OS
COURSE ITMO556 - Introduction to Open Sources Operating Systems Office Hours:
Live Sessions:
Instructor Jeremy Hajek, Industry Associate Professor, Illinois Institute of Technology
Jeremy Hajek | Illinois Institute of Technology (iit.edu)
Course Description This course will cover the fundamental concepts and philosophy behind free and open source software (FOSS). The course will discuss open source and free software licensing; open source business strategies and impact; FOSS utilization in the enterprise; and development methodologies. Students will learn to set up and configure an industry-standard open source operating system, including system installation, and basic system administration; system architecture; package management; command–line commands; devices, filesystems, and the filesystem hierarchy standard. Also addressed are applications, shells, scripting and data management; user interfaces and desktops; administrative tasks; essential system services; networking fundamentals; and security, as well as support issues for open source software. Multiple distributions are covered with emphasis on the two leading major distribution families.
Course Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
Use and administer Linux as both a server and desktop operating system.
Describe the GPL, GNU, and history of the Linux operating system.
Install different Linux distributions.
Navigate the graphical interface of the Linux operating system.
Navigate the filesystem using the command line.
Interact with the Linux shell via Shell Scripting.
Recall and use key Linux commands and utilities.
Install software for use with the Linux operating system.
Use networking services and describe how to troubleshoot issues.
Use SSH for remote admiration and create customer host firewall rules.
Create shell scripts for use with automation.
Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
Identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems discipline.
Course Materials The link to reading materials and resources to learn about the topics can be found in each week's learning module. All materials are available online for free, no required resources need to be purchased.
The open textbook used in this course is: Understanding Free and Opensource Operating Systems, The Technology and Philosophy of – Part 1, Jeremy Hajek.
It is Free and Opensource available (for life) in PDF and ePub at: Releases · jhajek/Linux-text-book-part-1 (github.com)
Note: Be aware that some resources may open in a new tab.
Software Requirements: VirtualBox for Intel based Windows and Intel Macs, or Parallels Pro for M1/M2 Macs 50% off Parallels Pro 1 year subscription license for Education
Sample code for exercises: The sample code is available as part of the source code in the textbook available at jhajek/Linux-text-book-part-1: This is the outline and content of an introduction to Linux Technology and Philosophy (github.com)
Inside of a Linux distro, MacOS, or Windows you can retrieve this sample code by issuing a Git Clone command: git clone .
Course Outline The course consists of 8 modules that focus on the following key areas:
Module 1: The History and Philosophy of Free and Opensource Software Key concepts
The History and Philosophy of Free and Opensource software Phases 0-6
Readings
Ch. 1
Ch. 2.1-2.9
Module 2: Navigating the Linux Desktop Key concepts
Introduction to Virtualized Linux Installation
Introduction to the Linux Desktop
Introduction to Window Managers and Desktop Environments
Readings
Ch. 3.1-3.9
Ch. 4.1-4.6
Module 3: Introduction to the Linux Editors and Shell Scripts Key concepts
The Linux Filesystem and System Path
The Linux Shell
Intermediate Shell Commands
Readings
Ch. 5-1-5.6
Ch. 6
Module 4: Intermediate Shell Scripting Key concepts
Commandline Editors
Writing Basic Shell Scripts
Intermediate Shell Script Writing
Readings
Ch. 7
Ch. 8.1-8.5
Module 5: Introduction to System Administration Key concepts
System Administration Tools
Introduction to System Logs and Troubleshooting
Introduction to Secure System Administration
Readings
Ch. 9.1-9.7
Module 6: Introduction to Managing Linux Processes and Filesystems Key concepts
System Initialization Phases 1-3
Linux Filesystems
Readings
Ch. 10.1-10.9
Ch. 11
Module 7: Introduction to Networking, Databases, and Web Technologies Key concepts
Introduction to OS Networking Configuration
Introduction to Webserver Installation and Configuration
Introduction to Database Installation and Configuration
Readings
Ch. 12.1-12.6
Module 8: Introduction to Automation Key concepts
Introduction to OS Automation - Vagrant
Introduction to OS Automation Creation - Packer
Introduction to Secrets Management
Readings
Ch. 13.1-13.6
Course Structure and Learning Activities There are 8 content modules in this course and each module may take about 9-12 hours to complete. While you can advance at your own pace, it is recommended that you take no longer than a week to complete each module. A consistent pace will help you complete the module and move on to the next course in the sequence. The final module consists of your final exam for the course.
This course is comprised of the following elements:
Readings: Each module may include several required and/or supplemental readings.
Video Lessons: In each module, the concepts you need to know will be presented through a collection of short videos. You may stream these videos for playback within the browser by clicking on their titles.
In-Video Questions. Some videos have questions associated with them to help verify your understanding of the topics. These questions will automatically appear while watching the video if you stream the video through your browser. These questions do not contribute toward your final score in the class.
