Operating Systems Fundamentals from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Performing Basic Linux Tasks

In this module, students will learn basic information about the history of computers and Linux. Then students will explore simple shell commands and learn about virtualization.

Managing the File System in Linux

In this module, students will learn the structure of the Linux file system including understanding directories, paths, and naming conventions. They will also learn to search and backup content.

Working with Text Files

In this module, students will learn how to manage text files from the shell. They will master the cat command and the vim Editor. They will learn how to search and filter text files, and work with text streams.

User and Group Accounts

In this module, students will learn about the default user and group accounts, and how to create new users and groups as well as manage passwords. Students will learn about user profiles and using the skeleton directory to set up a template for new profiles.

Managing Linux Permissions and Ownership

In this module, students will learn about Linux permissions and ownership. Students will explore the default file and directory permissions, as well as how to change them. They will also master the basics of access control lists and flags.

Managing Jobs and Processes

In this module students will learn about starting and stopping Linux, and managing services. They will explore processes and jobs, and learn to manage them throughout the lifecycle of the operating system.

Managing Partitions and the Linux File System

In this module students will learn about file systems, partitions, and the commands and utilities to manage them. Students will learn about mount points, swap space, local storage devices, journaling file systems and file system maintenance.

Manage System Services

In this module students will learn about system initialization, system logs, centralized logging and log file analysis. Students will also learn about Security-Enhanced Linux and security policies.

Capstone

Students will demonstrate mastery of the material by creating and uploading a capstone project.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers a comprehensive range of Linux functions, from basic to advanced, making it suitable for learners at various levels

Emphasizes hands-on learning through virtual machine labs, providing practical experience

Includes a capstone project to demonstrate mastery of the material, fostering deeper understanding

Instructors Shadow Farrell are recognized for their expertise in Linux and operating systems

Notably, the course emphasizes security principles, including permissions and ownership

Teaches essential Linux commands and file management techniques, which are foundational skills for system administration

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 Fundamentals with these activities:

Follow Linux Tutorials Online

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Supplement your course materials by exploring online tutorials. This will expose you to different perspectives and learning styles.

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Search for tutorials on specific Linux topics you want to learn more about.
Choose reputable sources and follow the instructions carefully.
Take notes or summarize the key takeaways.
Practice the concepts you learn in your own Linux environment.

Study Group with Classmates

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Collaborate with other students and learn from each other by forming study groups. This will help reinforce concepts and improve your understanding through discussions and shared perspectives.

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Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Set regular meeting times and locations.
Discuss course materials, work on problems together, and quiz each other.
Create a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Linux Shell Command Drills

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Master the basics of Linux shell commands by practicing regularly. This will build muscle memory and improve your command recall.

Browse courses on Linux Command Line

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Download and install a Linux virtual machine.
Open a terminal window and practice using basic commands like ls, cd, mkdir, rm, and more.
Create a cheat sheet of commonly used commands for quick reference.
Complete online quizzes or exercises to test your understanding.

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File System Navigation Drills

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Become comfortable navigating the Linux file system by practicing regularly. This will help you organize and manage files efficiently.

Browse courses on Linux File System

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Create a directory structure and practice moving, copying, and deleting files and directories.
Use the find command to search for files based on various criteria.
Practice using file permissions and ownership to control access to files.
Complete challenges or exercises that test your file system navigation skills.

Attend Linux User Group Meetings

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Connect with other Linux enthusiasts and learn about new applications and developments by attending user group meetings.

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Find local Linux user groups in your area.
Attend meetings regularly.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in Linux.

Linux Resource Collection

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Deepen your understanding of Linux by compiling a collection of useful resources, including tutorials, articles, and documentation. This will provide you with a valuable reference for future learning and troubleshooting.

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Identify and gather resources on specific Linux topics.
Organize the resources into a structured format, such as a document or website.
Include summaries or annotations to provide context and insights.
Share your compilation with other students or the community.

Contribute to Open Source Linux Projects

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Gain practical experience and give back to the community by contributing to open-source Linux projects. This will enhance your understanding and demonstrate your commitment to Linux.

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Identify open-source Linux projects that align with your interests.
Join the project's community and learn about their contribution guidelines.
Start contributing in small ways, such as reporting bugs or writing documentation.
Gradually take on more challenging tasks and collaborate with other contributors.

Linux Command Line Script

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Demonstrate your understanding and application of Linux commands by creating a simple script. This will not only test your knowledge but also introduce you to automation in Linux.

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Identify a common task that can be automated.
Design a script that performs the task, using the appropriate commands.
Test and debug the script to ensure it runs smoothly.
Share your script with others or post it on a public code repository.

Career center

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

Security Engineer

As a Security Engineer you can design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's assets. A course in operating systems can provide knowledge about system security and access control, which is important for implementing security solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Information Security Analyst

As an Information Security Analyst you can identify, assess, and mitigate security risks for an organization. This course can help build a foundation in operating systems security principles, which is crucial for protecting systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

IT Consultant

As an IT Consultant you can provide expert guidance and advice on information technology to clients. Knowledge of operating systems is important for understanding the underlying technologies of client systems and providing effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

IT Manager

As an IT Manager you can plan, implement, and manage information technology systems for an organization. Knowledge of operating systems is important for managing computer networks, servers, and other IT infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Software Architect

As a Software Architect you can design and develop software systems. This course can provide a foundation in operating systems concepts, which are important for understanding system architecture and designing software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

DevOps Engineer

As a DevOps Engineer you can bridge the gap between development and operations teams to improve software delivery. This course can be useful to gain knowledge about the fundamentals of operating systems, which is essential for managing infrastructure and automating software deployment.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Systems Administrator

As a Systems Administrator you can install, configure, and maintain computer systems. A course that teaches the fundamentals of operating systems may be useful to excel in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Cloud Engineer

As a Cloud Engineer you can design, implement, and maintain cloud computing systems. A course on operating systems is useful to gain knowledge about the foundations of cloud computing platforms, which often use virtualized operating systems for resource management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Web Developer

As a Web Developer you can design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. This course can be useful to learn about the basics of operating systems, such as file management and security, which are important for web hosting and server administration.

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Computer Support Specialist

As a Computer Support Specialist you can help diagnose computer problems and provide technical support to clients. This course may be useful to learn about the inner workings of operating systems to better identify and resolve technical issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist you can use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data. This course may be useful to learn about managing data and file systems, which are important for data storage and processing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer you can create technical documentation, such as user manuals and training guides. A course in operating systems can be useful to learn about the technical concepts and terminology used in IT, which is essential for writing accurate and understandable documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Database Administrator

As a Database Administrator you can design, implement, and maintain database systems. Understanding the fundamentals of operating systems such as file systems, memory management, and security can be useful when handling databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer you can work with operating systems, develop and maintain software and applications, and perform unit testing and debugging. This course may be useful to learn about the basics of Linux and its functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Network Administrator

As a Network Administrator you can plan, implement, and maintain computer networks. A course on operating systems is useful since setting up and configuring computer networks often involves working with server operating systems to run network services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator