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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL by Google

4.8
stars
4,477 ratings

About the Course

This is the fourth course in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. These courses will equip you with the skills you need to apply for an entry-level cybersecurity job. You’ll build on your understanding of the topics that were introduced in the third Google Cybersecurity Certificate course. In this course, you will explore computing skills that you’ll use on-the-job as a cybersecurity analyst. First, you'll practice using Linux, an operating system commonly used by cybersecurity professionals. For example, you'll use the Linux command line through the Bash shell to navigate and manage the file system and authenticate users. Then, you'll use SQL to communicate with a database. Google employees who currently work in cybersecurity will guide you through videos, provide hands-on activities and examples that simulate common cybersecurity tasks, and help you build your skills to prepare for jobs. Learners who complete this certificate will be equipped to apply for entry-level cybersecurity roles. No previous experience is necessary. By the end of this course, you will: - Explain the relationship between operating systems, applications, and hardware. - Compare a graphical user interface to a command line interface. - Identify the unique features of common Linux distributions. - Navigate and manage the file system using Linux commands via the Bash shell. - Use Linux commands via the Bash shell to authenticate and authorize users. - Describe how a relational database is organized. - Use SQL to retrieve information from a database. - Apply filters to SQL queries and use joins to combine multiple tables....

Top reviews

SA

Sep 24, 2023

this course linux and sql is the 4th course series of google cyber security certification. This course is linux operating system , and sql. this is very helpful steps in my cyber security journey.

MR

Aug 23, 2024

This class was very challenging and fun! I was so intimidated to start it, seriously took me 2 months of looking at it to finally get started and I am glad i did. I learned so much and it was fun!

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1 - 25 of 774 Reviews for Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL

By Lindsey W

•

Jan 26, 2024

The hands on practice with the Labs for Linux and SQL was the MOST beneficial. This helped with learning, absorbing, and genuinely understanding the material. This course is set up very well!

By Kris D

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Jul 18, 2023

Whole course is nothing but definitions. You don't really learn how to do anything.

By Ian D M

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Aug 19, 2023

Positive: Finally something practical! I was getting tired of writing exercises on .docx files. Negative: Bloated with useless propaganda, repetitive tasks, VERY lengthy videos that fail to efficiently explain how SQL and Linux works, and not enough valuable information within the course materials. At most this was introductory. I doubt anyone can use the Linux shell or filter with SQL at a basic level with what's taught here. A little more content and much less bloat would've earned it a 4th star.

By Tim W

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Jul 16, 2023

The Linux portion of this section was very good and I understood this portion of the course very well. The SQL portion not so much. Notes were harder to take as the video had a lot of verbiage and note taking was much more difficult. Also, through out the course, the video portions of the course were followed up by the reading section, which summed up the videos. In the SQL section, the reading portion after the videos did not. I found I had to flip back and forth from these sections and I wish that there were more graphs perhaps to illustrate the learning.

By Geronimo

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May 29, 2023

The labs are very poorly designed and do not offer step by step instructions for absolute beginners.

By M I

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Sep 25, 2023

Learning Linux and SQL is quite challenging but with clear explanation and examples given makes the course easier to understand specially for me without any background on IT or cyber security.

By abba k

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Jan 4, 2024

It was a very wonderful course full of practical aspects and theoretical guidance. I enjoyed it very much and promise to further my study in Linux and SQL.......To my Instructor I thank YOU.

By Sean W

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Jun 2, 2023

This course really challenged me to the point I wasn't sure I would understand some

of the SQL context< but I stuck with it and am so proud of myself for passing this course.

Thank you

By Rahul V

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Jun 14, 2023

Enjoyed a lot performing all the knowledge learned throughout this course via labs.

Great course for understanding basics of Linux and SQL with hands-on experience.

By Cazac M

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Jul 26, 2023

The course is pretty basic and is only scratching the surface. I recommend Sander van Vugt courses on Linux. The good thing about the course that although its basic it explains them really well. But then again that is easy when the scope is for beginners only. The fact that there are some labs makes the course more engaging though. Still, the course leaves the taste of wanting more. A mixed bag of good and bad.

