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Operating System Courses

Operating system courses can help you learn process management, memory allocation, file systems, and user interfaces. You can build skills in troubleshooting system errors, optimizing performance, and implementing security protocols. Many courses introduce tools like Linux, Windows, and virtualization software, illustrating how these skills are applied in real-world environments.

Popular Operating System Courses and Certifications


  • B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Operating Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Operating Systems, Memory Management, OS Process Management, Command-Line Interface, File Systems, System Monitoring, Performance Tuning, Package and Software Management, File Management, Algorithms, Cloud Platforms, User Accounts, Security Controls

    4.7 stars, 19 reviews, Intermediate, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (19) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • G

    Google

    Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User

    Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, Package and Software Management, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, Linux Administration, Remote Access Systems, System Monitoring, Command-Line Interface, User Accounts, System Support, File Management, Linux Commands, Software Installation, Authorization (Computing)

    4.7 stars, 30K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (30K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • C

    Codio

    Introduction to Operating Systems

    Skills you'll gain: File Systems, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, Memory Management, C (Programming Language), File Management, Virtualization, Computer Programming Tools, Data Integrity, Debugging, File I/O, C and C++, Systems Design, Data Maintenance, Data Storage Technologies, System Software, Distributed Computing, Data Storage, System Programming, Data Structures

    4.6 stars, 323 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.6 (323) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • I

    IBM

    Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, Virtualization, Peripheral Devices, Computing Platforms, Hardware Architecture, System Support, Computer Hardware, Mac OS, System Configuration, Hardware Troubleshooting, Operating Systems, Technical Support, Linux, Computer Architecture, Disaster Recovery, File Systems, Software Installation, User Accounts, Data Storage, Network Infrastructure

    4.7 stars, 2.1K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (2.1K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
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  • I

    Illinois Tech

    Mastering Operating Systems

    Skills you'll gain: Open Source Technology, Linux, Package and Software Management, Shell Script, Linux Administration, Ubuntu, Linux Commands, Microsoft Windows, Unix Shell, User Accounts, Bash (Scripting Language), Command-Line Interface, Linux Servers, Unix, Operating Systems, Scripting, Windows Servers, System Configuration, Systems Administration, Security Management

    4.5 stars, 164 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.5 (164) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
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  • M

    Microsoft

    Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security

    Skills you'll gain: Data Storage Technologies, Operating Systems, IT Infrastructure, Email Security, Productivity Software, Cybersecurity, Computer Architecture, Data Security, Cloud Computing

    4.8 stars, 2K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.8 (2K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • I

    Illinois Tech

    Hardware and Operating System Foundations

    Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, Linux Administration, Microsoft Windows, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, System Configuration, Authorization (Computing), OS Process Management, Information Technology, IT Automation, Network Administration, General Networking, Software Installation

    4.6 stars, 173 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.6 (173) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • I

    Infosec

    Operating System Foundations

    Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Linux Commands, Command-Line Interface, Linux, Cybersecurity, Operating Systems, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS

    4.6 stars, 100 reviews, Mixed, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.6 (100) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • G

    Google

    Using Python to Interact with the Operating System

    Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Test Automation, Development Testing, Scripting, Software Testing, Shell Script, File I/O, Test Driven Development (TDD), Linux Commands, Development Environment, Operating Systems, File Management, OS Process Management, Automation, Python Programming

    4.7 stars, 6.7K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (6.7K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • I

    Illinois Tech

    Hardware and Operating System Foundations I

    Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Windows, Operating System Administration, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, System Configuration, Systems Administration, IT Automation, OS Process Management, General Networking, Graphical Tools

    4.5 stars, 91 reviews, Intermediate, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.5 (91) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • I

    Illinois Tech

    Operating System Virtualization - Master's

    Skills you'll gain: Virtualization, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Virtual Machines, Virtual Networking, Data Centers, Data Storage Technologies, Data Storage, Servers, Virtual Reality, Memory Management, Network Switches, Computer Hardware

    4.6 stars, 17 reviews, Intermediate, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.6 (17) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • I

    Illinois Tech

    Hardware and Operating System Foundations III

    Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, System Configuration, Firewall, Linux, System Monitoring, System Support, Authorization (Computing), Data Security

    4.8 stars, 28 reviews, Intermediate, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.8 (28) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
1234…730

Best Operating System courses from Illinois Tech

Top-rated Operating System courses offered by Illinois Tech on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Mastering Operating Systems
    Illinois TechIntermediate3 - 6 Months4.5(164)Illinois Tech
  2. 2
    Hardware and Operating System Foundations
    Illinois TechBeginner3 - 6 Months4.6(173)Illinois Tech
  3. 3
    Hardware and Operating System Foundations I
    Illinois TechIntermediate1 - 4 Weeks4.5(91)Illinois Tech

Best Operating System courses for beginners

Top-rated beginner-friendly Operating System courses with no prerequisites.

  1. 1
    Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User
    GoogleBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(29,535)No prerequisites
  2. 2
    Introduction to Operating Systems
    CodioBeginner3 - 6 Months4.6(323)No prerequisites
  3. 3
    Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
    IBMBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(2,064)No prerequisites

Frequently Asked Questions about Operating System

An operating system (OS) is a crucial software component that manages computer hardware and software resources, providing a stable environment for applications to run. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, enabling users to interact with the system through a user interface. The importance of operating systems lies in their ability to manage system resources efficiently, ensuring that multiple applications can run simultaneously without conflict. They also provide essential services such as file management, memory management, and process scheduling, making them foundational to both personal and enterprise computing.‎

Careers in the field of operating systems can be diverse and rewarding. Some potential job roles include Systems Administrator, where you manage and maintain operating systems for organizations; Software Developer, focusing on creating applications that run on various operating systems; and IT Support Specialist, providing assistance with OS-related issues. Additionally, roles such as DevOps Engineer and Cloud Engineer often require a solid understanding of operating systems, especially in environments that utilize virtualization and cloud technologies.‎

To effectively learn about operating systems, you should focus on several key skills. First, a solid understanding of computer architecture is essential, as it helps you grasp how operating systems interact with hardware. Familiarity with programming languages, particularly C and Python, is also beneficial, as many operating systems are built using these languages. Additionally, knowledge of system administration, networking concepts, and security practices will enhance your ability to work with operating systems in real-world scenarios.‎

There are many excellent online courses available for learning about operating systems. For a foundational understanding, consider the Operating System Foundations course, which covers essential concepts. If you're interested in Linux, the Linux Operating System: A Complete Linux Guide for Beginners is a great choice. For those looking to specialize, the Introduction to Operating Systems Specialization offers a comprehensive curriculum.‎

Yes. You can start learning about operating system on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many operating system courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in operating system skills, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Typical topics covered in operating system courses include process management, memory management, file systems, and system calls. Students may also explore concepts like concurrency, deadlocks, and security mechanisms. Advanced courses might explore into virtualization, distributed systems, and performance optimization, providing a comprehensive understanding of how operating systems function and their role in modern computing.‎

To learn about operating systems, start by selecting a course that aligns with your current knowledge level and goals. Begin with foundational courses that cover basic concepts and gradually progress to more advanced topics. Engage with interactive content, participate in discussions, and complete hands-on projects to reinforce your learning. Additionally, practice using different operating systems, such as Linux or Windows, to gain practical experience.‎

For training and upskilling employees in operating systems, courses like Operating System Virtualization - Bachelor's and Operating System Virtualization - build proficiency in's are highly beneficial. These courses focus on practical applications and advanced concepts, making them suitable for professionals looking to enhance their skills in managing and deploying operating systems in various environments.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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