Enterprise System Management and Security from Coursera

The world runs on computers. Your watch, your TV, your car. You might be familiar on how to operate each of these. Your home computer you are even more familiar with operating it. But what does it take to really take computer systems to the next level? - The enterprise level. In this course we discuss what makes home computing systems different from enterprise computing systems. This course will also help you prepare and design your own home lab to explore enterprise operating systems.

This course is for anyone who is exploring what it might take to have a job as a system administrator or for those who are already specialized in one area of system management and would like to move to another. This course may also be for those who are looking to understand how computer security plays an important role in system management.

At the end of the course, you will also be able to illustrate how different enterprise technologies play role in computing at an enterprise level. You will also be able to discuss the three pillars of the CIA triad and how they apply to enterprise systems.

While there is no technical and software component installs necessary for the completion of this course, supplemental how-to guides will be provided if you wish to follow along on the technical portion presented during the course.

What's inside

Syllabus

It's not that different from my home computer is it? Why home computing doesn't map to enterprise computing

Welcome and Introduction to Enterprise System Management and Security

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers enterprise management along with cybersecurity, which is standard in the field of computing

Introduces the fundamentals of virtualization, a core concept in enterprise computing

Provides resources for building a home lab, allowing learners to practice skills in a real-world environment

Teaches the basics of enterprise networking, a crucial aspect of enterprise computing

May require learners to purchase additional resources like hardware or software

Reviews summary

Enterprise systems and security introduction

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation and a good overview of key concepts in enterprise system management and security. Students appreciate the introduction to topics like networking, virtualization, and the CIA triad, finding it a helpful starting point, especially for those new to the field or considering a career change. While it covers a broad range of topics, some reviewers note that the course offers a high-level perspective and lacks the technical depth desired by more experienced learners or those looking for hands-on practice beyond the optional lab guides. The course project is generally seen as relevant, but could be more challenging for some. Overall, it's considered a valuable introduction for beginners.

Hands-on practice is supplemental.

"While there is no technical and software component installs necessary for the completion of this course, supplemental how-to guides will be provided..."

"The optional lab guides were a nice touch, though I wish there was more mandatory hands-on work."

"The optional labs are useful, but making them mandatory would improve the practical aspect significantly."

"I appreciated that labs weren't required but were available if you wanted to go deeper."

Project reinforces key concepts.

"The project was a decent way to apply some ideas..."

"The project was manageable but reinforced key concepts. Highly recommend for anyone curious about enterprise IT."

"...the project... wasn't very challenging."

"The BYOD project gave a good practical application of the security concepts."

Helpful for career transition.

"Perfect for someone like me transitioning into a sysadmin role."

"Good for beginners, might be too basic for experienced IT pros."

"Recommended if you need a broad understanding before specializing."

"This course is for anyone who is exploring what it might take to have a job as a system administrator..."

Excellent starting point for beginners.

"Excellent introductory course. It covers all the foundational concepts like networking basics for the enterprise, virtualization uses, and the pillars of security (CIA triad)."

"A solid high-level overview. It touches upon the core differences between home and enterprise systems, which is valuable context."

"Loved this course! Cleared up a lot of confusion about enterprise systems. The networking module was particularly helpful."

"Good overview course. Covers the essentials without getting bogged down in excessive detail. Useful for grasping the 'why' behind enterprise setups."

Stays high-level, not very hands-on.

"While it covers a broad range of topics, some reviewers note that the course offers a high-level perspective and lacks the technical depth desired by more experienced learners..."

"Okay course, but definitely stays at a very high level. I was hoping for more practical implementation details or deeper dives into specific technologies."

"...though I wish there was more mandatory hands-on work. The optional lab guides were a nice touch..."

"It felt like a vocabulary lesson in parts. The optional labs are useful, but making them mandatory would improve the practical aspect significantly."

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 Enterprise System Management and Security with these activities:

(Recommended) Review virtualization apps

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Prepare for the coursework in virtualization fundamentals with this hands-on review.

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Install and browse a virtualization app.
Experiment with creating virtual machines.

Compile and Review Course Materials

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Strengthen your understanding of the course material

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Review and organize your notes.
Practice the skills you've learned.
Create a study guide.

Review Basic Networking Concepts

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Ensure a solid foundation in networking

Browse courses on Networking

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Read articles or watch videos about networking.
Review your notes or study materials.
Take a quiz or test to assess your knowledge.

11 other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 14 activities

Create a Network Diagram

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Improve your understanding of network design

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Use a network mapping tool.
Identify the different network devices.
Draw the network diagram.

Practice Subnetting

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Enhance your understanding of IP addressing

Browse courses on Subnetting

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Use a subnetting calculator.
Practice subnetting manually.
Take a subnetting quiz.

Participate in a cybersecurity study group

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Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding of cybersecurity concepts.

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Find or join a cybersecurity study group.
Attend regular meetings and engage in discussions.

Review Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach

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Familiarize yourself with the concepts of computer networking

View Computer Networking [Global Edition] on Amazon

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Read the book.
Complete the practice questions.
Discuss the concepts with a classmate.

Follow a Virtualization Tutorial

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Gain hands-on experience with virtualization

Browse courses on Virtualization

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Choose a virtualization platform.
Follow the tutorial.

Attend Network Security Conference

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Reinforce your understanding of networking by attending an industry conference.

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Identify and register for an upcoming conference.
Prepare questions for discussion and note taking.

Build a Home Network

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Gain hands-on experience with enterprise networking

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Choose the right network devices.
Configure the devices.
Test the network.
Troubleshoot any problems.

Create a network security diagram

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Visualize your knowledge of network security by creating a comprehensive diagram.

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Research different network security components and architectures.
Sketch out the layout of your diagram.
Use a diagramming tool to create a polished version.

Attend a Tech Meet-Up Group

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Learn from and network with other IT professionals

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Find a meet-up group in your area.
Attend a meeting.
Meet new people and learn about their work.

Attend a System Administration Workshop

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Gain hands-on experience with system administration tasks

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Find a workshop.
Register and attend the workshop.
Practice the skills you learned.

Volunteer at a local cybersecurity event

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Gain practical experience and network with professionals by volunteering at a cybersecurity event.

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Search for upcoming cybersecurity events in your area.
Identify volunteer opportunities and apply.

Career center

Learners who complete Enterprise System Management and Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Systems Administrator

Computer systems administrators are responsible for planning, installing, and maintaining computer systems, including hardware, software, and networks. They ensure that the systems run efficiently and securely, and that data is protected and accessible. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management and security, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful computer systems administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from cyber attacks. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they investigate and respond to security breaches. This course provides a solid foundation in enterprise system security, including topics such as risk assessment, incident response, and security auditing. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful information security analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Information Technology Manager

Information technology managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's information technology systems. They develop and implement IT policies and procedures, and they oversee the operation and maintenance of IT systems. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful information technology manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Network Administrator

Network administrators are responsible for planning, installing, and maintaining computer networks. They ensure that networks are reliable, efficient, and secure. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise networking, including topics such as network design, network protocols, and network security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful network administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Security Architect

Security architects are responsible for designing and implementing security solutions for an organization's computer systems and networks. They work with information security analysts to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they oversee the operation and maintenance of security systems. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system security, including topics such as risk assessment, incident response, and security auditing. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful security architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Systems Engineer

Systems engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex computer systems. They work with system administrators to ensure that systems are reliable, efficient, and secure. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful systems engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Database Administrator

Database administrators are responsible for planning, installing, and maintaining databases. They ensure that databases are reliable, efficient, and secure. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful database administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Auditor

IT auditors are responsible for assessing the security and effectiveness of an organization's IT systems. They review IT systems and processes to ensure that they are in compliance with regulations and standards. This course provides a solid foundation in enterprise system security, including topics such as risk assessment, incident response, and security auditing. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful IT auditor.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

IT Consultant

IT consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their IT systems and processes. They work with clients to assess their needs, develop solutions, and implement and manage IT projects. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful IT consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives, and they develop and implement project plans. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful project manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation for computer systems and software. They work with engineers and other technical experts to gather information and write clear and concise documentation that users can understand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful technical writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Programmer

Computer programmers design, develop, and maintain computer software. They work with engineers and other technical experts to create software that meets the needs of users. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful computer programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer Analyst

Computer analysts study an organization's computer systems and processes to identify areas for improvement. They work with engineers and other technical experts to develop and implement solutions that improve efficiency and productivity. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful computer analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Analyst

Computer Operator

Computer operators monitor and maintain computer systems and networks. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and that data is protected and accessible. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful computer operator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Operator

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. They work with engineers and other technical experts to develop and implement solutions that improve efficiency and productivity. This course provides a comprehensive overview of enterprise system management, including topics such as virtualization, networking, and security. It will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful data analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst