Operating Systems and Security

In total, 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.

OS is fundamental to all aspects of computing. In this course, you’ll learn foundational concepts common to all OS 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. Moreover, 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 in IT or cybersecurity, enroll today to gain essential knowledge in OS that enables you to work toward a career in cybersecurity, system administration, network engineering, or IT support.

Module 1: Windows Operating Systems

• Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
• Video: An Introduction to Operating Systems
• Video: Microsoft Windows Systems Overview
• Video: File Systems
• Video: Directory Structure
• Reading: File Naming Best Practices
• Video: Using Your Windows Lab Workspace
• Lab: Using File Explorer to Manage Files and Folders
• Video: User and Kernel Modes
• Video: Microsoft Windows Server Overview
• Video: Using Your Microsoft Windows Lab Workspace
• Hands-on Lab: Exploring Microsoft Windows Server Features
• Video: Overview of Microsoft Windows Command Prompt Tools for Administration
• Reading: Using Microsoft Windows Command Prompt Tools for Administration
• Lab: Using Microsoft Windows Command Prompt Tools for Administration
• Video: Microsoft Management Console
• Reading: Managing User Accounts
• Lab: Creating Windows Users and Groups
• Video: What Is Active Directory?
• Module Summary: Microsoft Windows Operating System
• Practice Quiz: Microsoft Windows Operating System
• Module Glossary: Microsoft Windows Operating System
• Graded Quiz: Microsoft Windows Operating System

Module 2: Windows Security

• Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
• Video: Active Directory Accounts and Security Considerations
• Reading: Authentication Methods
• Video: Microsoft Windows Security Settings
• Video: User Management and Permissions
• Video: Antimalware Tools and Microsoft Windows Firewall Configuration
• Hands-on Lab: Windows Defender Firewall
• Hands-on Lab: Creating a Firewall Rule in Microsoft Windows Defender
• Video: Overview of Patching
• Video: Microsoft Update
• Video: Kerberos
• Video: Overview of Windows Auditing
• Module Summary: Windows Security
• Practice Quiz: Windows Security
• Module Glossary: Windows Security
• Graded Quiz: Windows Security

Module 3: Linux Operating Systems

• Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
• Video: Linux Systems Overview
• Video: Exploring Linux Operating System Essentials
• Video: Linux Terminal Overview
• Lab: Getting Started with Linux Terminal
• Reading: Linux Commands
• Video: Common Linux/Unix Shell Commands
• Lab: Common Linux/Unix Commands
• Reading: Basics of Linux and Bash Command Cheat Sheet
• Lab: Linux User Management
• Video: Linux File Systems and Directory Structure
• Reading: Linux Run Levels
• Reading: Securing Linux
• Hands-on Lab: Updating Linux
• Module Summary: Linux Operating Systems
• Practice Quiz: Linux Operating Systems
• Module Glossary: Linux Operating Systems
• Graded Quiz: Linux Operating Systems

Module 4: macOS and Virtualization

• Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
• Video: macOS Overview
• Video: macOS Features
• Activity: Explore macOS Features
• Reading: Upgrading macOS
• Video: macOS Preferences
• Reading: Updates for macOS
• Video: iOS Overview
• Video: Android Overview
• Video: Overview of Virtualization
• Activity: Create a Virtual Machine Simulation
• Video: Overview of Cloud Computing
• Reading: Differences Between Virtualization and Cloud Computing
• Video: Introduction to Containers
• Reading: Differences Between Containers and Virtual Machines
• Video: Introduction to Docker
• Lab: Introduction to Containers, Docker, and IBM Cloud Container Registry
• Module Summary: macOS and Virtualization
• Practice Quiz: macOS and Virtualization
• Module Glossary: macOS and Virtualization
• Graded Quiz: macOS and Virtualization

Module 5: Final Assignment

• Reading: Project Overview
• Video: Using Your Microsoft Windows Lab Workspace
• Reading: Final Project Part 1 (Windows)
• Reading: Final Project Part 2 (Linux Tasks)
• Peer Review

Course Wrap-Up

• Video: Course Completion
• Reading: Course Wrap-Up
• Congratulations and Next Steps
• Thanks from the Team