Linux Foundations and Basic System Administration
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Linux Foundations and Basic System Administration
This course is part of Complete Linux Training Course to Get Your Dream IT Job Specialization
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What you'll learn
Understand Linux history, architecture, and its role in modern technology.
Install and configure Linux environments, both locally and in the cloud.
Master file systems, user management, and essential Linux commands.
Learn advanced text processing, file permissions, and system security.
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There are 5 modules in this course
Updated in May 2025.
This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Embark on a transformative journey into the world of Linux with this comprehensive course designed to build your expertise in Linux system administration. You’ll gain a deep understanding of Linux fundamentals, from the operating system’s history and architecture to advanced system management techniques, preparing you for a successful IT career. The course begins with an engaging introduction to Linux, its various distributions, and its impact on modern technology. Through detailed video lessons and hands-on modules, you’ll learn to install and configure Linux environments, set up virtual labs, and explore essential tools like Oracle VirtualBox and VMWare Player. Along the way, you'll dive into key concepts such as file systems, command-line proficiency, and user management. As you progress, the course transitions to advanced topics, covering Linux commands, file permissions, text processing, and system security. Each module is designed to build your confidence and technical expertise, equipping you with the skills to manage Linux systems in real-world environments. Whether you're a beginner or an IT professional looking to expand your skill set, this course is tailored to suit your needs. With no prior Linux experience required, you’ll emerge with a solid foundation and practical skills ready for certification and beyond.
In this module, we will introduce you to the course, its goals, and your instructor, Imran Afzal. You'll gain an overview of the learning journey, understand the syllabus, and discover how this course equips you with the foundational skills for Linux system administration and IT success.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment
3 videos•Total 8 minutes
- Introduction to the Specialization•2 minutes
- Linux Everywhere - Wall-1.0•1 minute
- Syllabus Overview•5 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Linux Foundations and Basic System Administration'•10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resources•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Introduction - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore Linux's foundations, from its origins and historical milestones to its applications in today’s technology landscape. You’ll learn about Linux's diverse flavors, its community of users, and how it contrasts with Unix and Windows, providing you with a holistic understanding of its significance.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
9 videos•Total 32 minutes
- Welcome to Module 1•0 minutes
- Everyday Linux•1 minute
- What is Operating System?•3 minutes
- What is Linux?•4 minutes
- History of Linux•5 minutes
- Linux vs. Unix•4 minutes
- Linux flavors•4 minutes
- Linux Users•3 minutes
- Linux vs. Windows•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Module 1 - Introduction to Linux - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will equip you with the practical skills to set up your Linux environment. Whether using virtualization tools like Oracle VirtualBox or exploring cloud-based installations, you’ll learn to configure and manage Linux systems tailored to your learning and career goals.
What's included
18 videos1 assignment
18 videos•Total 135 minutes
- Welcome to Module 2•0 minutes
- Lab Design•3 minutes
- What is Virtual Box?•2 minutes
- Downloading and Installing Oracle VirtualBox•6 minutes
- Download and Install VMWare Player (Optional)•6 minutes
- CentOS vs. CentOS Stream•3 minutes
- Different Ways to Install Linux•3 minutes
- Creating a Virtual Machine•7 minutes
- Download and Install Linux (CentOS 7)•17 minutes
- Download and Install Linux (CentOS 8)•13 minutes
- Download and Install Linux (CentOS 9)•13 minutes
- Option 2 - Linux Installation on Cloud•8 minutes
- Message for Redhat Installation•1 minute
- Redhat Linux Installation (Optional)•13 minutes
- Ubuntu Linux Installation (Optional)•14 minutes
- Take a snapshot of VM•2 minutes
- Virtual Machine Management•13 minutes
- Keyboard Keys Used in Linux•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Module 2 - Download, Install, and Configure Linux - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive into Linux system access and its unique file system. Learn to connect remotely using SSH, explore the file system’s structure, and gain mastery over essential commands for navigating and managing files and directories in Linux.
What's included
20 videos1 assignment
20 videos•Total 125 minutes
- Welcome to Module 3•0 minutes
- Important Things to Remember in Linux•2 minutes
- Access to Linux System•5 minutes
- Download and Install Putty•4 minutes
- Access Linux via Putty or SSH command line•7 minutes
- Command Prompts and Getting Prompts Back•4 minutes
- Introduction to Linux File System•5 minutes
- FileSystem Structure and Description•13 minutes
- File System Navigation Commands (cd, ls, and pwd)•10 minutes
- Linux File or Directory Properties•7 minutes
- Linux File Types•4 minutes
- What is root?•2 minutes
- Changing Password•5 minutes
- Absolute and Relative Paths•5 minutes
- Creating Files and Directories (touch, cp, vi, mkdir)•10 minutes
- Copying directories•4 minutes
- Finding Files and Directories (find, locate)•11 minutes
- Difference Between Find and Locate Commands•6 minutes
- WildCards (*, ?, ^, [])•10 minutes
- Soft and Hard Links (ln)•12 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Module 3 - System Access and File System - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will delve into Linux’s fundamental operations, emphasizing command-line proficiency. You’ll master file permissions, ownership settings, and powerful tools like awk, grep, and chmod, setting the stage for advanced system administration tasks.
What's included
25 videos1 reading3 assignments
25 videos•Total 223 minutes
- Welcome to Module 4•0 minutes
- Linux Command Syntax•7 minutes
- Files and Directory Permissions (chmod)•13 minutes
- File Permissions Using Numeric Mode•9 minutes
- File Ownership Commands (chown, chgrp)•12 minutes
- Access Control List (ACL)•13 minutes
- Help Commands•5 minutes
- TAB Completion and Up Arrow Keys•6 minutes
- Adding Text to Files•12 minutes
- Input and Output Redirects (>, >>, <, stdin, stdout, and stderr)•14 minutes
- Standard Output to a File (tee command)•11 minutes
- Pipes ( | )•5 minutes
- File Maintenance Commands (cp, rm, mv, mkdir, rmdir)•12 minutes
- File Display Commands (cat, less, more, head, tail)•8 minutes
- Filters / Text Processing Commands•2 minutes
- cut - Text Processors Commands•10 minutes
- awk - Text Processors Commands•14 minutes
- grep/egrep - Text Processors Commands•13 minutes
- sort/uniq - Text Processors Commands•10 minutes
- wc - Text Processors Commands•8 minutes
- Compare Files (diff and cmp)•5 minutes
- Compress and uncompress (tar, gzip, gunzip)•12 minutes
- Truncate File Size (truncate)•8 minutes
- Combining and Splitting Files•7 minutes
- Linux vs. Windows Commands•6 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Linux Foundations and Basic System Administration'•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Module 4 - Linux Fundamentals - Assessment•15 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
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