this lesson you will learn:

How to navigate man pages.
How the $PATH environment variable is used.
What the which command does.
How to ask commands for help.
How to search man pages.

In this lesson you will learn:

How to use directory shortcuts
How to execute commands out of your $PATH
How to create and remove directories

In this lesson you will learn:

How to use directory shortcuts
How to execute commands out of your $PATH
How to create and remove directories

In this lesson you will learn how to list files with the ls command and how to interpret the ls output.

In this lesson you will learn about:

Symbolic permissions
Numeric and octal permissions
File versus directory permissions
Changing permissions
Working with groups
File creation mask

The permissions lesson is broken into two parts. In this lesson you will learn about:

Symbolic permissions
Numeric and octal permissions
File versus directory permissions
Changing permissions
Working with groups
File creation mask

This is part two of the permissions lesson. In this lesson you will learn about:

Symbolic permissions
Numeric and octal permissions
File versus directory permissions
Changing permissions
Working with groups
File creation mask

In this lesson you will learn about two commands that will help you find files and directories.

In this lesson, you will learn about two commands that will help you find files and directories: locate and find.

In this lesson you will learn various commands that can be used to view files as well as how to use the nano text editor.

In this lesson you will learn how to edit files with the vi editor.

Vi Cheat Sheet

In this lesson you will learn how to edit files with the emacs editor.

Emacs Cheat Sheet

This lesson will touch on some of the graphical editors available in the Linux operating system.

This lesson will cover how to delete, copy, move, and rename files.

In this lesson you will learn what is a wildcard in Linux with examples.

Linux wildcard examples.

This lesson covers the various types of input and output as well as how to redirect that input and output.

In this lesson you will learn three strategies for comparing the differences between two files.

In this lesson you will learn how to search through the contents of files. Additionally you will learn about pipes and how they can be used to aid searches.

In this lesson you will learn how to transfer and copy files over the network.

See the supplementary material for a list of SCP and SFTP clients.

In this lesson you will learn how to transfer and copy files over the network.

See the supplementary material for a list of SCP and SFTP clients.

Quiz 2

Advanced Command Line Techniques

In this lesson you will learn how to customize your shell prompt.

In this lesson you will learn how to list, create, delete, and persist shell aliases.

Environment Variables

In this lesson you will learn about environment variables.

In this lesson you will learn how to display information about running programs and processes. You will also learn how to control the behavior of processes, including running processes in the background and terminating processes.

In this lesson you will learn how to schedule jobs and automate tasks using the cron service.

In this lesson you will learn how to switch to other accounts and run programs as different users.

In this lesson you will learn the important differences between interactive and non-interactive sessions.

In this lesson you will learn how to manipulate your shell history. Additionally, you will learn how to use tab completion. Finally command line editing is covered.

In this lesson you will learn about shell history, the exclamation mark expansion syntax, and autocompletion.

In this lesson you will learn how to search for, install, and remove software on RPM based distros such as RedHat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and Fedora.

In this lesson you will learn how to search for, install, and remove software on Debian based distros such as Debian, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Parrot OS, and Linux Mint.

Quiz 3

Summary

Thanks for taking the "Linux for Beginners" course!

Bonus

This lesson covers installing Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Wordpress on an Ubuntu system.

Addendum - Connecting to a Linux Virtual Machine Over the Network

In this lesson you will learn how to connect to a Linux system directly and over the network. You'll learn about SSH and the software that you'll need to connect to a Linux system.

Connecting to a Linux Virtual Machine Over the Network

This section is for older videos that have been replaced by new and updated ones. I want to make the original content available for reference.

In this lesson you will learn how to connect to a Linux system directly and over the network. You'll learn about SSH and the software that you'll need to connect to a Linux system.

In this lesson you will learn how to install VirtualBox on Windows.

In this lesson you will learn how to install VirtualBox on Mac.

In this lesson you will learn how to create a Linux Virtual Machine using VirtualBox and Virtual Disk Images.

The Linux Virtual Machine can be used to practice your Linux skills as you progress through the course.

In this lesson you will learn how to install Virtualbox and Ubuntu.

Bonus Section

The contents of this lecture are so secret I'm not even allowed to describe it! Open, if you dare.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Course includes materials to learn how to install Wordpress on Linux

Can help become familiar with the fundamentals of the Linux operating system

Beginners are welcomed

Provides an opportunity to learn the basics of Linux

Suitable for brushing up on Linux skills

Taught by Jason Cannon, who has received positive feedback

Reviews summary

Linux for newbies

Jason Cannon's 'Linux for Beginners' course on Udemy is widely acclaimed by learners, consistently receiving high ratings. With over 1200 five-star reviews out of a total of about 2000, this course is regarded as an excellent starting point for individuals interested in exploring the Linux operating system. Learners praise the course for its clear and concise explanations, comprehensive coverage of essential concepts, and engaging delivery. Jason's teaching style is lauded for being both informative and easy to follow, making complex topics accessible to beginners. Many students appreciate the structured approach of the course, with well-organized lessons and downloadable materials that reinforce the taught concepts. The course covers a wide range of topics, including installation, command line basics, file management, permissions, and user management. It provides a solid foundation in Linux fundamentals, equipping learners with the skills and knowledge to navigate and utilize the operating system effectively. While some learners suggest the course could be more hands-on, the majority find the balance between theory and practical examples to be appropriate for beginners. The inclusion of quizzes and exercises throughout the course is also seen as a valuable addition to the learning process. Overall, 'Linux for Beginners' is highly recommended for those looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of Linux. Its beginner-friendly approach, coupled with Jason's exceptional teaching style, makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking to establish a solid foundation in Linux.

