The Ultimate Ubuntu Handbook

Packt via Coursera

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

19 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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This course provides an in-depth journey into Ubuntu 24.04, covering both desktop usage and enterprise deployment. Learners will explore key system features, security principles, and development workflows essential for modern IT and software environments. Understanding Ubuntu empowers professionals to manage Linux systems efficiently and securely while leveraging open-source advantages in real-world settings. Through hands-on exercises, learners will improve their practical skills in system setup, software management, network security, and containerized development. This course emphasizes actionable strategies, guiding learners to build productive environments and execute tasks with confidence. You will develop proficiency in both routine administration and advanced system operations. What sets this course apart is the combination of structured theory and real-world application. Lessons include practical demos, tips from a core Ubuntu developer, and scenarios that bridge beginner knowledge with professional workflows. Learners gain insights that are directly transferable to professional Linux, DevOps, and cloud-based projects. This course is ideal for software engineers, DevOps professionals, data scientists, and tech enthusiasts. Beginners with a basic understanding of operating systems can follow along, while those with prior Linux experience will benefit from advanced tips and workflows.

Syllabus

Introduction to Ubuntu

This module introduces learners to Ubuntu, highlighting its history, mission, and the community-driven philosophy behind its development. You will discover the principles of free and open source software, and understand why Ubuntu is trusted for stability across diverse platforms. By the end, you'll have a foundational understanding of what makes Ubuntu unique in the Linux ecosystem.

What's New in Ubuntu 24.04?

This module introduces the key updates and enhancements in Ubuntu 24.04, including desktop interface changes, improved system performance, and advanced security features. Learners will discover new productivity shortcuts and understand how these updates impact everyday use and system administration.

Security and Transparency – The Advantages of Open Source Software

This module examines the core values of open source software, focusing on how transparency enhances security and trust. Learners will explore real-world examples, such as the XZ Utils backdoor case, and understand the global impact of open source through multilingual collaboration.

Getting Started with Ubuntu: A User's Guide

This module introduces you to the essentials of installing and configuring Ubuntu, including planning your installation, navigating the guided setup process, and understanding hardware compatibility. You'll also learn about the role of proprietary drivers and codecs in optimizing your system's performance.

Using Your Ubuntu Desktop

This module introduces learners to the Ubuntu desktop environment, guiding them through navigation, workspace management, and system customization. You will discover how to manage files, use essential applications, and personalize your desktop experience for greater productivity. Practical skills such as capturing screenshots and utilizing system indicators are also covered.

Software Discovery: Finding and Installing Applications

This module guides learners through the process of discovering, installing, and managing software on Ubuntu using tools like apt, Snap, and the Ubuntu App Center. You will explore secure installation practices, understand package dependencies, and learn how to leverage third-party repositories and application confinement for safer computing.

Software Updates: Enhancing Security and Stability

This module guides learners through the critical role of software updates in maintaining system security and stability. You will explore how to interpret security notices, understand vulnerabilities, and implement effective update strategies on Ubuntu systems. Practical best practices for ensuring smooth and proactive updates are also covered.

Getting Help: The Ubuntu Community and Beyond

This module introduces learners to essential Ubuntu documentation resources and highlights the various community platforms available for support and collaboration. Participants will discover how to efficiently find help and contribute to the Ubuntu ecosystem. By the end, learners will be equipped to navigate and utilize both official and community-driven support channels.

Ubuntu in the Enterprise and at Scale

This module introduces learners to enterprise-level Ubuntu management, focusing on integrating identity services and deploying at scale in heterogeneous environments. You will explore tools like Landscape and authd to securely manage authentication and device configuration across large organizations.

Command-Line Tricks and Shortcuts: Boosting Your Efficiency

This module introduces essential command-line skills for navigating directories, managing files, controlling processes, and monitoring disk usage in Ubuntu. Learners will also discover advanced techniques for handling permissions and ownership, as well as explore fun and practical utilities to enhance productivity. By the end, you'll be equipped to streamline your workflow and automate routine tasks using the terminal.

Introduction to Network Security

This module introduces essential strategies for securing Ubuntu Desktop, focusing on threat identification, firewall configuration, and network connection analysis. Learners will gain practical skills to proactively protect system integrity and monitor for suspicious activity.

Understanding Firewalls

This module introduces the essentials of network security, focusing on the configuration and management of firewalls using UFW and iptables on Ubuntu systems. Learners will gain practical skills in controlling network traffic and implementing security best practices to protect their systems.

Safeguarding Information with Data Encryption

This module introduces key methods for protecting sensitive data on Linux systems using encryption. Learners will explore full-disk encryption with LUKS, home directory security with eCryptfs, and techniques for encrypting removable drives. Practical guidance is provided to help secure both internal and external storage devices against unauthorized access.

Ubuntu for Developers

This module introduces the advantages of using Ubuntu as a development platform, guiding learners through essential tool configuration and open source contribution. Learners will also discover advanced resources and techniques to optimize their development workflow, including virtualization and containerization.

Leveraging Containers for Development

This module introduces learners to LXD containers, focusing on their setup, management, and optimization for agile software development. You will explore practical applications such as CI/CD pipelines and microservices, while also learning best practices for security and scalability. By the end, you'll be equipped to leverage LXD for efficient, reproducible development environments.

Cloud-Style VMs on Your Desktop

This module introduces learners to Multipass, a tool for creating lightweight Ubuntu virtual machines on your desktop. You will discover how to set up isolated, reproducible development environments and streamline your workflow for testing and project management.

Kubernetes Development on Your Desktop

This module introduces learners to MicroK8s as a streamlined solution for running Kubernetes locally, emphasizing its ease of use and integration with Ubuntu-based development workflows. Learners will compare MicroK8s with other local development tools and understand how it simplifies container orchestration on the desktop.

Building Your Data Science Toolkit

This module introduces Canonical's Data Science Stack (DSS) and demonstrates how it enhances data science workflows on Ubuntu. Learners will discover how to install, configure, and utilize key tools like Jupyter Notebook and MLflow for efficient, reproducible machine learning projects.

Embracing the Spirit of Ubuntu

This module guides learners through installing Ubuntu, managing software with APT and Snap, and configuring secure servers. By focusing on adaptability and security, it prepares you to confidently deploy and maintain Ubuntu in a variety of environments.