Are you a self-taught developer or a computer science beginner hoping to learn operating system fundamentals? If yes, you are in the right place.
The operating system is the quintessential aspect of any IoT device, phone, or laptop. Without the operating system, the device is merely a junk box. It is simply some hardware that does nothing on the motherboard. Hence, the operating system is a complex piece of software. It manages several tasks or the entire task for your device, such as memory management, installing software, error detection, system security, and more.
Everyone who works in computer science, software development, or information technology will require at least some basic understanding of computing and how it functions, such as interacting with hardware. This is also one of the top OS prerequisites for beginners who want to enroll in operating system courses. Thus, getting well-acquainted with the operating system is quintessential for programmers because the code they write will eventually run on the OS.
Those not well-acquainted with how OS manages concepts and memory will have a hard time fixing and troubleshooting memory issues and boosting the performance of their application. Whether you hope to learn the fundamentals of OS, like Windows and Linux, or brush up on the skills in the domain, there is a step-by-step process that you need to follow. One crucial aspect of this process is taking an online course. It can help you acquire the skills without going to the university. So, to help you with the drill, we have compiled a list of six such courses.
| The average salary for jobs that demand Operating system skills is $217,923, making it a highly lucrative career in the US and world abroad. |
Operating System Courses for Beginners to Boost Careers
Here’s a comparison table for a quick recap of these courses:
| Course Name | Platform | Paid/Free | Duration | Certification | What You Will Learn | Key Feature | Industry Applications |
| Ensuring System Security | Free | 1 hour 27 mins | Yes | Securing Windows, macOS, Linux, user authentication, OS protection, encryption techniques | Short course with a focus on OS security | IT security, network administration, and cybersecurity roles across tech, finance, and government | |
| Operating Systems Fundamentals | Coursera | Paid (free audit) | 30 hours | Yes (Paid) | Linux management, shell commands, file systems, user/group management, security principles, boot process | Comprehensive course with capstone project | System management, cybersecurity, and DevOps roles in tech, finance, and healthcare |
| IBM: Hardware and Operating Systems | edX | Free (Paid upgrade) | 6 weeks (9-11 hrs/week) | Yes (Optional paid cert.) | OS installation, hardware components, troubleshooting, workstation setup, peripherals, interfaces | Hands-on training by IBM professionals | IT support, hardware engineering, and system administration roles across industries |
| Discover Hardware | Udacity | Paid | 8 hours | Yes | Computer hardware identification, memory types, OS roles, file systems, command-line navigation, network functionality | Beginner-friendly with no prerequisites | IT support and hardware maintenance roles across tech, networking, and systems engineering |
| Basic Guide to Microsoft Windows 11 | Alison | Free | 6-10 hours | Yes (Diploma accredited) | Navigating Windows 11, file organization, cloud storage, OneDrive, online safety, program management | CPD-accredited, focused on Windows 11 | IT support, administrative roles, and everyday office tasks across industries |
| Principles of Operating Systems | Udemy | Paid (Discounts available) | 4.5 hours | Yes | OS role, process management, memory management, device management | Refund policy and lifetime access offered | System administration, IT, and software development roles focusing on multitasking and resource optimization |
Six Best Online Operating System Courses for Beginners
1. Ensuring system security – [LinkedIn]
This one by Lisa Bock is a great selection. It is a brief 1-hour, 27-minute free session that offers a fine amalgam of practical and theoretical learning. Upon completing the class, you will also receive a certification of completion.
Cost: Free
What Will You Learn?
- Securing Windows OS: Techniques to protect and secure the Windows operating system, including NTFS, folder access control, and User Account Control (UAC).
- Locking Down macOS and Linux: Methods to protect macOS and Linux operating systems, including using file systems and avoiding malware on a Linux host.
- User Authentication: Understanding various authentication methods, including passwords, smart cards, tokens, biometric identification, and multi-factor authentication.
