Course Syllabus
Linux Essentials

Description

As one of the most successful open source collaborations, Linux has evolved into the most reliable operating system on the planet. It’s used for embedded systems to virtually all supercomputers for a good reason. Nearly every IT job requires some Linux knowledge. This course is a combination of two courses, Linux Unhatched and Linux Essentials. Students will begin to wade into the shallow end of Linux, the back-end operating system used by global titans such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, NASA, Tesla, Amazon and more. Students walk away with a clear understanding of Linux and are guided step-by-step through a series of hands-on virtual machine activities. Students will then continue their knowledge of Linux exam objectives that will be needed for the CompTIA A+ Certification exams and prepare you for the demanding pace of NDG Linux 1.

This course is offered in partnership with Michigan Information Technology Training. Prerequisites: None

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to...

• Identify the components of the Linux Operating System
• Explain some of the considerations for choosing an operating system
• Define open source software and licensing
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of working with Linux
• Use help commands and navigate help systems within Linux
• Manage Linux files and directories
• Search and extract data from Linux files
• Automate tasks with the use of scripting
• Identify the components of desktop and server computers
• Catalogue where data is stored on a Linux System
• Querying vital network settings for a Linux computer on a Local Area Network
• Identifying various types of users on a Linux system
• Creating users and groups on a Linux system
• Managing Linux file permissions and ownership
• Distinguish special Linux directories and files

Course Outline:

Module 1: Basic Command Syntax

Module 2: Printing Working Directory

Module 3: Changing Directories

Module 4: Administrative Access

Module 5: Permissions

Module 6: Moving Files

Module 7: Copying Files

Module 8: Removing Files

Module 9: Filtering Input

Module 10: Network Configuration

Module 11: Viewing Processes

Module 12: Package Management

Module 13: Updating Passwords

Module 14: Text Editor

Module 15: Ownership and Permissions

Module 16: Introduction to Linux

Module 17: Open Source Applications / Licenses

Module 18: Using Linux

Module 19: Command Line Skills

Module 20: Getting Help

Module 21: Working with Files / Directories

Module 22: Archiving and Compression

Module 23: Pipes, Redirection and REGEX

Module 24: Basic Scripting

Module 25: Understanding Computer Hardware

Module 26: Managing Packaging and Processes

Module 27: Network Configuration

Module 28: System and User Security

Module 29: Managing Users and Groups

Module 30: Special Permissions, Links and File Locations

Resources Included: Students will have access to the Cisco Networking Academy (Netacad) curriculum and course resources (Labs, Packet Tracer Activities, Reading Guides, Assessments, etc.). Michigan Information Technology Training is a Cisco Networking Academy and is offering the Cisco Netacademy Program in an asynchronous e-learning environment to enable students to learn valuable information and skills for increased access to opportunities in the global economy.

Additional Costs: None

Scoring System: Michigan Virtual and Michigan Information Technology Training do not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue diplomas. A final score earned will be submitted to your school mentor for conversion to their own letter grading system. The final score will be calculated through total points earned within the following weighted categories: Chapter Reading Guides (15%); Lab Assignments (15%); Chapter Quizzes (20%); Midterm Exam (25%); Final Exam (25%).

Time Commitment: Semester sessions are 18-weeks long: Students must be able to spend 1 or more hours per day in the course to be successful. Summer sessions are 10 weeks long: Students must be able to spend a minimum of 2 or more hours per day, or about 90 hours during the summer, for the student to be successful in any course. Trimester sessions are 12-weeks long: Students must be able to spend 1.5 or more hours per day in the course to be successful.

Technology Requirements:

• A computer with either Windows (7 or later), Linux, Macintosh Operating System, or Chromebook. Chromebook users will need to contact their instructor to request installation of a virtual machine.
• Reliable Internet Access;
• Ability to download and install Packet Tracer, a stand-alone program that is required for all Cisco NetAcademy Courses;
• Ability to download/upload PDF files as well as Packet Tracer files (.pka);
• A PDF reader to complete assignments (Recommend: Adobe Reader); Note: All Reading Guides/Labs are fillable PDF files.
• Up to date Chrome and/or Firefox Web Browser to access the curriculum;
• Java (JRE) to access Packet Tracer testing environment;
• Students also require access to YouTube.

Please review the Michigan Virtual Technology Requirements: https://michiganvirtual.org/about/support/knowledge-base/technical-requirements/ 

Instructor Support System: For technical issues within your course, contact the Customer Care Center by email at customercare@michiganvirtual.org or by phone at (888) 889-2840.

Instructor Contact Expectations: Students can use email or the private message system within the Student Learning Portal to access highly qualified teachers when they need instructor assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside the learning management system. The Instructor Info area of their course may describe additional communication options.

Academic Support Available: In addition to access to a highly qualified, Michigan certified teacher, students have access to academic videos and outside resources verified by Michigan Virtual. For technical issues within the course, students can contact the Michigan Virtual Customer Care by email at customercare@michiganvirtual.org or by phone at (888) 889-2840.

Required Assessment: Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, instructor-graded writing assignments, including labs/lab reports, Packet Tracer Activities and Skills-Based Assessments.

Technical Skills Needed: Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to:

• Download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• Download and install software
• Use a messaging service similar to email
• Communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• Open attachments shared in messages
• Create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• Edit file share settings in cloud-based applications, such as Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides
• Save a file as a .pdf
• Copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• Insert images or links into a file or html editor
• Search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• Work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• Activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• Use presentation and graphics programs
• Follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• Use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• Create and maintain usernames and passwords

Additional Information: Students who master Linux Essentials will be eligible to sit for the Linux Professional Institute Linux Essentials (010-160) certificate exam. While Michigan Virtual and Michigan Information Technology Training prepare students for this exam, the certification exam is not part of this course. Students who successfully complete the advanced course sequence Linux Essentials, Linux Operating System 1, and Linux Operating System 2 will be sufficiently prepared for the LPI certification exam for Level 1 (101-500, 102-500) Linux server administration. It is the responsibility of the student or parent to register for the exam. For more information, visit Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1.