Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Mastering Operating Systems Specialization

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Mastering Operating Systems Specialization

Master Operating Systems for IT Professionals. Master Windows, Linux, and open-source OS to advance your IT career.

Instructors: Kevin Vaccaro

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.6

(5 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 months to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.6

(5 reviews)

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 months to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Configure and secure Windows and Linux OS environments
Manage system resources, users, and permissions
Implement security protocols and best practices

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

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Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Illinois Tech

Specialization - 3 course series

This specialization provides comprehensive training in Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Open Source operating systems. Covering installation, configuration, and security fundamentals, it equips IT professionals with essential skills for effective system administration. Participants gain hands-on experience with both platforms, mastering system setup, user management, networking, and security implementation.

Applied Learning Project

Learners will complete hands-on assignments involving the configuration, management, and troubleshooting of Windows and Linux operation systems. While there is no formal capstone, the specialization provides strong practical training for real-world IT roles.

Hardware and Operating System Foundations I

Course 123 hours

What you'll learn

Demonstrate the use of command line tools.
Explore key features of the Windows OS.
Examine the Windows Registry.

Skills you'll gain

Computing Platforms, Network Troubleshooting, File Management, User Accounts, Operating System Administration, Systems Administration, System Configuration, OS Process Management, Command-Line Interface, Desktop Support, General Networking, Graphical Tools, Windows PowerShell, Control Panels, Microsoft Windows, IT Automation, and Operating Systems

Hardware and Operating System Foundations II

Course 224 hours

What you'll learn

Demonstrate the use of command line tools.
Explore key features of the Linux OS.
Explore service management of the Linux OS.

Skills you'll gain

Linux Commands, Service Management, Operating System Administration, User Provisioning, Graphical Tools, System Monitoring, Systems Administration, Operating Systems, User Accounts, Linux Administration, Command-Line Interface, Linux, System Configuration, and File Management

Introduction to Open Source Software

Course 3114 hours

What you'll learn

OS troubleshooting - Path Permission and Dependencies
Bash Language Shell Scripting

Skills you'll gain

Linux, Linux Administration, Shell Script, Linux Commands, Unix, File Systems, Package and Software Management, Open Source Technology, Network Security, Unix Shell, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Scripting, Operating System Administration, System Configuration, Database Management, Ubuntu, Bash (Scripting Language), Operating Systems, General Networking, and Command-Line Interface

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Build toward a degree

This Specialization is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Illinois Tech. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

Instructors

Kevin Vaccaro

Illinois Tech

6 Courses29,950 learners

Offered by

Illinois Tech

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Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

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Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

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Learner since 2021

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Frequently asked questions

No, it’s not required—but it is recommended that you follow the course sequence listed on the specialization landing page. This order is designed to help you build your skills progressively, from foundational concepts to more advanced topics.

No, this specialization is open to all MOOC learners. You do not need to be an admitted degree-seeking student to complete the specialization and receive a Coursera–IIT co-branded non-credit certificate.

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Mastering Operating Systems Specialization

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Specialization - 3 course series

Hardware and Operating System Foundations I

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Hardware and Operating System Foundations II

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Introduction to Open Source Software

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Earn a career certificate

Build toward a degree

Master of Information Technology

Instructors

Offered by

Compare with similar products

You might also like

Related skills

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

More questions

Mastering Operating Systems Specialization

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Specialization - 3 course series

Hardware and Operating System Foundations I

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Hardware and Operating System Foundations II

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Introduction to Open Source Software

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Earn a career certificate

Build toward a degree

Master of Information Technology

Instructors

Offered by

Compare with similar products

You might also like

Related skills

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

More questions