- Protecting and Monitoring the OS: How to use firewalls, secure browsers, harden the OS, and follow protocol good practices.
- Email Protection: Strategies for protecting email clients and servers, dealing with SPAM, and understanding PTR records.
- Understanding Encryption: An overview of cryptographic techniques, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hash algorithms, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Industry Applications
This course provides essential skills in OS security, encryption, and user authentication, crucial for protecting systems in roles like IT security, network administration, and cybersecurity. These skills are applicable across industries like tech, finance, and government.
Why this Course?
It is one of the best short operating system courses for beginners that facilitates quick learning.
Who Should Take this Course?
- Individuals interested in learning practical techniques to secure Windows, macOS, and Linux OS.
- Beginners aiming to understand user authentication and encryption methods.
- Those pursuing careers in IT security, network administration, or cybersecurity.
2. Operating Systems Fundamentals – [Coursera]
Coursera is one of the top platforms for finding dependable courses, and this one is no different. With an overall rating of 4.8, it is also one of the highest-rated courses you will find online. Presented by popular instructor Shadow Farrell, the class has been enrolled by 9,318 students who have well-received and praised the session. Shadow is a technical trainer who has been in the business for 2 decades. He has been a part of enterprise environments, like Johnson & Johnson and AIG. Farrell also holds several certifications from Microsoft and CompTIA. So, you will be studying from the industry’s best.
In this beginner-friendly class, you follow a flexible learning schedule. The course takes 30 hours to complete. Upon completion, you earn a certification. This hands-on course comprises nine modules and 31 quizzes for assessment that determine your understanding of the class.
Cost: Free (Audit paid)
What Will You Learn?
- Basic management of Linux from the command line, including operating system security and management and file management
- Linux distribution and Copyleft.
- Using shell commands to query the system for basic information
- Employing commands to get help from the OS
- Linux file system, such as working with relative and absolute paths, organizing, restoring, and backup
- Working with text files from the shell
- Using expressions to search files, file contents, and directories
- Managing groups and users, such as user profiles and passwords
- Security principles to set ownership and permission
- Managing boot process, system settings, and jobs
Industry Applications
This course equips learners with Linux system administration, security, and command-line skills essential for roles in system management, cybersecurity, and DevOps. These skills are vital across industries like tech, finance, and healthcare.
Why this Course?
- After completing the course, students will finish a capstone project that depicts mastery of course material.
- Learners will develop their Linux machine by employing virtualization and the machine for all labs.
- It is one of the best certification courses for beginners.
Who Should Take this Course?
- Beginners looking to gain fundamental Linux system administration skills.
- Aspiring professionals in system management, cybersecurity, and DevOps roles.
- Anyone interested in learning Linux command-line basics and security principles.
Reviews from Learners
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.
3. IBM: Hardware and Operating Systems – [edX]
To make your way into the field of IT, you need some job-ready skills, and that’s what this course does for you. Taught by IBM’s Skill Network, quality learning will be the cornerstone of this class. It is a six-week course that requires an effort of 9-11 hours weekly. This free class has an optional paid upgrade available for students who need a certification from IBM.
Cost: Free, but 49 USD for certification
What Will You Learn?
- Skills to install and setup an OS
- Expertise in hardware components, such as CPU, hard drives, motherboard
- Recognizing laptop hardware and desktop components and devices
- Describing workstation setup, good troubleshooting practices, and OS settings
- Identifying commonly employed peripherals and interfaces
Industry Applications
This course equips learners with hands-on skills in OS installation, hardware setup, and troubleshooting for desktops, laptops, and workstations. These are essential for IT support, hardware engineering, and system administration roles across industries.
Why this Course?
- It is one of the popular online operating system courses where you study from experts at IBM.
- It is a self-paced session where you can progress at your speed.
Who Should Take this Course?
- Students preparing for IT support or system administration roles.
- Beginners interested in learning about hardware components and OS installation.