Jason's teaching style is engaging and makes the learning process enjoyable.

"Jason is a highly intelligent, independent technical trainer and author of numerous titles on Linux."

"He explains technical terms and other key topics straightforward in clear, jargon-free terms."

"Great instructional videos and gives a simple understanding on how things work and why we would need to use them in the first place."

Learners consistently praise Jason's clear and concise explanations, which make complex topics easy to understand.

"Jason has the presentation skills and teaching skills to go along with his great technical expertise."

"The instructor is easy to understand and provides a lot of easy to grasp basic Linux concepts."

"Being new to Linux, and watching other tutorials, I keep coming back to Jason's excellent ability to teach me new skills without getting into unnecessary complex topics that are not useful and overwhelming to a new student."

The lessons are well-organized and include downloadable materials to reinforce concepts.

"I like the fact that the narrator sums up important points repeatedly throughout the lesson to reinforce learning."

"Having the written resources before the lectures has been very helpful."

"The slides and downloadable documents are very well made."

The course covers a wide range of topics, providing a solid foundation in Linux fundamentals.

"The instructor starts at the beginning and gives a very thorough introduction to Linux and the command line."

"The breakdown of various "distros" is helpful for users so as to not feel overwhelmed with which distro is right for them."

"The course so far is covering information I predominately already know."

The course is designed specifically for beginners, with no prior Linux knowledge required.

"This is an excellent course to introduce you to Linux and give you the basic skills to begin using the Linux OS."

"If you need the basics, you're going to get them here."

"For how I will use Linux it is OK."

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 Linux for Beginners with these activities:

Read 'The Linux Command Line' by William Shotts

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of Linux commands and their usage scenarios through a well-regarded book.

View The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition: A Complete... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Linux Command Line' book.
Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
Practice using the commands described in the book.
Refer back to the book as needed to reinforce your knowledge.

Follow Linux Tutorials

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Supplement course material with guided tutorials to reinforce key concepts and gain practical experience.

Browse courses on Linux

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Identify reputable online resources or platforms offering Linux tutorials.
Choose tutorials that align with your learning goals.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, practicing the commands and concepts.
Take notes or create cheat sheets for future reference.

Practice Linux Commands

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Develop proficiency in using basic Linux commands to navigate the command line and perform common tasks.

Browse courses on Linux

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Create a list of essential Linux commands.
Practice using the commands in a Linux terminal.
Complete online tutorials or exercises on Linux commands.
Use the man pages to learn about specific commands.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Join a Linux Study Group

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Engage with peers to discuss concepts, troubleshoot issues, and learn from each other's experiences.

Browse courses on Linux

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Find or create a study group with other Linux learners.
Establish regular meeting times and set goals.
Take turns presenting on different Linux topics.
Collaborate on projects or assignments.
Provide support and encouragement to group members.

Create a Linux Home Lab

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Build a virtual or physical home lab to practice Linux skills and experiment with different configurations.

Browse courses on Linux

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Choose a suitable virtualization software or physical hardware.
Install Linux on the virtual or physical system.
Configure the system and install necessary software.
Use the home lab to practice Linux commands, troubleshoot issues, and experiment with different scenarios.
Document your experiences and share them with others.

Develop a Linux Script

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Apply your Linux knowledge to create a practical script that automates tasks or solves a specific problem.

Browse courses on Linux

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Identify a task or problem that can be automated with a Linux script.
Learn the basics of shell scripting.
Write a script that performs the desired tasks.
Test and debug the script to ensure it works correctly.
Document the script and share it with others.

Contribute to a Linux Open-Source Project

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the Linux community by participating in an open-source project.

Browse courses on Linux

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Identify a Linux open-source project that aligns with your interests.
Fork the project repository and create a local copy.
Make changes or add features to the project.
Submit a pull request to the upstream repository.
Collaborate with other contributors and maintain your contributions.

Career center

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

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of computer systems, including maintenance, security, and performance monitoring. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in server environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in networking environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the maintenance and performance of databases. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in database environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in DevOps environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the design and development of websites. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in web development environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in security environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud computing systems. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in cloud computing environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in data science environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in network architecture environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in software development environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

IT Auditor

IT Auditors are responsible for the evaluation of computer systems and networks to ensure compliance with security regulations. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in IT audit environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists are responsible for the design, development, and implementation of computer systems and networks. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in computer science research and development environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of computer systems and networks. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in IT management environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for the analysis, design, and implementation of computer systems and networks. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in systems analysis environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists are responsible for providing technical support to users of computer systems and networks. This course provides a foundation in Linux, an operating system commonly used in IT support environments. By learning how to use and manage Linux, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist