Linux essentials

What you will study

You will complete a short course that potentially leads to the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Linux Essentials certification. Based on the LPI Linux Essentials objectives, during this course you will:

• explore the evolution of Linux and popular operating systems supported by Linux (e.g. Android, Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, openSUSE, Red Hat, Mint, Scientific Linux)
• be aware of the differences between Linux and other operating systems
• be aware of the operating system distribution life cycle
• be aware of storage and hardware requirements in the context of a Linux operating system
• use and develop of Linux desktop applications, server applications, development languages and package management as well as current industry usage.
• explore free and open source licensing
• develop Linux desktop and command line skills
• explore command line basics, including shell commands, command line syntax, variable, globbing and quoting
• use help resources and what context they are utilised
• use Linux directories and listing files – exploring hidden files and the Linux file system
• archive files, folders and understand the compression tools in use
• use pipes, redirection and regular expressions to search for data
• create basic scripts to manage Linux operations
• explore the networking requirements of a Linux ‘host’
• explore the basic security and file permissions requirements of a Linux ‘host’
• manage users, groups and associated file, folder and application execution permissions.

As part of the course, you will be provided with 24/7 access to a cloud based Linux Virtual machine (based on a Ubuntu distribution), enabling you to practice Linux commands from within the online content. A reliable internet connection is an essential requirement.

It is part of the globally recognised Cisco Networking academy programme and is designed and developed by NDG. The Open University having a track record of offering distance based Linux education having offered Linux as a component of our undergraduate programme since 2010. The content is entirely online and can be completed from any desktop operating system and most common web browsers.

The course features the distinctive strengths of The Open University (OU) from its years of expertise in work-based learning:

• the convenience of accessing its clearly presented and sequenced materials, activities and support whenever suits you and wherever you have access to the dedicated website
• the support of an expert moderator who can clarify study materials, answer questions and help you relate the course to your specific needs
• certification based activity helping you to connect the course to international industry expectations
• certification of completion from the Cisco Network academy for those who complete the course You can use this to demonstrate your continuing professional development (CPD) activity to your employer and/or professional body. (NB: The course does not carry academic credit points.)
• The opportunity to complete external certification from LPI – based on the current Linux Essentials accreditation.

You will learn

After completing this course you should be able to:

• understand the nature of FOSS, the various communities, and licenses within the Linux domain.
• demonstrate a knowledge of open source applications in the workplace as they relate to closed source equivalents.
• describe basic concepts of hardware, processes, programs and the components of the Linux Operating System.
• implement the Linux command line and manage different files.
• create and restore compressed backups and archives.
• apply Linux based system security, users/groups and file permissions for public and private directories.
• create and run simple scripts.

Vocational relevance

Successful completion of the course enables us to recognise your achievement of the course learning by issuing a Cisco Networking Academy – Linux Essentials certificate that you can use to document your commitment to continuing professional development in your personal portfolio, or to provide evidence to employers or professional body.

Professional recognition

Based on a set pass grade of 70% for the final assessment, a certificate of completion is available. A discount for the LPI Linux Essentials commercial certification examination is available for all students who complete this course. You will be able to book the examination at any Pearson Vue testing centre – this is not provided by The Open University.

Outside the UK

This is a technical course that has a global perspective.

Course length

This course will require around 70 hours to complete.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.