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    • Operating System

    Operating System Courses Online

    Study operating system principles for managing computer resources. Learn about process management, memory management, and file systems.

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    Explore the Operating System Course Catalog

    • G

      Google

      Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User

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

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      29K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Infosec

      Operating System Foundations

      Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Linux Commands, Command-Line Interface, Cyber Security Assessment, Linux, Cybersecurity, Operating Systems, Vulnerability Assessments, Windows PowerShell, Microsoft Windows, Computer Systems, Mac OS

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      82 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • C

      Codio

      Introduction to Operating Systems

      Skills you'll gain: File Systems, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, C (Programming Language), System Programming, Virtualization, Data Integrity, Debugging, Systems Design, Performance Tuning, Distributed Computing, Data Storage, Virtual Machines, Command-Line Interface, Computer Systems, Programming Principles, Computer Hardware, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Scalability, Data Structures

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      257 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

      Skills you'll gain: Peripheral Devices, Technical Support, Computer Hardware, Disaster Recovery, System Configuration, Hardware Troubleshooting, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Linux, Networking Hardware, Computer Architecture, Mac OS, User Accounts

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • M

      Microsoft

      Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security

      Skills you'll gain: Computer Systems, Business Software, Operating Systems, Generative AI, Business Systems, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Security, Servers, Computer Hardware, Information Systems Security, Data Storage, Patch Management, Microsoft 365, Artificial Intelligence

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.7K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • I

      IBM

      Operating Systems: Overview, Administration, and Security

      Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Linux, Linux Administration, Cloud Security, Operating Systems, Windows PowerShell, Windows Servers, File Systems, System Configuration, Mac OS, Command-Line Interface, Security Controls, Firewall, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Containerization, User Accounts

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      5.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      P

      Peking University

      操作系统原理(Operating Systems)

      Skills you'll gain: File Systems, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, Computer Systems, System Programming, Unix, Linux, Algorithms, Virtualization

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      363 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months

    • A

      Akamai Technologies, Inc.

      Operating Systems Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Linux, Linux Administration, File Systems, Linux Commands, Operating Systems, User Accounts, OS Process Management, Unix Shell, System Configuration, Command-Line Interface, Open Source Technology, Security Controls, Virtualization, Virtual Machines

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      107 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      Illinois Tech

      Hardware and Operating System Foundations I

      Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Windows, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, System Configuration, System Software, Systems Administration, OS Process Management, Information Technology Operations, System Monitoring, Network Administration, User Accounts, Graphical Tools

      Build toward a degree

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      67 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: AI skills
      AI skills
      I

      IBM

      IBM Full Stack Software Developer

      Skills you'll gain: Istio, Node.JS, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Unit Testing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Server Side, Application Deployment, React Redux, Kubernetes, Cloud Services, Django (Web Framework), Object-Relational Mapping, Git (Version Control System), Full-Stack Web Development, HTML and CSS, Cloud Computing, Jupyter, Large Language Modeling, Interviewing Skills

      Build toward a degree

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      55K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IOT)

      Skills you'll gain: Test Planning, Embedded Systems, Linux, Internet Of Things, Embedded Software, Functional Requirement, Debugging, General Networking, Hardware Design, Systems Design, Operating Systems, Requirements Analysis, Electronic Hardware, System Design and Implementation, C (Programming Language), Basic Electrical Systems, Application Programming Interface (API), TCP/IP, Wireless Networks, Integrated Development Environments

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      20K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • G

      Google

      Using Python to Interact with the Operating System

      Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Development Testing, Scripting, Unix Shell, Software Testing, Shell Script, Linux Commands, Test Driven Development (TDD), Unix Commands, Unix, Scripting Languages, Development Environment, Operating Systems, Command-Line Interface, File Management, OS Process Management, Data Import/Export, IT Automation, File Systems, Automation

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular operating system courses

    • Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User: Google
    • Operating System Foundations: Infosec
    • Introduction to Operating Systems: Codio
    • Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems: IBM
    • Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security: Microsoft
    • Operating Systems: Overview, Administration, and Security: IBM
    • 操作系统原理(Operating Systems): Peking University
    • Operating Systems Fundamentals: Akamai Technologies, Inc.
    • Hardware and Operating System Foundations I: Illinois Tech
    • IBM Full Stack Software Developer: IBM

    Frequently Asked Questions about Operating System

    An operating system is the collection of software that directs a computer’s operations; controlling and scheduling the execution of other programs; and managing storage, input/out, and communication resources. Some popular examples of operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Google’s Android OS, and others.

    Operating systems are important to learn about because of their role in computing. Learners who become IT professionals must understand its critical function in managing a computer’s memory and processes, software and hardware, and other key functions.‎

    The average salary of an Operating Systems Specialist is $72,000 per year, and though some employers require a bachelor’s degree in a Computer Science-related field, many only require a post-secondary certificate. Major skills learners should master in order to become successful include Recovery Procedures, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, and others listed by Zippia.

    Other roles where knowledge of Operating Systems is important include Systems Administrator, Administrative Assistant, Computer Operator, Technical Support Specialist, Network Technician, and others that are related.‎

    Through Coursera, Operating Systems are covered in various courses. These courses focus on understanding an operating system’s various functional modules; applying operating system principles, design methods, and implementation techniques; staying on top of development research trends; new technologies and new ideas; and more.

    Lessons on Operating Systems are taught by instructors from major organizations and universities, including Google, EIT Digital, Peking University, and other institutions. Learners can enjoy exploring Operating Systems with instructors specializing in Systems Software, Information Technology, and other disciplines. Course content is delivered via video lectures, readings, quizzes, hands-on projects, and other assignments.‎

    Any formal or informal background experience working with computers can be helpful before you begin learning about operating systems. This could include taking classes in basic programming or practicing independently on your own projects. Helping friends or family members address tech issues—especially tasks such as installing, uninstalling, or troubleshooting an operating system—can also be useful background experience. A basic understanding of software management and embedded hardware systems can help you advance through your studies quicker.‎

    People who are highly curious about technology are suitable for roles in operating system design and maintenance. People in these roles are analytical, as they spend much of their time exploring the various processes that make a computer run. They're also committed to lifelong learning since operating systems are always being updated to offer users faster and more secure performance. Keeping up with these latest advancements requires a mind that's passionate about technology.‎

    If you're a curious individual who wants to gain a fuller understanding of what goes on behind the scenes of a computer, learning about operating systems may be right for you. Some people who study this subject are ambitious enough to start the lengthy task of creating their own operating system from scratch. However, that doesn't necessarily have to be your goal, and few people undertake the challenge. Aspiring programmers, professional programmers, and other people in computer science fields often seek to learn more about operating systems in order to better understand their own work and gain a better perspective of how multiple processes work together in a system. So, whether you're aiming to land a lucrative job in software engineering or you're simply curious about how your personal computer works, learning about operating systems may be right for you.‎

    Online Operating System (OS) courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Operating System (OS) skills. Choose from a wide range of Operating System (OS) courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Operating System (OS), it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    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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