Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User | Coursera For Individuals For Businesses For Universities For Governments Explore Degrees ​ Log In Join for Free Join for Free Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User About Outcomes Modules Testimonials Reviews Previous Next Browse Information Technology Support and Operations Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User This course is part of Google IT Support Professional Certificate Instructor: Google Career Certificates Enroll for free Starts Jul 19 692,642 already enrolled Included with Coursera Plus •Learn more 6 modules Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals. 4.7 29,456 reviews Beginner level No prior experience required Flexible schedule 3 weeks at 10 hours a week Learn at your own pace 97% Most learners liked this course 6 modules Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals. 4.7 29,456 reviews Beginner level No prior experience required Flexible schedule 3 weeks at 10 hours a week Learn at your own pace 97% Most learners liked this course About Outcomes Modules Testimonials Reviews Previous Next Skills you'll gain Identity and Access Management File Systems Software Installation OS Process Management Linux Administration Remote Access Systems Systems Administration Package and Software Management Linux Commands System Support Operating System Administration User Provisioning User Accounts System Monitoring File Management Technical Support and Services Show all Tools you'll learn Operating Systems Linux Command-Line Interface Microsoft Windows Details to know Shareable certificate Add to your LinkedIn profile Assessments 18 assignments Taught in English 11 languages available Build your Support and Operations expertise This course is part of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate. Learn new concepts from industry experts Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects Earn a shareable career certificate from Google There are 6 modules in this course Through a combination of video lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, this course will teach learners about the main components of an operating system and how to perform critical tasks like managing software and users and configuring hardware. By the end of this course you’ll be able to: ● navigate the Windows and Linux filesystems using a graphical user interface and command line interpreter ● set up users, groups, and permissions for account access ● install, configure, and remove software on the Windows and Linux operating systems ● configure disk partitions and filesystems ● understand how system processes work and how to manage them ● work with system logs and remote connection tools ● utilize operating system knowledge to troubleshoot common issues in an IT Support Specialist role Navigating the System Module 1•5 hours to completeModule details Welcome to the Operating Systems course of the IT Support Professional Certificate! In the first module of this course, we will cover the basics of Windows and Linux operating systems (OS). We will learn about how directories and files work in Windows and Linux OS. You will also learn practical ways to manipulate files and directories in the Windows graphical user interface (GUI), Windows command line interface (CLI), and Linux shell. By the end of this module, you will interact with files and directories and perform basic text manipulation in Windows and Linux OS. What's included 32 videos 10 readings 3 assignments 2 app items Show info about module content 32 videos•Total 77 minutes Course Introduction•6 minutes Lesson Overview & Practice Tips•2 minutes Windows: List Directories in a GUI•5 minutes Windows: List Directories in CLI•4 minutes Linux: List Directories•5 minutes Windows: Changing Directories in the GUI•1 minute Windows: Changing Directories in the CLI•4 minutes Linux: Changing Directories in Bash•1 minute Windows: Make Directories in the GUI & CLI•2 minutes Linux: Make Directories in Bash•1 minute Windows: Command History•2 minutes Linux: Command History•0 minutes Windows: Copying Files & Directories•4 minutes Linux: Copying Files and Directories•1 minute Windows: Moving and Renaming Files, Directories•1 minute Linux: Moving and Renaming Files, Directories•1 minute Windows: Removing Files & Directories•3 minutes Linux: Removing Files & Directories•1 minute Chelsea: Their learner story •4 minutes Cindy: Why OS is important•2 minutes Windows: Display File Contents•3 minutes Linux: Display File Contents•2 minutes Windows: Modifying Text Files•2 minutes Linux: Modifying Text Files•1 minute Windows Powershell•3 minutes Windows: Searching within Files•5 minutes Windows: Searching within Directories•1 minute Linux: Searching within Files•1 minute Windows: Input, Output, and the Pipeline•6 minutes Linux: Input, Output and Pipeline•3 minutes Windows and Linux Advanced Navigation•1 minute Ben: My first tech job•1 minute 10 readings•Total 41 minutes Helpful resources and tips•4 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows CLI & Unix Bash•2 minutes Learn About 'Size' vs 'Size of Disk' in Windows•1 minute Supplemental Reading for Notepad++•2 minutes Supplemental Reading for GNU Documentation•2 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows PowerShell•2 minutes Qwiklabs guidelines and troubleshooting steps•8 minutes Exemplar: Creating, modifying, and removing