Operating Systems and Networking Fundamentals from Coursera

In this course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of operating systems and networking essentials that are critical for any IT technician. The course begins by covering installation and upgrades across different operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, and Linux. You'll learn about boot processes, pre-installation checks, and post-installation configurations, providing you with the practical knowledge to handle real-world scenarios.

Next, the course dives into the management of operating systems, exploring vital tools such as Task Manager, Control Panel, and Microsoft Management Console (MMC). You will also understand how to work with users, groups, and permissions across platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS, ensuring that you can securely and effectively manage system resources. The lessons will prepare you to handle file sharing, security policies, and the nuances of different file systems.

Lastly, the course focuses on local area networking (LAN) fundamentals. From understanding IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and router configurations to managing firewalls and virtual LANs (VLANs), you’ll gain a solid foundation in networking. These skills are essential for troubleshooting both operating systems and network issues, ensuring smooth operation in any IT environment. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to confidently tackle the CompTIA A+ exams.

This course is aimed at aspiring IT professionals, particularly those pursuing the CompTIA A+ certification. It’s ideal for individuals with basic computing knowledge who want to deepen their understanding of operating systems and networking.

What's inside

Syllabus

Installing and Upgrading Operating Systems

In this module, we will explore the differences between editions of Windows 10 and 11, as well as how to install, upgrade, and configure operating systems like Linux and macOS. You will also learn essential post-installation tasks that ensure systems are ready for use.

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what should give you pause

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Prepares learners to confidently tackle the CompTIA A+ exams, which can be a significant step for those entering the IT field

Covers installation and upgrades across different operating systems, which provides practical knowledge applicable to real-world IT scenarios

Explores vital tools such as Task Manager, Control Panel, and Microsoft Management Console (MMC), which are essential for managing operating systems effectively

Focuses on local area networking (LAN) fundamentals, which are essential for troubleshooting both operating systems and network issues in IT environments

Teaches how to work with users, groups, and permissions across platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS, which is crucial for secure and effective system resource management

Includes Windows 10 and Windows 11, which may require learners to upgrade their operating systems to follow along with the course

Reviews summary

Fundamentals for it and a+ prep

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in operating systems and networking fundamentals, making it particularly useful for those preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification. Many found the explanations clear and easy to follow, especially if they were new to the topics. The practical labs were frequently highlighted as a key strength, helping to reinforce concepts learned in lectures. However, some reviewers noted that the course lacks depth in certain areas, such as advanced troubleshooting or non-Windows operating systems, suggesting it's best viewed as a starting point. While sufficient for fundamentals, some students felt they needed supplementary resources to be fully prepared for the A+ exam.

Possible improvements since earlier reviews.

"Found several errors in the quizzes and lab instructions initially. Some concepts poorly explained. Had to search online a lot."

"Some explanations could have been clearer, especially in the networking modules. Might be better now, but my experience wasn't great."

"Some of the older content examples felt slightly dated, but the core concepts are still relevant."

Explains core OS and networking topics.

"Covered operating systems and networking fundamentals comprehensively."

"Good introduction to OS and networking concepts. The Windows sections were strong."

"Covers all the basics for OS and networking for A+."

"Networking section covered the essentials like IP, DHCP, DNS well."

Hands-on exercises reinforce concepts.

"The labs were particularly useful for hands-on experience."

"The explanations were clear, and the practical examples helped immensely."

"Hands-on labs were well-designed."

"I appreciated the multi-OS approach (Windows, Linux, macOS)."

Builds essential skills for IT careers.

"Excellent course for CompTIA A+ preparation. Covered operating systems and networking fundamentals comprehensively."

"This course was exactly what I needed to build a foundation in IT."

"Perfect course for beginners aiming for CompTIA A+. It breaks down complex topics into manageable parts."

"Used this alongside other materials for my A+. It covered the core OS and network parts really well."

May need extra resources for A+ exam.

"I felt I needed external resources to truly grasp networking concepts like subnetting."

"Not sure this alone prepares you for the A+ exam, definitely need other resources."

"Covers the basics, but don't rely solely on this for A+."

Not detailed enough for advanced topics.

"Some topics were not explained in enough depth."

"Not deep enough for troubleshooting complex issues."

"Expected more depth. The troubleshooting section was very basic."

"Found the Linux/macOS parts a bit brief compared to Windows."

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 Operating Systems and Networking Fundamentals with these activities:

Review Basic Networking Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental networking concepts like IP addressing, DHCP, and DNS before diving into the course material. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding more advanced topics.

Browse courses on IP Addressing

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Review your notes from previous networking courses or study materials.
Complete online quizzes or practice questions on basic networking concepts.
Research any areas where you feel unsure or need a refresher.