By Omar M A G S A

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Jul 29, 2023

To be honest it teaches very little about SQL, and only on linux shell

By Baria T

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Jun 16, 2023

This assignment is one of the worst one. I have been enjoying these courses, but I am about to give up. Every time I am typing something, it is just repeating the same thing over and over. I don't know how to ever go back to the directory. I tried to end the lab and start again, but the system wouldn't let me. This is so frustrating.

By Chong Y N

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May 7, 2023

Please don't verify what the user types in the labs but instead with what has been executed. Nullifying queries that edit previous inputs is just a waste of time.

By Dominic N

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Nov 11, 2023

instructor reads the teleprompter infuriatingly slow. 2x speed saved my sanity

By Matthew M

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Nov 5, 2023

Some of the test don't score correctly I have photo proof

By Kar I

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Apr 15, 2024

This is a very good entry level course for individuals who will use Linux and SQL queries in their day to day work. It provides a foundation to understand the core linux commands for filesystem navigation and access control, and moves on to basic SQL queries and table JOINs. After this course, one has the necessary prerequisites to further enhance their knowledge of more advanced commands from many online resources.

By shahid a

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Sep 25, 2023

this course linux and sql is the 4th course series of google cyber security certification. This course is linux operating system , and sql. this is very helpful steps in my cyber security journey.

By Alberto O C

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Aug 16, 2023

The different learning aspects within the course really helped me to better understand each concept. The labs also help by adding repetition and letting me know where I need study further.

By Muhammad A

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Jul 23, 2023

Fantastic course with great knowledge, Instructor was also so good. The best thing of course is practicing labs, i enjoyed that labs and quiz. thanks to coursera and google

By Legacy B

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Jun 17, 2023

Please improve the VM software and its projects related to Linux, i did not get any response when i typed in a linux command which was being suggested in the instructions while performing ungraded activity.

By DAVID F

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Jul 19, 2023

I wasn't impressed by the instructor. A lot of the videos were "fluff" and wasted valuable time that could have been better used to learn more security-related Linux commands. I'm also not sure how valuable SQL is in security. It might have been more practical to introduce actual security tools (GUI/Dashboard) that use SQL to query data. It is unlikely that we would be using "raw" SQL queries from the command line.

By Fernando G

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Nov 30, 2023

This course was insanely hard to follow. The instructor videos were very robotic and hard to keep track of. I found myself going back to the reading more than the video. The word run off and incomplete sentence structure of the instructor made learning this simple concept hard to swallow. Felt as if this person wanted this to end as fast as possible. Or was very nervous. I would recommend this instructor practice public speaking or reading from a card. Out of all the courses, I absolutely couldn't be engaged the way I was in the others.

By Michael N

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Aug 17, 2023

I think this course was very inconsistent with how the activities were made. For example, the SQL activities in the system had several occurrences where the support line could not figure out why I was continuously getting an error message and later told me to continue with the course. This made it difficult to know for sure whether I was making a personal error or if it was a system error by default. Therefore, completing the tests became a hurdle because of the non confirmations I was receiving in the activities.

In addition, this course advertises that you "Don't

need" a technical background in order to get into cybersecurity. However, the content in later parts of this course were very technical to understand.

