Operating Systems: Overview, Administration, and Security

Operating Systems: Overview, Administration, and Security

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team

What you'll learn

Essential OS knowledge for professionals looking to get started in cybersecurity and IT support
How to adeptly navigate features unique to Windows, Linux, and MacOS ecosystems
How to manage user accounts and permissions
Valuable insights into foundational cloud computing concepts such as virtualization and containerization

Details to know

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Assessments

10 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

51% of organizations are planning to increase security investments as a result of a breach (IBM Report). Companies need skilled IT support and cybersecurity professionals now more than ever. Whether you’re just starting out or switching to tech, this course provides the critical operating systems (OS) knowledge you need to move forward.

Operating systems are fundamental to all aspects of computing. In this course, you’ll learn foundational concepts common to all operating systems and the unique aspects of Windows, Linux, and MacOS. You’ll explore OS file systems and the associated security features. You'll discover the macOS features that revolutionized OS functionality. Plus, you’ll investigate virtualization and containerization. Additionally, through labs and a final project, you’ll get hands-on managing virus and threat protection, configuring user accounts and permissions with command-line tools, and securing systems against threats. If you’re looking to get started IT or cybersecurity, enroll today to gain essential knowledge in operating systems that enables you to work towards a career in cybersecurity, system administration, network engineering, or IT support.

In this module, you will learn about file systems and the directory structure of the Windows operating system. You will also learn how Windows separates 32-bit and 64-bit applications. The module will also enable you to explore Windows user mode and kernel mode components. Finally, you will have the opportunity to manage Windows files and folders, explore Microsoft Windows server features, and use Microsoft Windows command prompt tools for administration through hands-on labs.

What's included

12 videos4 readings3 assignments4 app items5 plugins

12 videosTotal 67 minutes

Course Introduction 3 minutesPreview module
An Introduction to Operating Systems 7 minutes
Microsoft Windows Systems Overview7 minutes
File Systems5 minutes
Directory Structure7 minutes
Using Your Windows Lab Workspace3 minutes
User and Kernel Modes5 minutes
Microsoft Windows Server Overview7 minutes
Using Your Microsoft Windows Lab Workspace3 minutes
Overview of Microsoft Windows Command Prompt Tools for Administration6 minutes
Microsoft Management Console4 minutes
What is Active Directory?4 minutes

4 readingsTotal 15 minutes

Course Overview5 minutes
Earn an IBM digital badge5 minutes
Lesson Summary: Microsoft Windows Operating System2 minutes
Lesson Summary: Windows Server Administration3 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 52 minutes

Practice Quiz: Microsoft Windows Operating System10 minutes
Practice Quiz: Windows Server Administration12 minutes
Module 1 Graded Quiz: Windows Operating Systems30 minutes

4 app itemsTotal 115 minutes

Lab: Using File Explorer to Manage Files and Folders20 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Exploring Microsoft Windows Server Features20 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Using Microsoft Windows Command Prompt Tools for Administration45 minutes
Creating Windows Users and Groups30 minutes

5 pluginsTotal 26 minutes

Reading: Helpful Tips for Course Completion3 minutes
Reading: File Naming Best Practices3 minutes
Reading: Using Microsoft Windows Command Prompt Tools for Administration10 minutes
Reading: Managing User Accounts 5 minutes
Module 1 Glossary: Microsoft Windows Operating System5 minutes

In this module, you will learn about Microsoft Windows security settings to protect your system against various threats. You will also be able to create a firewall rule in Microsoft Windows Defender through a hands-on lab. Next, you will recognize the importance of patches and updates in protecting against cyberattacks. You will also explore Microsoft Update and some critical practices to ensure a smooth and successful update experience. The module will also explore Kerberos and its benefits in domain-based authentication systems. Finally, you’ll learn to uncover system vulnerabilities and weaknesses through security auditing techniques.

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments2 app items2 plugins

8 videosTotal 48 minutes

Active Directory Accounts and Security Considerations6 minutesPreview module
Windows Security Settings3 minutes
User Management and Permissions5 minutes
Antimalware Tools and Microsoft Windows Firewall Configuration7 minutes
Overview of Patching6 minutes
Microsoft Update5 minutes
Kerberos7 minutes
Overview of Windows Auditing 5 minutes

1 readingTotal 3 minutes

Lesson Summary: Windows Security3 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 46 minutes

Practice Quiz: Windows Security 16 minutes
Module 2 Graded Quiz: Windows Security30 minutes

2 app itemsTotal 105 minutes

Hands-on Lab: Windows Defender Firewall60 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Creating a Firewall Rule in Microsoft Windows Defender45 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 8 minutes

Reading: Authentication Methods 3 minutes
Module 2 Glossary: Windows Security5 minutes

In this module, you will learn about Linux systems and shell commands to efficiently perform various system administration tasks. You will have access to a Linux and Bash commands cheat sheet, which will serve as a ready reckoner for commonly used commands and their syntax in the Linux terminal. This module will also cover Linux file systems, directory structures, and run levels. You will also have the opportunity to get started with the Linux terminal, explore common Linux and Unix commands, and navigate Linux user management tasks through hands-on labs.

What's included

5 videos1 reading2 assignments4 app items5 plugins

5 videosTotal 29 minutes

Linux Systems Overview5 minutesPreview module
Exploring Linux Operating System Essentials6 minutes
Linux Terminal Overview6 minutes
Overview of Common Linux Shell Commands6 minutes
Linux File Systems and Directory Structure5 minutes

1 readingTotal 2 minutes

Lesson Summary: Linux Operating Systems2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Practice Quiz: Linux Operating Systems10 minutes
Module 3 Graded Quiz: Linux Operating Systems30 minutes

4 app itemsTotal 135 minutes

Hands-on Lab: Getting Started with Linux Terminal60 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Common Linux/Unix Commands40 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Linux User Management15 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Updating Linux20 minutes

5 pluginsTotal 35 minutes

Reading: Linux Commands7 minutes
Linux and Bash Command Cheat Sheet: The Basics15 minutes
Reading: Linux Run Levels4 minutes
Reading: Securing Linux5 minutes
Module 3 Glossary: Linux Operating Systems4 minutes

In this module, you will learn about macOS, its features, preferences, and how to upgrade it. You will also learn the differences between iOS and Android. The module will cover fundamental concepts of virtualization and cloud computing. You will also have the opportunity to explore macOS features, create a virtual machine simulation, and explore containers, Docker, and IBM Cloud through hands-on labs.