Linux Operating System: A Complete Linux Guide for Beginners
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Linux Operating System: A Complete Linux Guide for Beginners
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What you'll learn
Identify key Linux commands and system utilities.
Explain the Linux file system hierarchy and terminal usage.
Install and configure Linux Mint in a virtual environment.
Distinguish between different Linux distributions and their use cases.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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There are 10 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. This course is tailored for those who are new to the Linux operating system and want to build a solid foundation. It begins with an overview of Linux, explaining its unique characteristics, the benefits it offers over other operating systems, and the different distributions available. By the end of the introductory section, you will have a clear understanding of what Linux is and why it’s the preferred OS for many professionals. Next, the course guides you through the process of setting up a virtual environment using VirtualBox, ensuring you can practice safely without affecting your main system. You’ll learn how to install Linux Mint, navigate the interface, and understand the basics of the Linux file system and terminal commands. This hands-on approach will help you gain confidence as you explore core functionalities like managing files, directories, and permissions, and using system utilities effectively. In the final sections, the course dives into more advanced topics such as networking, system processes, and even writing code directly in the Linux terminal. You will also learn how to set up a web server and create simple shell scripts, providing you with the skills to tackle real-world tasks. Whether you are looking to enhance your professional skills or explore a new hobby, this course offers a comprehensive guide to mastering Linux. This course is ideal for beginners with no prior experience in Linux or those looking to refresh their basic knowledge. Familiarity with using a computer is recommended, but no specific prerequisites are required.
In this module, we will introduce the course, outlining its primary goals and structure. You will gain an initial understanding of Linux, its definition, and why it’s a preferred operating system in the corporate world.
What's included
5 videos1 reading
5 videos•Total 12 minutes
- Introduction to Course•2 minutes
- Course Outline•4 minutes
- What Is Linux•1 minute
- Definition•2 minutes
- Why Linux?•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Full Course Resources•10 minutes
In this module, we will explore the origins of Linux and delve into its major distributions. You'll also understand how to choose the right distribution for this course and compare interfaces like GUI and CLI.
What's included
4 videos
4 videos•Total 11 minutes
- Brief History•2 minutes
- Major Linux Families•5 minutes
- Choosing Distro for This Course•1 minute
- GUI Versus CLI•3 minutes
In this module, we will guide you through the process of downloading, installing, and configuring Linux Mint using VirtualBox. You’ll also learn alternative methods to install Linux without a VM if necessary.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
7 videos•Total 22 minutes
- Installation and Understanding Virtualization•4 minutes
- Installing VirtualBox•1 minute
- Downloading Linux Mint•1 minute
- Creating First VM•6 minutes
- Installing Linux Mint•4 minutes
- Additional Settings for VirtualBox•3 minutes
- OnWorks (Alternate If You Can't Use VM)•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Download, Install, and Configure - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce the Linux Mint user interface and terminal. You will learn to run commands in the terminal and explore the Linux file system's structure, along with basic and advanced directory commands.
What's included
7 videos
7 videos•Total 37 minutes
- Look-Around in Mint UI (User Interface)•5 minutes
- Linux File System Hierarchy•8 minutes
- Introduction to Terminal•4 minutes
- Linux Directory Commands•7 minutes
- Linux Directory Commands Part-2•5 minutes
- sudo•4 minutes
- Getting Help•4 minutes
In this module, we will focus on handling files and directories within the Linux environment. You’ll learn to manage, search, and edit files using various commands and Linux-based editors.
What's included
9 videos
9 videos•Total 40 minutes
- Printing Contents of Files•8 minutes
- Copying, Moving, Renaming Files•4 minutes
- Linux File Editors (Nano Editor)•5 minutes
- Linux File Editors (Vi Text Editor)•9 minutes
- Search for a File (Find, Locate)•2 minutes
- Grep, Comparing Files•3 minutes
- Pipe and sed•2 minutes
- Checking File Size•3 minutes
- Compress and Un-Compress Files/Directories•3 minutes
In this module, we will cover essential system and utility commands. You’ll gain insights into checking system information, managing users, changing file ownership, and setting permissions.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
8 videos•Total 30 minutes
- System Info•2 minutes
- System Utilities (Date, Calander, Sleep)•4 minutes
- Utility Commands (Clear Exit Shutdown)•2 minutes
- Uptime, Alias•2 minutes
- User Management•7 minutes
- Changing Ownership of File, Folder•6 minutes
- Changing User Permissions•3 minutes
- Changing Permissions Using Num Code•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- System and Utility Commands - Assessment •15 minutes
In this module, we will dive into networking basics on Linux. You will learn how to check your IP, configure a bridged network in VirtualBox, and manage firewall settings for secure network communication.
What's included
4 videos
4 videos•Total 17 minutes
- Networking - Introduction•4 minutes
- Check Your IP•3 minutes
- Setting Up Bridged Network in VirtualBox•2 minutes
- Firewall•8 minutes
In this module, we will discuss memory management and processes in Linux. You will learn how to monitor system processes and memory, as well as how to end unresponsive tasks.
What's included
3 videos1 assignment
3 videos•Total 10 minutes
- Memory•2 minutes
- Process (ps and top)•3 minutes
- Killing a Process•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Process and Memory - Assessment •15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce you to advanced Linux features such as coding, server setup, and shell scripting. You’ll learn how to run C programs, install Apache, create web pages, and automate tasks with shell scripts.
What's included
4 videos
4 videos•Total 20 minutes
- Writing and Running Code Using Terminal (C Language)•4 minutes
- Installing Apache Server•5 minutes
- Setting Up Your Own Webpage•4 minutes
- Shell Scripting•7 minutes
In this bonus module, we will demonstrate how to make USB devices work seamlessly with VirtualBox. You’ll learn how to configure both internal and external USB devices within a VM.
What's included
2 videos3 assignments
2 videos•Total 9 minutes
- Making USB Devices Work with VirtualBox Copy•5 minutes
- Using External USB Devices in a VM Copy•4 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Bonus: Additional VirtualBox settings -Assessment •15 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
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Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
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