By Francesco B

•

Aug 7, 2024

Course Review: Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL As an Engineering student, the course "Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL" has proven to be one of the most practical and enriching experiences in my academic journey. This course effectively combines essential technical skills with hands-on experience, making it a critical part of my education. Below is a detailed review of the course, covering various aspects such as content, structure, teaching methods, usefulness, and areas for improvement. Course Overview and Structure: The "Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL" course is meticulously designed to cater to both beginners and those with some prior knowledge. It spans several weeks, with each module building on the previous one to ensure a progressive learning experience. Linux Module: Introduction to Linux: The course starts with an introduction to Linux, explaining its significance in the tech industry and its advantages over other operating systems. This section covers the basics of Linux architecture, file systems, and the command-line interface (CLI). Command-Line Proficiency: Students learn essential Linux commands and scripting techniques. The emphasis on mastering command-line operations helps in navigating, managing files, and automating tasks efficiently. System Administration: This part of the course delves into user management, process control, and system monitoring. Practical labs help students gain experience with managing users, permissions, and system resources. Scripting and Automation: The course introduces bash scripting, which is crucial for automating repetitive tasks. Students work on projects that require writing and debugging scripts, enhancing their problem-solving skills. SQL Module: Database Fundamentals: The SQL section begins with a foundation in database concepts, including relational databases, tables, and schema design. This theoretical background is essential for understanding how SQL fits into data management. Basic SQL Queries: Students start by learning basic SQL commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. These fundamental operations are essential for interacting with databases. Advanced Query Techniques: The course progresses to more complex topics such as joins, subqueries, and aggregate functions. This section is crucial for handling more sophisticated data retrieval and manipulation tasks. Database Design and Optimization: Students explore database normalization, indexing, and performance tuning. Understanding these concepts is key to designing efficient and scalable databases. Teaching Methods and Resources: The course employs a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles: Lectures: Theoretical concepts are delivered through engaging lectures, supported by visual aids and real-world examples. Hands-On Labs: Practical labs are a cornerstone of the course, providing students with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in a controlled environment. These labs are well-structured, with clear instructions and immediate feedback. Interactive Sessions: Weekly interactive sessions, including Q&A and peer reviews, help reinforce learning and address any difficulties students may encounter. Projects: The course includes several projects that require integrating knowledge from both Linux and SQL modules. These projects are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, providing a comprehensive understanding of how Linux and SQL are used together in industry settings. Usefulness and Application: The skills acquired from this course are highly applicable across various engineering disciplines: Software Development: Proficiency in Linux and SQL is invaluable for software developers, particularly those working with server-side applications and databases. System Administration: Understanding Linux is crucial for roles involving system administration, server management, and IT support. Data Analysis: Knowledge of SQL is essential for data analysis, reporting, and business intelligence, making this course relevant for engineers working with data-driven applications. Internships and Job Market: The practical skills and projects completed during the course provide a competitive edge in internships and job interviews. Employers often look for candidates with hands-on experience in these areas, making this course a valuable asset on a resume. Areas for Improvement: While the course is highly effective, there are a few areas where it could be enhanced: Advanced Topics: Including more advanced topics, such as Linux networking, security practices, and SQL performance optimization, could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Industry-Relevant Case Studies: Incorporating case studies or guest lectures from industry professionals could offer insights into current trends and real-world applications, further bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice. Supplementary Materials: Providing additional resources, such as online tutorials or reference guides, could help students deepen their understanding and explore topics of interest beyond the course curriculum. Conclusion: Overall, "Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL" is a highly recommended course for engineering students. It delivers a robust foundation in two critical areas of technology, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. The skills gained from this course are not only beneficial for academic success but also indispensable for professional growth in the tech industry. With a well-rounded approach and practical focus, this course equips students with the tools they need to excel in their Engineering careers.

By Braily V

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Jul 15, 2023

This section of the course was excellent! I had previously watched some YouTube videos on Linux about eight months ago, so it was relatively easy for me to grasp and navigate through. It served as a valuable refresher, and I even learned some new commands.

However, I found the SQL part to be quite challenging. Nevertheless, it is a common sentiment echoed by other analysts in various videos that it's perfectly acceptable to look up command usage for both Linux and SQL. It is virtually impossible to remember everything, and relying on online resources to find the desired answers is an integral part of the learning process.

I've watched numerous cybersecurity-related videos, and they often emphasize the following: "The beauty of IT lies in those moments when you can't initially figure out why something isn't working or troubleshoot the problem. The frustration you experience during such times serves as a catalyst to keep you motivated. When you finally uncover the solution, enter the command, and witness everything falling into place, an overwhelming sense of joy rushes through your body. That sensation is what drives you forward." I'm confident that you've experienced this sensation before.

IT is intentionally complex since we are essentially attempting to communicate with computers that solely comprehend binary code. However, through programming, we enable them to interpret every keystroke and beyond. Embrace the challenges, and never give up! Keep pushing forward! (: