About This Course
Every app, website and cloud service depends on people who can keep computer systems and networks running reliably. If you’re interested in essential IT careers, network and system administration offers a clear path into infrastructure, operations and cybersecurity-focused roles.
In this foundational course, you’ll explore the core tasks of network and system administrators while building the technical skills needed for modern IT roles. You’ll gain hands-on experience with Linux system administration, security controls and network fundamentals. By the end of the course, you’ll have experience deploying and managing containerized applications — packaged to run consistently — in cloud environments. Whether you’re interested in cybersecurity, DevOps, cloud engineering or data infrastructure, this course provides the practical knowledge and confidence to succeed in today’s IT settings.
You can take this course on its own or use it to prepare for one of these programs:
Designed For
Anyone interested in developing the skills necessary for network and system administration roles.
What You’ll Learn
Techniques for command‑line Linux administration including user management, process control and troubleshooting common system issues
Core TCP/IP networking concepts and service setup, including how systems communicate using common protocols (SSH, DNS, HTTP, HTTPS)
Security practices for Linux systems, such as permissions, secure access methods, certificates and basic host‑based firewall configuration
How to automate and manage systems efficiently using scripting, Git version control and configuration tools such as Ansible
Foundational container and cloud skills, including deploying applications and managing resources using AWS Console and CLI tools
Get Hands-On Experience
Install, configure and secure Linux systems in lab-driven environments using permissions, ACLs, SELinux, SSH authentication and host‑based firewall tools
Write Bash automation scripts, explore programming with Python, use Git for version control and apply Ansible for system administration
Deploy and manage containerized applications in a Kubernetes cluster and interact with AWS services using Console and CLI tools
Career Stats
20.1%
Projected job growth for network and computer systems administrators in Washington state (2024–2034)
$104,062
Median salary for network and systems administrators in Washington state (2023)
Earn a Certificate
Combine this course with the Foundations of Python Programming and DevOps With Containers & Kubernetes to earn the Certificate in System Administration & DevOps With Python.
Earn a Digital Badge
After successfully completing this course, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.