Review 'Networking All-in-One For Dummies'

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Use this book to reinforce your understanding of networking fundamentals. It provides a broad overview of networking concepts, making it a useful reference for beginners.

View Microsoft 365 PowerPoint For Dummies on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to IP addressing, subnetting, and routing.
Review the sections on network security and troubleshooting.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.

Practice Command-Line Navigation

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Improve your proficiency with command-line interfaces by practicing basic navigation and file management tasks. This will be particularly useful for the module on working with the command-line interface.

Browse courses on Command-Line Interface

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Open the command-line interface on your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Practice navigating directories using commands like 'cd', 'ls' (or 'dir' on Windows), and 'pwd'.
Create, rename, and delete files and directories using commands like 'mkdir', 'touch', 'rm', and 'mv'.

Four other activities

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Create a Cheat Sheet for OS Troubleshooting

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Create a cheat sheet summarizing common operating system issues and their solutions. This will help you consolidate your knowledge and serve as a quick reference guide during the troubleshooting module.

Browse courses on Troubleshooting

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Identify common operating system issues (e.g., boot problems, application errors, driver issues).
Research the causes and solutions for each issue.
Summarize the information in a concise and easy-to-read format.
Organize the cheat sheet by category (e.g., boot issues, application errors).

Set Up a Virtualized Network Environment

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Set up a virtualized network environment using tools like VirtualBox or VMware. This will allow you to experiment with networking configurations and troubleshooting in a safe and isolated environment.

Browse courses on Networking

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Install virtualization software (e.g., VirtualBox or VMware).
Create virtual machines for different operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux).
Configure the virtual machines to communicate with each other over a virtual network.
Experiment with different network configurations and troubleshooting techniques.

Review 'CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eleventh Edition (Exams 220-1101 & 220-1102)'

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Use this book to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exams. It covers all the topics included in the course and provides practice questions and hands-on exercises.

View Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and... on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting.
Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
Take the practice exams to assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

Answer Questions in Online Forums

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Reinforce your understanding of the course material by answering questions from other students in online forums. This will help you identify any gaps in your knowledge and improve your communication skills.

Browse courses on Operating Systems

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Find online forums related to operating systems and networking.
Browse the forums for questions that you can answer based on your knowledge from the course.
Provide clear and concise answers to the questions.
Cite your sources and provide links to relevant resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Operating Systems and Networking Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator manages an organization's computer systems and servers. This course prepares someone for a role as systems administrator, by offering robust training on operating system installation, upgrades, and management across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. The course will help a systems administrator master tools like Task Manager, Control Panel, and MMC, including management of users, groups, and permissions, plus critical maintenance and optimization tasks. The course's troubleshooting sections, and its command-line lessons, add to the well-rounded skills required for success in system administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting an organization's computer networks. This course is extremely relevant to this role, as it provides a strong foundation in networking fundamentals, including IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and router configurations. The course will also help a network administrator manage firewalls, virtual LANs, and troubleshoot network issues, ensuring smooth network operation. The practical skills learned through the course's modules on local area networking and command line interfaces are especially valuable for someone going into network administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist provides technical assistance to computer users. This course is extremely beneficial for an IT support specialist, because it covers a broad range of operating system and networking issues. The course emphasizes practical troubleshooting skills for common operating system problems, and provides a deep understanding of system and network configuration. The lessons on managing users, groups, permissions, and local area networking are particularly helpful for an IT support specialist in diagnosing and resolving user issues effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Computer Technician

A Computer Technician repairs and maintains computer hardware and software. This course is highly relevant for a computer technician, because it offers practical knowledge of operating systems, including installation, upgrading, and configuration. The coursework is valuable for its training on system management tools, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks across Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms. Additionally, the module on command line interfaces will help a computer technician diagnose and resolve more involved issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Technician

Field Service Technician

A Field Service Technician is responsible for on-site installation, maintenance, and repair of computer systems and networks. This course is extremely relevant for a field service technician since it offers practical insights into operating systems and networking. The lessons on system installation, upgrades, troubleshooting, and maintenance across various platforms will be valuable for someone going into this role, and the module on local area networking will be particularly beneficial for diagnosing on-site issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Field Service Technician

Help Desk Technician

A Help Desk Technician provides first-line technical support to end-users. This course will help prepare help desk technicians, by furnishing them with skills in operating system installation, management, and troubleshooting across different platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux. The course’s focus on practical tools such as the Task Manager and Control Panel are especially useful for a help desk technician to handle common user issues. The course's content on local area networking will help a help desk technician diagnose and resolve common network connectivity problems. Someone seeking this role will find this coursework especially beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Help Desk Technician

Desktop Support Technician

A Desktop Support Technician provides technical assistance to users, addressing their computer and software issues. This course is very beneficial for a desktop support technician, because it delivers practical knowledge of operating system installation, configuration, and troubleshooting across platforms. The course, in particular, covers management tools, command line interfaces, and troubleshooting techniques, which are essential for managing user workstations and resolving common issues effectively. The practical skills gained from this coursework will help anyone in desktop support.