files and folders in Windows•8 minutes Exemplar: Creating, modifying, and removing files and folders in Linux•8 minutes Glossary terms from course 3, module 1•4 minutes 3 assignments•Total 64 minutes Module 1 challenge: Working with Files in Windows and Linux•50 minutes Test your knowledge: Basic Commands•6 minutes Test your knowledge: File and Text Manipulation•8 minutes 2 app items•Total 120 minutes Creating, Modifying, and Removing Files and Folders in Windows•60 minutes Creating, Modifying and Removing Files and Folders in Linux•60 minutes Users and Permissions Module 2•4 hours to completeModule details In the second module of this course, we'll learn about configuring users and permissions in Windows and Linux OS. As an IT Support Specialist, it's important to know how to grant the appropriate permissions to users and groups for both Windows and Linux OS. By the end of this module, you will know how to add, modify, and remove users for a computer and for specific files and folders by using the Windows GUI, Windows CLI, and Linux shell. What's included 16 videos 7 readings 2 assignments 2 app items Show info about module content 16 videos•Total 57 minutes Users, Administrators, and Groups, Oh My!•3 minutes Windows: View User and Group Information•5 minutes Windows: View User and Group Information using CLI•2 minutes Linux: Users, Superuser and Beyond•5 minutes Windows: Passwords•4 minutes Linux: Passwords•1 minute Windows: Adding and Removing Users•5 minutes Linux: Adding and Removing Users•1 minute Mobile Users and Accounts•3 minutes Ben: Life as a CIO•2 minutes Windows: File Permissions•5 minutes Linux: File Permissions•3 minutes Windows: Modifying Permissions•6 minutes Linux: Modifying Permissions•4 minutes Windows: Special Permissions•4 minutes Linux: SetUID, SetGID, Sticky Bit•5 minutes 7 readings•Total 28 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows Passwords•2 minutes Supplemental Readings for Mobile Users and Accounts•2 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows ACL•2 minutes Supplemental Reading for Special Permissions in Windows•2 minutes Glossary terms from course 3, module 2•4 minutes Exemplar: Creating, modifying, and removing file and folder permissions in Windows•8 minutes Exemplar: Creating, modifying, and removing file and folder permissions in Linux•8 minutes 2 assignments•Total 40 minutes Module 2 challenge: Users, Administrators, Groups and Permissions•30 minutes Test your knowledge: Permissions•10 minutes 2 app items•Total 120 minutes Creating, Modifying, and Removing File and Folder Permissions in Windows•60 minutes Creating, modifying, and removing file and folder permissions in Linux•60 minutes Package and Software Management Module 3•6 hours to completeModule details In the third module of this course, we'll learn about package and software management in Windows and Linux OS. It's important to know how package installs work and how devices and drivers are managed within these operating systems. We will also learn about different packaging and file compression methods. By the end of this module, you will know how to create, update, and remove software by using the Windows GUI, Windows CLI and Linux shell. What's included 16 videos 20 readings 4 assignments 2 app items Show info about module content 16 videos•Total 51 minutes Module Introduction•1 minute Windows: Software Packages•6 minutes Linux: Software Packages•3 minutes Mobile App Packages•3 minutes Windows: Archives•3 minutes Linux: Archives•1 minute Windows: Package Dependencies•6 minutes Linux: Package Dependencies•2 minutes Windows: Package Manager•4 minutes Linux: Package Manager Apt•5 minutes Windows: Underneath the Hood•3 minutes Linux: Underneath the Hood•2 minutes Windows: Devices and Drivers•3 minutes Linux: Devices and Drivers•3 minutes Windows: Operating System Updates•4 minutes Linux: Operating System Updates•2 minutes 20 readings•Total 129 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows Software Packages•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for Mobile App Packages•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for Updating Mobile Apps•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for Mobile Device Storage•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for 7-Zip and PowerShell Zips•2 minutes Supplemental Reading for the Linux Tar Command•2 minutes Supplemental reading for Windows Package Dependencies•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for Linux Package Dependencies•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows Package Managers•2 minutes Supplemental Reading for Linux PPAs•2 minutes Supplemental Reading on GIMP•1 minute Windows Setting Panel•2 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows Installers and Process Monitors•2 minutes Supplemental Reading Windows Devices and Drivers•4 minutes Supplemental reading for Linux Devices and Drivers•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows Update•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for Linux Update•4 minutes Glossary terms from course 3, module 1•4 minutes Exemplar: Software packaging and file archiving on Windows•20 minutes Exemplar: Software packaging and file archiving on Linux•20 minutes 4 assignments•Total 58 minutes Module 3 challenge: Package and Software Management•30 minutes Test your knowledge: Software Distribution•18 minutes Test your knowledge: Package Managers•4 minutes Test your knowledge: Device Software Management•6 minutes 2 app items•Total 120 minutes Software Packaging and File Archiving on Windows•60 minutes Software Packaging and File Archiving on Linux•60 minutes Filesystems Module 4•4 hours to completeModule details In the fourth module of this course, we'll learn about how filesystems work for Windows and Linux OS. We'll learn about filesystem types and why they're different for certain OS. We'll learn about disk partitioning and virtual memory and why these are so important for an IT Support Specialist's role. We'll also cover ways mount and unmount filesystems, read disk usage, and repair filesystems. By the end of this module, you will partition and format a disk drive yourself in both Windows and Linux. What's included 16 videos 12 readings 2 assignments 2 app items Show info about module content 16 videos•Total 45 minutes Module Introduction•1 minute Review of Filesystems•2 minutes Disk Partitioning and File System Essentials•3 minutes Windows: Disk Partitioning and Formatting a Filesystem•6 minutes Windows: Mounting and Unmounting a Filesystem•1 minute Linux: Disk Partitioning and Formatting a Filesystem•6 minutes Linux: Mounting and Unmounting a Filesystem•3 minutes Windows: Swap•3 minutes Linux: Swap•2 minutes Windows: Files•5 minutes Linux: Files•3 minutes Windows: Disk Usage•3 minutes Linux: Disk Usage•1 minute Windows: Filesystem Repair•4 minutes Linux: Filesystem Repair•1 minute Ben: The power of computers•1 minute 12 readings•Total 50 minutes Supplemental Reading for FAT32 File System•1 minute Supplemental Reading for Disk Partitioning and Formatting in Windows•4 minutes Supplemental reading Mounting and Unmounting a Filesystem in Linux•8 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows Paging•4 minutes Supplemental Reading for Linux Swap•1 minute Supplemental Reading on NTFS File System•1 minute Supplemental Reading for Windows Disk Usage•2 minutes Learn About Linux Disk Usage•1 minute Supplemental Reading for Linux Filesystem Repair•8 minutes Glossary terms from course 3, module 4•4 minutes Exemplar: Partitioning and formatting a disk drive in Windows•8 minutes Exemplar: Partitioning and formatting a disk drive in Linux•8 minutes 2 assignments•Total 54 minutes Module 4 challenge: Filesystems•30 minutes Test your knowledge: Filesystem Types•24 minutes 2 app items•Total 120 minutes Partitioning and Formatting a Disk Drive in Windows•60 minutes Partitioning and Formatting a Disk Drive in Linux•60 minutes Process Management Module 5•4 hours to completeModule details In the fifth module of this course, we'll explore process management. As an IT Support Specialist, it is important to use system tools to read and understand process statuses of machines. We will cover ways to start and terminate a process in Windows and Linux. We will also apply troubleshooting tools to solve problems with processes and resources. By the end of this module, you will use Windows and Linux commands to do practical process maintenance. What's included 14 videos 11 readings 4 assignments 2 app items Show info about module content 14 videos•Total 38 minutes Module Introduction•1 minute Programs vs Processes Revisited•2 minutes Windows: Process Creation and Termination•3 minutes Linux: Process Creation and Termination•1 minute Jess: From challenge to passion•2 minutes Windows: Reading Process Information•3 minutes Linux: Reading Process Information•4 minutes Windows: Signals•2 minutes Linux: Signals•1 minute Windows: Managing Processes•4 minutes Linux: Managing Processes•4 minutes Mobile App Management•4 minutes Windows: Resource Monitoring•4 minutes Linux: Resource Monitoring•3 minutes 11 readings•Total 32 minutes Supplemental Reading for Process Creation and Termination in Windows•1 minute Supplemental Reading for Reading Process Information in Windows•1 minute Learn About Process Information in Linux•1 minute Supplemental Reading for Windows Signal•1 minute Supplemental Reading for Managing Processes in Windows•1 minute Supplemental Readings for Mobile App Management•2 minutes Supplemental Reading Resource Monitoring in Windows•1 minute Supplemental reading for Resource Monitoring in Linux•4 minutes Glossary terms from course 3, module 5•4 minutes Exemplar: Maintain efficient process utilization on Windows•8 minutes Exemplar: Maintain efficient process utilization on Linux•8 minutes 4 assignments•Total 46 minutes Module 5 challenge: Process Management•30 minutes Test your knowledge: Life of a Process•2 minutes Test your knowledge: Managing Processes•4 minutes Test your knowledge: Process Utilization•10 minutes 2 app items•Total 120 minutes Maintain Efficient Process Utilization on Windows•60 minutes Maintain Efficient Process Utilization on Linux•60 minutes Operating Systems in Practice Module 6•4 hours to completeModule details Congratulations, you've made it to the final module in the course! In the last module of this course, we will cover some of the practical aspects of operating systems that you'll use all the time in IT Support. We will cover remote access and how to troubleshoot a computer from afar. We'll explore virtualization tools to manage and remove virtual instances, use logs for system monitoring, and show you a few different techniques for OS deployment. By the end of this module, you will apply all the skills from this course to debug some issues within Windows and Linux OS. Good luck! What's included 16 videos 14 readings 3 assignments 2 app items Show info about module content 16 videos•Total 38 minutes Introduction•1 minute Remote Connections on Windows •4 minutes Remote Connection: File Transfer on Linux•1 minute Remote Connection: File Transfer on Windows•3 minutes Virtual Machines•3 minutes System Monitoring•1 minute The Windows Event Viewer•4 minutes Linux Logs•3 minutes Working with Logs•4 minutes Imaging Software•1 minute Operating Systems Deployment Methods•3 minutes Mobile Device Resetting and Imaging •3 minutes Interview Role Play: Operating Systems•5 minutes Course Wrap Up•1 minute Heather: Early career advice•2 minutes Congratulations!