Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this course, you will dive deep into the foundational concepts and practical tools of DevOps, with an emphasis on automation and infrastructure management. Starting with basics such as setting up domains and configuring DNS, you will progressively build the skills to automate and manage complex infrastructure setups. You'll gain hands-on experience with a variety of tools, including Ansible, Docker, and WireGuard, while exploring essential topics such as security measures, storage management, and CI/CD pipelines. By combining foundational knowledge with advanced tools, this course ensures you acquire the skills to manage and optimize DevOps environments efficiently. The journey begins with an understanding of DNS and VPS configuration, gradually building into security practices, Ansible automation, and containerization with Docker. You will also explore modern tools such as certbot for TLS certificates, WireGuard for VPNs, and Nextcloud for collaborative environments, covering all essential infrastructure management areas. The course flows seamlessly, equipping you with the confidence to manage servers, automate processes, and streamline DevOps workflows. This course is ideal for aspiring DevOps engineers, system administrators, and anyone interested in learning how to manage, automate, and optimize server infrastructures. It requires some basic knowledge of Linux and networking but is beginner-friendly and designed to provide a step-by-step guide through each concept. By the end of the course, you will be able to automate infrastructure management using Ansible, deploy and manage Docker containers, configure secure VPNs with WireGuard, manage databases with MariaDB, and deploy a full-scale DevOps pipeline.

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module, we will introduce you to the Arch Linux course, providing an overview of the topics covered in each section. You'll learn about the origins, philosophy, and key features of Arch Linux, along with the factors that set it apart from other distributions. By the end, common questions and expectations for beginners will also be addressed to ensure you're well-prepared for the rest of the journey.

Understanding Arch Linux

In this module, we will delve into the diverse applications of Arch Linux, including use cases that benefit from its flexibility and simplicity. You’ll learn about the different versions of Arch Linux and how to deploy it on cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, giving you the knowledge to adapt it to various environments.

Installing Arch Linux (Step-by-Step)

In this module, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing Arch Linux. Starting with reviewing system requirements, we'll walk you through downloading the ISO, setting up a virtual environment for testing, and installing Arch Linux on your machine. You'll finish by verifying your first login and setting up GNOME as your desktop environment.

Post-Installation Setup

In this module, we will show you how to fine-tune your Arch Linux system after installation. You'll configure network settings, explore the system’s customization options, and learn how to manage updates and use SSH for secure remote access. Additionally, we'll introduce Pacman, Arch's official package manager, to help you keep everything up-to-date.

Core System Administration

In this module, we will guide you through the core aspects of Arch Linux system administration. You'll learn how to manage software with Pacman and the AUR, get familiar with systemd for boot management and services, and understand disk partitioning and user permissions for efficient system operation.

Security Hardening

In this module, we will focus on strengthening the security of your Arch Linux system. You’ll learn how to configure firewalls, establish backup systems for disaster recovery, and follow best practices to protect your data and maintain system integrity.

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

In this module, we will summarize the course content and provide recommendations for continuing your Arch Linux learning journey. You'll be introduced to key resources such as the Arch Wiki, forums, and Reddit, and learn how to actively contribute to the Arch Linux community. Lastly, we'll guide you on how to apply your knowledge for further growth.