Top 6 Online Courses for Learning Operating Systems in 2023
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In the realm of computer science, understanding Operating Systems is crucial for beginners and self-taught developers alike. If you're eager to grasp the fundamentals of Operating Systems, you're in the right place. Previously, I’ve recommended courses on topics like data structures and algorithms, as well as essential computer science courses.
This article aims to present the top online courses for learning Operating Systems, which serve as the backbone of any computing device, be it a laptop, smartphone, or IoT gadget. Without an Operating System, a device is merely an assembly of hardware components incapable of functioning.
An Operating System is a sophisticated piece of software that oversees a multitude of tasks—think of it as the manager of a laptop's operations, including software installation, memory management, system security, and error detection, among others.
For those in the fields of information technology, software development, or computer science, a foundational understanding of computing and its interplay with hardware is indispensable. This knowledge is especially vital for software developers, particularly those who have not experienced formal computer science education.
Grasping Operating System principles is essential for programmers, as the code they write ultimately interacts with the OS. A lack of knowledge regarding memory management concepts such as virtual memory, swapping, memory pages, and page faults can lead to challenges in troubleshooting memory-related issues and optimizing application performance.
The same applies to concurrency, another critical function of an Operating System. Programmers must familiarize themselves with concepts like concurrency, semaphores, and critical sections, along with understanding how the OS enables the simultaneous execution of multiple programs.
This highlights the significance of Operating System courses in reputable computer science programs, and why every programmer and developer should delve into the topic. A basic proficiency with Operating Systems is necessary for resolving everyday technical issues and troubleshooting.
Whether you're interested in foundational knowledge of Operating Systems like Linux and Windows or seeking to enhance your skills, online courses provide a flexible alternative to traditional university education. I've compiled a list of the top 6 online courses for mastering Operating Systems fundamentals, so read on for more details.
1. Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User (Coursera)
This comprehensive course, presented by Google on the Coursera platform, serves as an excellent introduction to using both Linux and Windows operating systems. Covering essential topics such as directory navigation and file management, it forms part of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate specialization.
Learn about user permissions, how to add new users, software installation, and driver management, as well as an overview of the file systems in both Windows and Linux.
[Join the course here](https://coursera.pxf.io)
You can audit this course for free or enroll in the specialization for a certificate. Alternatively, consider Coursera Plus for unlimited access to numerous courses at $399/year.
2. Operating Systems from Scratch (Udemy)
This course is tailored for those keen to learn Operating Systems from the ground up, particularly useful for aspiring computer scientists or software engineers. With 8.5 hours of content and a solid 4.5 rating, it's among the best offerings on Udemy.
Starting with the fundamentals of how hardware interacts with software, it covers various types of Operating Systems, CPU operations, scheduling algorithms, and memory allocation.
[Join the course here](https://udemy.com)
3. Operating Systems: Virtualization, Concurrency & Persistence (Educative.io)
This interactive, text-based course from Educative focuses on critical OS concepts such as virtualization, concurrency, and persistence. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how Operating Systems manage memory and run multiple programs concurrently.
Key topics include:
- Virtual memory
- CPU scheduling
- Concurrency
- Swapping
- Semaphores
- Solving concurrency issues like deadlocks
[Join the course here](https://educative.io)
Consider the Educative subscription for $14.9 per month, providing access to over 250 interactive courses.
4. Operating Systems Fundamentals (Udemy)
This course is perfect for individuals preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification or anyone looking to enhance their general Operating System skills, including Linux commands and Windows troubleshooting.
The course begins with an introduction to various Windows OS versions, alongside their administrative tools, firewalls, and command-line usage. It also covers macOS, Linux command lines, cloud computing, and virtualization.
[Join the course here](https://udemy.com)
5. Computer Hardware and Operating Systems (edX)
Offered by New York University via edX, this course is designed for those without prior knowledge of Operating Systems. It covers foundational concepts, including the relationship between hardware and software, thread management, memory, and deadlocks.
[Join the course here](https://edx.org)
6. Computer Fundamentals: Operating Systems (Pluralsight)
This course from Pluralsight targets individuals eager to learn about Operating Systems and software interaction with hardware. It begins with an overview of Operating System architecture and the features of different Windows versions, followed by installation and upgrade processes.
You’ll also learn how to use Windows command lines like CMD and PowerShell, along with network configuration, and delve into macOS and Linux command line tools.
[Join the course here](https://pluralsight.com)
A Pluralsight membership is required, costing approximately $29/month or $299/year, but a 10-day free trial is also available.
That concludes the overview of the best online courses for beginners looking to learn Operating Systems. Whether you're in IT or simply curious about how hardware and systems function, enrolling in one of these courses will enhance your professional skills.
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Thank you for reading! If you found this guide on the best Operating System courses for beginners helpful, please share it with your friends and colleagues. Feel free to leave any questions or feedback in the comments.
P.S. If you're eager to explore Operating System concepts, check out the Operating System: Understanding the Core course on Udemy, which is free!