Operating Systems Fundamentals

Overview

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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.

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.