- Those aiming for a foundational understanding of desktop and laptop troubleshooting.
4. Discover Hardware – [Udacity]
Presented by Rebecca Coutts and Valerie Scarlata, it is a paid class that expands your knowledge and develops a solid foundation in computer hardware. This informative and engaging, beginner-friendly 8-hour class awards a certification upon completion.
Cost: Paid with a $122 subscription cost
What Will You Learn?
- Basic Hardware Components
- Identification and measurement of computer hardware components.
- Comparison of similar hardware types.
- Memory and Operating Systems
- Types of memory in computer hardware.
- Role of firmware and operating systems, including mobile OS.
- File Systems and Command Line
- Basic command-line navigation and commands.
- Overview of file systems and file formats.
- Physical Networks and Functionality
- Types of physical network connections and their speed differences.
- Introduction to network protocols and network security.
Industry Applications
This course provides foundational skills in hardware components, memory, OS, and network functionality, essential for IT support and hardware maintenance roles. These skills are valuable across tech, networking, and systems engineering fields.
Why this Course?
It has no prerequisites. So, you can start learning without any previous knowledge or skills.
Who Should Take this Course?
- Individuals who are new to computer hardware seek foundational knowledge.
- Aspiring IT support technicians or hardware maintenance professionals.
- One is interested in learning about memory, operating systems, and basic network functionalities.
5. Diploma in Basic Guide to Microsoft Windows 11 for Beginners – [Alison]
It is a Diploma course that is an excellent selection for anyone new to Windows 11. Jan Ekhteyari’s class takes you through the step-by-step process, from customizing your desktop to managing files and using apps like OneDrive. You can learn at your own pace. This free class involves 6-10 hours of learning and comprises four modules, of which module the last one revolves around assessment.
Cost: Free
What Will You Learn?
- Identifying the new look of Windows 11
- Ways to stay safe online
- Learning the features of OneDrive
- Storing the files in the cloud
- Methods of using the start menu to find settings and programs
- Organizing the files and folders
- Methods of opening, closing, and switching between programs
Industry Applications
This course provides essential skills for navigating and managing Windows 11, including file organization, app usage, and online safety. These skills are key for IT support, administrative roles, and everyday office tasks across industries.
Why this Course?
It is a CPD-accredited course.
Who Should Take this Course?
- Beginners want to familiarize themselves with Windows 11.
- Those needing essential skills for IT support or administrative tasks.
- Individuals are interested in learning about cloud storage and online safety features.
Review from Learners
Phillip C.
I love this course very timely and well prepared. thanks very much
6. Principles of Operating Systems – [Udemy]
It is a 4.5-hour course that will be informative for beginners in computer science. Learners can avail of the course on mobile or TV. Upon completion, the students will bag a certification. While it is a paid session, you can bag it at a bargain by inputting the coupon LEARNNOWPLANS.
Cost: $44.99
What Will You Learn?
- The critical role of an OS
- Process management functions of an OS
- Importance of memory management concepts of an OS
- Significance of device management
Industry Applications
This course on operating systems can be applied in industries like IT and software development, where professionals manage system resources, ensure multitasking, and optimize performance. Additionally, it’s essential for system administrators responsible for maintaining servers and handling network device management efficiently.
Why this Course?
- It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you experience any glitches or do not like the course during the 30 days, you can request a refund.
- It comes with a lifetime access.
Who Should Take this Course?
- Beginners in computer science aiming to understand the core functions of an OS.
- IT professionals interested in optimizing system performance and managing resources.
- Aspiring system administrators or software developers looking to enhance their skills in OS management.
Review from Learners
Phillip C.
I love this course very timely and well prepared. thanks very much
Bottom Line
So, these are the top six OS courses for beginners. You can take online classes from home at your own pace. Each of these sessions is highly reviewed. So, you will cherish the experience and learn all the vital things about the subject. Once you are through with your chosen course, check out some advanced operating system courses for beginners suggested by our experts.