Discussion Forum: This course has a place for you to interact with other learners about class-related topics.
Practice Quizzes: Each module will include some practice quizzes, intended for you to assess your understanding of the topics. You will be allowed unlimited attempts at each practice quiz. There is no time limit on how long you take to complete each attempt at the quiz. These quizzes do not contribute toward your final score in the class.
Summative Module Assessments: Each module will include at least one summative module assessment. You will be allowed 1 attempt every eight hours for each assessment. There is no time limit on how long you take to complete each attempt at the assessment. Your highest grade will be recorded.
Final Assessment: This course will contain one summative course assessment. You will be allowed one attempt for the assessment. Before taking the exam, please make sure you are in a place with a reliable internet connection. No retakes will be granted for the lack of internet access. You are in an online program and the use of the Internet is a requirement.
How to Pass This Course Guidelines for completing and submitting each assigned course activity is posted along with the assignment. Assignments can be submitted at any time as you move through the module. Only those who complete and submit all assignments, including peer reviews, will receive a certificate of completion of this course. No late assignments will be accepted. In case of extenuating circumstances beyond your control that prevent the submission of an assignment or exam, you have to enter a request with the program advisor and the instructor.
To qualify for a Course Certificate, simply start verifying your coursework at the beginning of the course and pay the fee. Coursera Financial Aid is available to offset the registration cost for learners with demonstrated economic needs. If you have questions about Course Certificates, please see the help topics here.
Also, note that this course is part of Master of Data Science offered by Illinois Institute of Technology. By earning a Course Certificate in this course, you are on your way toward earning a Specialization Certificate in this topic. See more information about this program here.
If you choose not to pay the fee, you can still audit the course. You will still be able to view all videos, submit practice quizzes, and view required assessments. Auditing does not include the option to submit required assessments. As such, you will not be able to earn a grade or a Course Certificate.
The following table explains the breakdown of what is required in order to pass the class and qualify for a Course Certificate. You must pass each and every required activity in order to pass this course.
Activity
Required?
Number per Course
Estimated Time per Module
% Required to Pass
% of Total Grade
Lecture Videos
Yes
3-6 per module
.5-1 hour
N/A
N/A
Practice Quizzes
No
3-6 per module
.5 hour
N/A
N/A
Discussions
Yes
1 per course
1 hour
N/A
N/A
Summative Module Assessments
Yes
1 per module
.5 hour
80%
7.5%/each module (60%)
Summative Course Assessment
Yes
1-2 per course
1-3 hours
80%
40%
Letter Grades Letter grades are used for the final grade. Information about IIT grading system can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook.
Letter Grade
Description
Points
Percentage
A
Excellent
4.00
90-100
B
Above Average
3.00
80-89.99
C
Average
2.00
70-79.99
E
Fail
0.00
Under 70%
Getting and Giving Help Use the Learner Help Center to find information regarding specific technical problems. For example, technical problems would include error messages, difficulty submitting assignments, or problems with video playback. If you cannot find an answer in the documentation, you can also report your problem to the Coursera staff by clicking on the Contact Us! link available on each topic's page within the Learner Help Center.
Use the flag icon under each item to report errors in lecture video content, assignment questions and answers, assignment grading, text and links on course pages, or the content of other course materials.
Familiarize yourself with Coursera’s policy on Accessibility.
Academic Integrity
Your attentiveness to academic integrity reflects the value you place on your own work and the work of others. In addition to
Coursera's Honor Code,
we also have high expectations for conduct during course participation.
Discussion Forums: Expectations Sharing an online course with other avid learners like you gives you a unique opportunity to share, collaborate, and learn from others and their experiences, and helps you reinforce your understanding of the topics of the course. Interacting in the Discussion Forums is a great way to engage with your online community. We know that it is not possible to read every discussion forum post, so we recommend that you read those that interest you; and reply when you can contribute. The forum is part of your class activities and everybody is expected to act professionally and be civil and respectful of others in your class. Failure to meet these expectations may be considered a break in the Academic Code of Conduct and may result in your removal from the course. Please, check tips and helpful tools to interact in discussion forums in this document .
Academic Code of Conduct Above all else, learners are expected to ensure that their conduct helps to create an atmosphere conducive to learning and the interchange of knowledge. While it is understood that some of these items are subject to interpretation, learners should nonetheless endeavor to:
Be respectful of fellow learners.
Do not discriminate against fellow learners in any manner.
Conduct peer reviews in a timely manner and give useful feedback on what was done well, helpful suggestions for how to improve, and specific comments about why you gave the grade you chose to assist peers in their learning.
Turn assignments in on time and follow instructions on all assignments including those affecting the use of technology.
Be truthful in all communication, which includes, but is not limited to, avoiding academic dishonesty.
Illinois Institute of Technology Copyright Statement This course material is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by IIT. No part of this course material may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or otherwise, without the express prior written permission of the University.