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Operating Systems Fundamentals

Covers all basic functions in Linux. Students first learn about Linux distributions and Copyleft. Then they learn to use shell commands to query the system for basic information and to get help from the operating system. The course covers Linux file systems, including managing disks and directories, working with absolute and relative paths, and how to organize, backup and restore files. Students learn to work with text files from the shell and use expressions to search files, directories and file contents. Students also learn about managing users and groups including passwords and user profiles. Students use security principles to set permissions and ownership. Finally, students learn to manage jobs, processes, the boot process, and system settings including SELinux. Students will build their own Linux machine using virtualization and use the machine for all labs. At the end of the course, students will complete a capstone project to demonstrate mastery of course material.

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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.

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what should give you pause

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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

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Reviews summary

Practical linux operating systems fundamentals

According to students, this course offers a strong, practical foundation in Linux operating systems, with many highlighting the hands-on labs and the experience of building their own virtual Linux machine as a major strength. Learners commend the clear explanations provided by the instructor, especially for complex concepts, and appreciate the well-structured content that progresses logically. The capstone project is frequently cited as an excellent way to consolidate learning. However, some learners with prior experience found certain modules, such as security (SELinux), to lack sufficient depth, suggesting it's best suited for beginners or those seeking practical application over deep theory. A few absolute beginners found the initial setup challenging and the pace inconsistent at times.

The final project effectively consolidates learning and demonstrates mastery.

"The capstone project really tied everything together and solidified my understanding."

"The capstone project was challenging but rewarding."

"The capstone was a comprehensive test of skills. Perfect for anyone aiming for a career in IT."

The instructor presents complex topics in an understandable way.

"The instructor explains complex concepts in a very clear and understandable way."

"The instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material clearly."

"I found the content on managing partitions and file systems particularly insightful."

Provides a strong base in essential Linux operations for real-world application.

"This course is an excellent introduction to Linux operating systems."

"The course is definitely geared towards practical application rather than deep theoretical understanding."

"I learned so much about navigating the file system, setting permissions, and managing users."

Excellent hands-on experience, particularly building a virtual Linux machine.

"I particularly enjoyed the hands-on labs where we built our own virtual Linux machine."

"As someone completely new to Linux, the step-by-step instructions for setting up the VM and working through the labs were incredibly helpful."

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me, and the VM setup is superb."

Initial setup and pace may be difficult for learners with no technical background.

"I struggled with this course. The pace felt inconsistent, and some explanations were not clear enough for a complete beginner."

"The virtualization setup was a bit tricky for me initially. Maybe it's not for absolute beginners."

Some advanced topics might lack detail for learners with prior experience.

"The course covers a lot of ground, but sometimes lacks depth. I found the section on SELinux to be very brief."

"If you have some prior experience, you might find some parts too basic or superficial."

"I felt some advanced topics were barely touched upon... those looking for intermediate knowledge might be left wanting more."

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

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

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

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

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

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

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

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

Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Fundamentals.

Python Programming for Raspberry Pi, Sams Teach...

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This classic guide to the Linux command line and shell scripting is invaluable for anyone who wants to master the command line. It covers everything from basic commands to advanced scripting techniques, and it's packed with practical examples and troubleshooting tips. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this book will help you get the most out of Linux.

Operating Systems Fundamentals

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical linux operating systems fundamentals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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