•0 minutes 14 readings•Total 52 minutes Supplemental reading for Remote Connections in Windows•4 minutes Supplemental Reading for Remote Connection File Transfer in Windows•1 minute Supplemental reading for Virtual Machines•4 minutes Supplemental Reading for Linux Logs•1 minute Supplemental Reading for OS Deployment Methods•4 minutes Supplemental Readings for Mobile Device Resetting and Imaging•2 minutes Windows Troubleshooting •4 minutes Windows Troubleshooting Tools•4 minutes Supplemental Reading for Windows Troubleshooting Example•4 minutes Exemplar: Using logs to help you track down an issue in Windows•8 minutes Exemplar: Using logs to help you track down an issue in Linux•8 minutes Reflect and connect with your peers•2 minutes Glossary terms from course 3, module 6•4 minutes Course 3 Glossary•2 minutes 3 assignments•Total 40 minutes Module 6 challenge: Operating System in Practice•30 minutes Test your knowledge: Remote Access•2 minutes Test your knowledge: Logging•8 minutes 2 app items•Total 120 minutes Using Logs to Help You Track Down an Issue in Windows•60 minutes Using Logs to Help You Track Down an Issue in Linux•60 minutes Earn a career certificate Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review. Instructor Instructor ratings 4.7 (7,102 ratings) Google Career Certificates Google 386 Courses•17,312,749 learners Offered by GoogleLearn more Why people choose Coursera for their career Felipe M. 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." Jennifer J. Learner since 2020 "I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work." Larry W. Learner since 2021 "When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go." Chaitanya A. "Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits." Learner reviews 4.7 29,456 reviews 5 stars 77.90% 4 stars 16.49% 3 stars 3.68% 2 stars 0.99% 1 star 0.91% Showing 3 of 29456 B BO 5· Reviewed on Apr 1, 2019 This is my most favorite module module, especially the Linux, which is my all time favorite OS ever enjoy learning, working Programing, and configuring, and will continue enjoying til the end of time. D DA 5· Reviewed on Sep 24, 2020 Great labs, if you do the commands and perform what you are learning while you are going through the program the labs and quizzes are a breeze. Loved the hands on experience. I'm glad I took this. R RJ 5· Reviewed on Aug 19, 2020 Of Course these course was Amazing To learn in Windows and Linux too.I was Compete it in 1 day with all the videos, reading materials and graded assignments too. It was great learning from Google View more reviews Frequently asked questions When will I have access to the lectures and assignments? To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate. What will I get if I subscribe to this Certificate? When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. More questions Visit the learner help center Financial aid available, learn more Enroll for free Starts Jul 19 Coursera Footer Skills Accounting Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Data Analytics Digital Marketing Human Resources (HR) Microsoft Excel Project Management Python SQL Professional Certificates Google AI Certificate Google Cybersecurity Certificate Google Data Analytics Certificate Google IT Support Certificate Google Project Management Certificate Google UX Design Certificate IBM AI Engineering Certificate IBM AI Product Manager Certificate IBM Data Science Certificate Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Certificate Courses & Specializations AI Essentials Specialization AI For Business Specialization AI For Everyone Course AI in Healthcare Specialization Deep Learning Specialization Excel Skills for Business Specialization Financial Markets Course Machine Learning Specialization Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT Course Python for Everybody Specialization Career Resources Career Aptitude Test CAPM Certification Requirements CompTIA A+ Certification Requirements CompTIA Security+ Certification Requirements Essential IT Certifications High-Income Skills to Learn How to Learn Artificial Intelligence PMP Certification Requirements Popular Cybersecurity Certifications Share your Coursera learning story Coursera About What We Offer Leadership Careers Catalog Coursera Plus Professional Certificates MasterTrack® Certificates Degrees For Enterprise For Government For Campus Become a Partner Social Impact Free Courses Udemy Community Learners Partners Beta Testers Blog The Coursera Podcast Tech Blog More Press Investors Terms Privacy Help Accessibility Contact Articles Directory Affiliates Modern Slavery Statement Do Not Sell/Share Learn Anywhere © 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.