Operating System Foundations (Coursera)

Offered by Infosec,
Operating System Foundations (Coursera)

In this course, we take a look at what an actual operating system is. People often confuse operating systems with browsers and many other things. We take a look at Windows versus Linux versus MacOS and discuss how these operating systems evolved. We also get into some technical detail about the components that make up an operating system.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Operating System Foundations
This is an introductory course to what an actual operating system is. People often confuse operating systems with browsers and many other things. We talk about the differences in the operating systems, Linux, Windows and MacOS, and how they came to be.

WEEK 2
Windows Command Line Foundations
This course is an introduction to the Windows command line and includes hands-on exercises. The goal is not to make the learner a command-line master, but to provide an introduction that will make the student comfortable with bootcamps requiring command-line entry.

WEEK 3
Linux Command line Foundations
This course gets the learner right into the thick of the command line from the Linux perspective and is designed to get the learner started on using Linux and the Linux command line. We spend time building students' confidence with the Linux command line so that really in-depth boot camps won't leave the learner struggling with topics like syntax. This course is an important step if you plan on pursuing a role such as entry-level pentester, cybersecurity analyst or basically any technical cybersecurity role.

WEEK 4
Pen Test Demo
This course is a walkthrough of a typical penetration test. We end the course with a peek into the real world of a cybersecurity job role, as penetration testing is one of the expertise areas of the instructor.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: Nand to Tetris Part II (project-centered course) (Coursera) Coursera
Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: Nand to Tetris Part II (project-centered course) (Coursera)

In this project-centered course you will build a modern software hierarchy, designed to enable the translation and execution of object-based, high-level languages on a bare-bone computer hardware platform. In particular, you will implement a virtual machine and a compiler for a simple, Java-like programming language, and you will develop a basic operating system that closes gaps between the high-level language and the underlying hardware platform.

Jul 20th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL (Coursera) Coursera
Google

Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL (Coursera)

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.

Jul 27th 2026
4 Weeks
Unix System Basics (Coursera) Coursera
Codio

Unix System Basics (Coursera)

Explore Unix system basics without installing anything! This course is designed for learners with no technical experience, providing a solid foundation of Unix basics. Learners will gain hands-on practice on an Ubuntu system that can be easily transferred to other Unix-based operating systems. The modules in this course cover what characterizes Unix-based operating systems, navigating, searching, and editing files and directories using the command line.

Jul 27th 2026
3 Weeks
Operating Systems Fundamentals (Coursera) Coursera
Akamai Technologies, Inc.

Operating Systems Fundamentals (Coursera)

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.

Jul 27th 2026
4 Weeks
Securing Linux Systems (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Securing Linux Systems (Coursera)

In this course, we look at security and the Linux operating system. The course material is a good for anyone preparing for the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) exam or just interested in learning more about Linux. This course is the third course in a series that aims to prepare you for working as an information technology professional. In this course, you will be introduced to ownership, authentication, and authorization. We will drill into creating security through backups and redundancy. We concluded by looking at how to secure the perimeter of our network and systems.

Jul 27th 2026
4 Weeks
Programming Mobile Applications for Android Handheld Systems: Part 2 (Coursera) Coursera
University of Maryland, College Park

Programming Mobile Applications for Android Handheld Systems: Part 2 (Coursera)

This course introduces you to the design and implementation of Android applications for mobile devices. You will build upon concepts from the prior course, including handling notifications, using multimedia and graphics and incorporating touch and gestures into your apps.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Aspectos básicos de la asistencia técnica (Coursera) Coursera
Google

Aspectos básicos de la asistencia técnica (Coursera)

Este curso es el primero de una serie que tiene como objetivo prepararte para un rol como especialista de soporte de TI de nivel inicial. En este curso, serás introducido en el mundo de la tecnología de la información, o TI. Aprenderás sobre las diferentes facetas de la tecnología de la información como hardware y software informático, Internet, solución de problemas y servicio al cliente.

Jul 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Windows OS Forensics (Coursera) Coursera
Infosec

Windows OS Forensics (Coursera)

The Windows OS Forensics course covers windows file systems, Fat32, ExFat, and NTFS. You will learn how these systems store data, what happens when a file gets written to disc, what happens when a file gets deleted from disc, and how to recover deleted files. You will also learn how to correctly interpret the information in the file system data structures, giving the student a better understanding of how these file systems work. This knowledge will enable you to validate the information from multiple forensic tools properly.

Jul 27th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Internet of Things V2: DragonBoard™ bring up and community ecosystem (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, San Diego

Internet of Things V2: DragonBoard™ bring up and community ecosystem (Coursera)

Do you want to develop skills to prototype embedded products using state-of-the-art technologies? In this course you will build a hardware and software development environment to guide your journey through the Internet of Things specialization courses. We will use the DragonBoard™ 410c single board computer (SBC).

Jul 20th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User (Coursera) Coursera
Google

Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User (Coursera)

In this course, you’ll learn how to use the major operating systems, Windows and Linux, which are a core component of IT. Through a combination of video lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, you’ll learn about the main components of an operating system and how to perform critical tasks like managing software and users, and configuring hardware.

Jul 20th 2026
5-12 Weeks