A Beginners Guide to Linux from Coursera

Embark on your Linux journey with this hands-on beginner’s course, designed to take you from a complete novice to a confident user of the Linux operating system. The course begins with an introduction to the importance of learning Linux and the various distributions available. You’ll learn how to set up a virtual environment using VirtualBox on Windows and proceed to install both CentOS and Ubuntu from scratch, giving you practical experience right from the start.

As you progress, you'll dive into the Linux structure, exploring the directory layout and getting comfortable with the terminal. You’ll learn how to handle files, navigate through the system, and understand the significance of different directories. The course also covers essential text editors like Vim and Nano, along with graphical editors, and introduces you to powerful command-line tools like wildcards, pipes, and aliases, which will streamline your workflow.

Finally, the course delves into process and job control, teaching you how to manage shell and environment variables, automate tasks with cron jobs, and gain greater control over your Linux environment. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in Linux, equipped with the skills necessary to manage and troubleshoot a Linux system effectively.

This course is ideal for beginners with no prior experience in Linux. Basic familiarity with computers is recommended, but no programming skills are necessary. It's perfect for students, IT professionals, and anyone looking to expand their knowledge in open-source operating systems.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module, we will set the stage for your Linux journey by introducing you to the course's goals and structure. You'll understand why Linux is a crucial skill to master and what you can expect to learn throughout this course.

Introduction to Linux

In this module, we will delve into the world of Linux, exploring why it's a valuable skill. You'll learn about different Linux distributions and how to install CentOS and Ubuntu from scratch using VirtualBox, preparing you for hands-on Linux practice.

Linux Structure

In this module, we will explore the foundational structure of Linux, focusing on the directory system and the terminal. You will gain practical experience in navigating directories and managing files, essential skills for any Linux user.

Editors

In this module, we will cover the various text editors in Linux, from command-line options like Vim and Nano to graphical editors. You'll also learn powerful editing techniques using wildcards, pipes, and aliases, which will greatly enhance your productivity.

Process and Job control

In this module, we will dive into process and job control in Linux. You'll learn to work with shell and environment variables, manage running processes, and set up cron jobs for automating tasks, all critical for maintaining an efficient Linux environment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a hands-on introduction to Linux, which is ideal for learners who prefer to learn by doing and immediately apply new skills

Covers essential text editors like Vim and Nano, which are widely used in Linux environments for configuration and scripting tasks

Explores the directory layout and teaches file management, which are fundamental skills for anyone working with Linux systems

Requires VirtualBox on Windows, which may require learners to ensure their systems meet the minimum hardware requirements for virtualization

Teaches how to install CentOS and Ubuntu, which are industry-relevant distributions that are commonly used in server environments

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 A Beginners Guide to Linux with these activities:

Review Command Line Basics

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Reinforce your understanding of basic command-line operations to prepare for using the Linux terminal effectively.

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Review basic commands like ls, cd, mkdir, rm, and cp.
Practice navigating directories and manipulating files.
Familiarize yourself with command-line arguments and options.

Review 'The Linux Command Line'

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Deepen your understanding of the Linux command line by reading a comprehensive guide.

View The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Read the book cover to cover.
Try out the examples in a Linux terminal.
Take notes on key concepts and commands.

Practice File Manipulation Commands

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Reinforce your understanding of file manipulation commands through repetitive exercises.

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Create a directory structure with multiple subdirectories and files.
Practice copying, moving, and renaming files and directories.
Use wildcards to perform operations on multiple files at once.

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Create a Cheat Sheet of Essential Linux Commands

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Solidify your knowledge by creating a concise cheat sheet of commonly used Linux commands.

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Identify the most frequently used commands from the course.
Write a brief description of each command and its common options.
Organize the cheat sheet for easy reference.

Automate a System Backup Script

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Apply your knowledge of shell scripting and cron jobs to automate a system backup process.

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Write a shell script to back up important system files.
Configure a cron job to run the script automatically on a schedule.
Test the script and cron job to ensure they are working correctly.

Review 'Linux Bible'

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Expand your knowledge of Linux system administration and networking by consulting a comprehensive reference guide.

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Browse the table of contents to identify relevant chapters.
Read the chapters that cover topics of interest or areas where you need more information.
Experiment with the commands and techniques described in the book.

Contribute to a Linux Documentation Project

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Deepen your understanding of Linux by contributing to an open-source documentation project.

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Find a Linux documentation project on GitHub or GitLab.
Identify areas where the documentation is lacking or needs improvement.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

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

Linux Administrator

A Linux administrator is responsible for maintaining and managing Linux systems. This course provides a practical guide to Linux, covering essential skills for this role. You will learn how to set up virtual environments, install Linux distributions, and manage the file system, all fundamental tasks for a Linux administrator. This course also covers text editors, command line tools, and process control, giving you the ability to manage and troubleshoot a Linux environment. This course is ideal for someone looking to become a Linux administrator since it focuses specifically on core competencies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linux Administrator

System Administrator

A System Administrator is responsible for maintaining and operating computer systems, and this course is tailored to help build a foundation in Linux, a common operating system in server environments. This role involves tasks such as system updates, user management, and troubleshooting, all of which directly relate to the knowledge gained from this course. You will learn about the Linux directory structure, file management, and process control. The course's hands-on approach, with the installation and configuration of Linux distributions, ensures that you will be ready to manage a Linux system effectively. The experience you gain from working with the terminal and essential command line tools will be particularly useful for a future system administrator.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations, requiring a strong knowledge of operating systems like Linux. This role involves using automation tools, managing server infrastructure, and implementing continuous integration and deployment pipelines. This course helps build the skills to install and manage Linux distributions, use command line editing techniques, and automate tasks via cron jobs. The course content introduces the tools and concepts used in DevOps practices. The ability to handle files, navigate the system, and work with environment variables will be beneficial in a DevOps Engineer role. The hands-on experience gained in this course will be invaluable for this position.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers design, implement, and manage cloud-based systems. This often involves working with Linux servers, which is why this course may be useful. You will learn to install Linux distributions, navigate its structure, manage files via the command line, and automate tasks. These skills help build a foundation to manage cloud servers effectively. Many aspects of cloud computing rely on Linux. This course provides hands-on experience, which is a great way to build a foundation for managing Linux systems in a cloud environment. Using tools and interfaces that are covered in this course will be important in your role as a Cloud Engineer.

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Technical Support Specialist

A technical support specialist provides assistance to users experiencing issues. This often involves troubleshooting operating system problems, and Linux is a common operating system in tech environments. This course is a practical way to build a foundation in Linux and its command line tools. You will learn how to manage files, navigate the system, understand the directory structure, and use powerful text editors. These skills provide a base for handling common issues reported by Linux users. A technical support specialist who understands Linux may find this course useful for diagnosing and resolving software and system issues. The course gives hands-on experience that will apply directly to the job.

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Network Engineer

Network engineers design, implement and manage computer networks and this course may be useful if they work with Linux based network infrastructure. This course will help build a foundation in using the command line and managing the file system in Linux based systems. You will learn about essential text editors, command line utilities and ways to streamline workflows. A Network Engineer who understands Linux may find this helpful in configuring network devices, managing servers, and ensuring network security. The hands-on experience with Linux will translate directly to day-to-day tasks.

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Software Developer

Many Software Developers work with Linux-based development environments, making this course helpful to building a foundation. This course may be useful to a developer by providing a way to work directly with the operating system. You will gain familiarity with the Linux file structure, learn to use command line tools, and get comfortable working with text editors. Understanding process control is also important for debugging and optimization. The skills gained in the course provide practical experience that will be applicable to both developing software for Linux and setting up a development environment.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains database systems, and Linux is a popular operating system for database servers. This course is helpful because it provides practical, hands-on experience in Linux. You will learn to manage files, navigate the system, use text editors and command line tools, and control processes. These are all skills a Database Administrator may utilize in daily tasks. This course may be beneficial to a Database Administrator for managing and troubleshooting Linux-based database environments. The hands-on approach of the course will help develop a base of practical skills.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from threats. They may work with Linux systems, which is why this course is useful. This course gives you a foundation in Linux, including how to handle files, navigate the system, and manage processes via the command line. Understanding process control and system architecture is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities. A Cybersecurity Analyst may find this course helpful in monitoring and securing Linux environments. The course's practical, hands-on approach is beneficial to building a foundation.

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IT Specialist

An IT Specialist provides technical support and manages information systems for organizations, often working with a variety of operating systems. This course may help build a foundation in Linux. You will learn how to install Linux, manage the file system, and use command line tools. These skills provide a good base for troubleshooting and maintaining Linux systems. Working with text editors, and understanding process control may be helpful to resolving some of the technical issues that an IT Specialist may face. This course’s hands-on approach to learning Linux will translate well to the real world tasks IT specialists face.

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Data Scientist

Data scientists analyze large datasets to generate insights, often using Linux-based tools and environments. This course may be useful by helping build a foundation in the operating system. You will learn how to navigate the directory system, manage files, and use command-line tools, all of which are beneficial for data preparation and management. This course also introduces process control, which may be useful in setting up and scheduling data processing tasks. A Data Scientist who is comfortable with Linux may find this course very useful to working with data in a Linux environment.

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Web Developer

Web Developers build and maintain websites, often using Linux-based servers for deployment. This course may be helpful because it provides an introduction to Linux for developers. You will learn how to use the command line, manage files, and use various text editors. The process control concepts you may learn in this course can be of use for setting up running web servers and debugging them. This course may provide useful experience for working with Linux. The ability to navigate the file system and use command line tools may help streamline your workflow as a Web Developer.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers develop software for hardware devices and are often required to use Linux for development and testing environments. This course can help build a foundation in navigating the Linux system and using important command line tools. You will learn how to manage files, use text editors, and control processes via the Linux command line. The skills gained in the course can be useful for managing the testing and development of embedded systems. The course may provide a valuable introduction to Linux for those working with embedded systems.

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IT Project Manager

An IT project manager is responsible for planning and overseeing technical projects and knowing how different operating systems work might be helpful. This course provides a foundation in Linux, a common operating system in IT infrastructure. You will learn about the directory structure, text editors, and command line tools. An IT Project manager may rely on understanding the capabilities of Linux when planning and managing technically complex projects. While the course is not a direct link to project management, it may be useful in understanding the context of projects that involve Linux.

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Technical Writer

Technical writers produce documentation for software and hardware, and often work with technical information. This course may be useful if you're a technical writer who needs a base understanding of Linux. While the focus of this course is on practical experience and system management, Technical Writers may find the information about Linux distributions, file management, and command line tools useful. Understanding text editors like Vim and Nano may also be beneficial for formatting and editing technical documentation that includes code. While not central to the role, this course may be useful for generating documentation about Linux.

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Reading list

We've selected two 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 A Beginners Guide to Linux.

The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition

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Comprehensive guide to the Linux command line. It covers everything from basic navigation to advanced scripting. It's a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users, providing a solid foundation for understanding and using the Linux terminal effectively. This book is often used as a reference by Linux professionals.

The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition

Paperback

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The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition

Kindle Edition

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Linux Bible

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Serves as a comprehensive reference for all things Linux. It covers a wide range of topics, from system administration to networking. While it may be too detailed for beginners, it's an excellent resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of Linux. It is commonly used by system administrators and IT professionals.

Linux Bible

Paperback

$$$

A Beginners Guide to Linux

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What's inside

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