See salaries and explore the career path for Desktop Support Technician

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, implements, and manages network infrastructure. This course will be very useful for someone wishing to become a network engineer by solidifying their understanding of networking essentials including IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and router configuration. A network engineer will also directly benefit from the course modules on managing firewalls and virtual LANs, as well as from the coverage of how to troubleshoot network issues. This provides the essential foundation for their subsequent work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer provides advanced technical support to users and other engineers. A technical support engineer will find this course quite valuable, as it delivers a thorough understanding of operating systems and networking. The course's exploration of boot processes, pre and post installation configurations, and its coverage of troubleshooting an array of operating system issues, make it highly relevant for someone who might have to dig deeply into problems and issues. The course's networking lessons, including IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and router configurations, are essential for resolving complex technical problems in local area network environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Engineer

Junior Network Engineer

A Junior Network Engineer assists in the design and implementation of network infrastructure. This course is especially helpful for a junior network engineer, as it gives them a strong understanding of networking fundamentals, such as IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and router configuration. The course’s modules on managing firewalls and virtual LANs are particularly useful, as they provide essential skills needed for their role. The troubleshooting skills provided will help a junior network engineer diagnose and resolve network issues, as they begin their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Junior Network Engineer

IT Specialist

An IT Specialist manages and maintains an organization's information technology infrastructure. This course may be useful for an IT specialist as it provides a foundational understanding of operating systems and networking. The course covers installations, upgrades, and management tools across various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and macOS. An IT specialist will find the course's lessons in troubleshooting, user management, and local area networking to be especially applicable to their daily tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Specialist

System Analyst

A System Analyst evaluates a computer system and its workflows, and then recommends improvements. This course may be useful for a system analyst, since its comprehensive overview of operating systems and networking provides a strong foundation for analyzing system performance. The course covers installation, upgrades, and vital management tools, which help an analyst understand system configurations and their impact on performance. The knowledge of various operating systems and networking concepts gained within this course will be helpful for a system analyst to propose efficient and effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors and protects computer systems and networks from threats. This course may be helpful for a cybersecurity analyst because of its coverage of operating systems and networking fundamentals. The course includes management of user permissions and security policies, which is vital for a cybersecurity analyst's work in securing systems. The course's networking foundation also helps with understanding how network configurations impact security and where vulnerabilities might occur. While not directly focused on cybersecurity, its contents are an important first step for someone entering this domain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Cloud Support Engineer

A Cloud Support Engineer manages and supports cloud-based systems and services. This course may be useful for a cloud support engineer, as it equips them with foundational knowledge of operating systems and networking. Although this course doesn't specifically focus on cloud technologies, the skills in managing and troubleshooting operating systems and networks are valuable when working with virtualized environments in the cloud. The course provides an understanding of system management that translates well to maintaining cloud infrastructures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Support Engineer

IT Consultant

An IT Consultant provides expert advice and solutions to businesses regarding their information technology needs. This course may be useful for an IT consultant because it provides a broad understanding of operating systems and networking. The course's overview of system installation, management, and troubleshooting across various platforms is helpful for an IT consultant assessing a client's infrastructure. While not directly focused on consulting, this knowledge enables an IT consultant to provide well informed recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

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 Operating Systems and Networking Fundamentals.

Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and...

Save

Comprehensive guide to the CompTIA A+ certification exams, covering all the topics included in the course. It provides detailed explanations, practice questions, and hands-on exercises to help you prepare for the exams. It is particularly useful for those who are aiming to obtain the CompTIA A+ certification. This book serves as both a reference and a study guide.

Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and...

Paperback

Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and...

Kindle Edition

Microsoft 365 PowerPoint For Dummies

Save

Provides a broad overview of networking concepts, making it a useful reference for beginners. It covers topics like network hardware, protocols, security, and troubleshooting. It is particularly helpful for those who need a refresher on basic networking principles before diving into more advanced topics. While not a substitute for in-depth study, it serves as a valuable supplementary resource.

Microsoft 365 PowerPoint For Dummies

Paperback

Operating Systems and Networking Fundamentals

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Fundamentals for it and a+ prep

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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