Introduction to UNIX (Linux, Windows Services for Linux, Mac OS CLI)

This is a course which unlocks the basic of Linux or the Mac OS Command Line for everyone. Whether you’ve tried Linux or you have only heard of it. Or you’ve tried the Mac OS command line and want to learn how to make use of the power available to you, this is the starting point.

This course is based on material dating back to 1969 where things haven’t really changed much since then. Billions of computers and hundreds of billions of IoT devices use some form of UNIX as their foundations. For knowledge, simple career advancement or even just padding your CV when that extra skill is important, a Linux introduction course is always a great idea.


Target audience

This course targets IT professionals looking to broaden their knowledge of Linux-based systems. Ideal for those who want to enhance their skills for career progression, or those transitioning from other operating systems. Also great for tech enthusiasts with a foundational understanding of computers, keen on exploring the open-source world.

Whether you’re a network admin, developer, or hobbyist, this 2-day essentials course promises essential insights into Linux fundamentals, ensuring you're equipped to tackle real-world challenges.

Necessary prerequisites

Basic computer knowledge. 

Bring your own device to class!

For this training, students will bring their own PCs with Windows or Mac OS.

Course material

This class will contain labs and documentation on all topics covered. 
The labs will be available to students for 30 days after the class ends and extensions can be purchased if needed.

Why you should attend this course?

While computers have become more user friendly over time, Linux can be described as the ultimate computing power tool. With a solid foundation in the Linux command line, nearly every task in computing becomes more efficient and often easier. All the topics covered in this class and also be directly applied to both Mac and Windows as they both support the same commands and tools.

About the instructor Darren Starr

Darren is working as Senior High Performance Computing Engineer at UiO. He has been a Cisco Certified Trainer since 2010 and appointed the prestigious Cisco VIP title in 2015.

Darren is a top level instructor within networking and storage. He shares his exceptional knowledge with a lot of enthusiasm, deep dive explanations and verbal illustrations. 

Course content

What is UNIX?

Linux basics

  • What is the command line?

  • Connecting to Linux
    • Virtual machines
    • Windows Services for Linux
    • Terminal emulation software

  • Basic command line tasks
    • Where am I?
    • How do I get to other places and back again?
    • How do I run programs?
    • What are the different kinds of files?
    • Why are there so many tools with silly 2 letter names?

  • Users and groups
    • What is a normal user?
    • What is a group?
    • Who is root?
    • What does this read/write/execute thing mean?

  • Find stuff
    • Looking for files by filename
    • Looking for data inside of files
  • Does Linux have a graphical version?
    • About Window Managers
    • A little about KDE and Gnome

  • Linux Documentation
    • What is a man page and how to use it?

  • Editing files
    • Nano for easy mode
    • Basics of vi for more advanced editing

  • Viewing files
    • More is less
    • Who let the cat out?

  • Very basic scripting
    • It can still do A LOT!