System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/system-administration-it-infrastructure-services

Introduction

### Course Review: System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services on Coursera In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the role of a system administrator has never been more crucial. The *System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services* course on Coursera provides a comprehensive overview of this vital field, catering to both beginners and those looking to enhance their knowledge in IT systems management. #### Course Overview This course serves as a bridge for learners transitioning from handling individual computers to managing an entire fleet of systems within a multi-user environment. The curriculum is designed to equip learners with the skills necessary to ensure reliable IT infrastructure across organizations of all sizes. An essential focus on cloud services and infrastructure management prepares students for the growing demand for cloud-savvy professionals in the market. #### Syllabus Breakdown The syllabus is well-structured, allowing learners to progressively build their knowledge and skills. Here’s a detailed look at what each module offers: 1. **What is System Administration?** In the introductory module, participants are welcomed into the world of system administration. You will gain an understanding of the foundational concepts such as organizational policies, user provisioning, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures. This module sets the stage for your journey as a system administrator, clarifying roles and responsibilities in the IT landscape. 2. **Network and Infrastructure Services** This module dives deep into the backbone of IT infrastructure – networks and services. Learners will explore server operating systems, virtualization, DNS for web services, and network service troubleshooting. By the end of this segment, you will be well-versed in the IT infrastructure services you'd encounter in day-to-day system administration tasks. 3. **Software and Platform Services** Here, you will learn about managing various software and platform services that support business productivity. The module covers critical aspects such as configuring email, security, and file services, with an emphasis on troubleshooting common issues. This area is particularly beneficial as it addresses real-world challenges faced by system admins. 4. **Directory Services** Understanding directory services is crucial for efficient system administration. In this module, learners will get hands-on experience with tools like Active Directory and OpenLDAP, mastering user management and group policies. This knowledge is essential for centralized management strategies that can significantly ease the administrative burden. 5. **Data Recovery & Backups** The importance of data recovery cannot be overstated. This module examines best practices for backup systems, including disaster recovery plans. As data loss can be catastrophic for any organization, acquiring skills in evaluating backup strategies equips you with essential tools to safeguard assets effectively. 6. **Final Project** The capstone of the course involves a practical project where you assess the IT infrastructure of three fictitious companies, providing consultation and recommendations. This project allows you to apply your learning in a simulated environment, honing your problem-solving and analytical skills as a future system administrator. #### Recommendations The *System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services* course is highly recommended for aspiring IT professionals and current practitioners seeking to enhance their skills in systems management. The structured approach ensures that learners can absorb complex concepts at a manageable pace, making it suitable for a diverse audience. Furthermore, the real-world project component bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering invaluable experience in assessing and recommending IT solutions. This course is not just about learning technical skills; it also fosters critical thinking and decision-making, central to being a successful system administrator. ### Conclusion With the rise of cloud technology and the increasing complexity of IT infrastructures, the *System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services* course on Coursera is a timely investment for anyone looking to establish or advance their career in IT. Whether you are a novice in the field or an experienced professional, this course provides a solid foundation in systems administration that will serve you well in a rapidly evolving industry. Dive into this course and empower yourself with the knowledge to keep organizations thriving in the digital age!

Syllabus

What is System Administration?

Welcome to the System Administration course of the IT Support Professional Certificate! In the first module of this course, we will cover the basics of system administration. We'll cover organizational policies, IT infrastructure services, user and hardware provisioning, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and managing potential issues. By the end of this module, you will understand the roles and responsibilities of a System Administrator. So let's get started!

In the second module of this course, we'll learn about network and infrastructure services. We will cover what IT infrastructure services are and what their role is in system administration. We'll also learn about server operating systems, virtualization, network services, DNS for web services, and how to troubleshoot network services. By the end of this module, you will know the most common IT infrastructure services you'll encounter when handling system administration tasks.

In the third module of this course, we'll explore software and platform services. We'll cover what types of software and platform services you may encounter in a tech role and how to manage them. We'll learn how to configure email services, security services, file services, print services, and platform services. We'll explore ways to troubleshoot platform services and common issues to look out for. By the end of this module, you'll understand how to setup and manage the IT infrastructure services to help a business stay productive, keep information secure, and deliver applications to its users.

In the fourth module of this course, we'll learn about directory services. Specifically, we'll cover how two of the most popular directory services, Active Directory and OpenLDAP, work in action. We'll explore the concept of centralized management and how this can help SysAdmins maintain and support all the different parts of an IT infrastructure. By the end of this module, you will know how to add users, passwords, and use group policies in Active Directory and OpenLDAP.

In the fifth module of this course, we'll learn about data recovery and backups. In any tech role, it's important to know how to backup and recover data -- it's even more important for system administration. We will also learn about common corporate practices like designing a disaster recovery plan and writing post-mortem documentation. By the end of this module, you'll know the tradeoffs between on-site and off-site backups, understand the value and importance of backup and recovery testing, know different options for data backup (as well as the risks) and understand the purpose and contents of a disaster recovery plan.

Congratulations, you've made it to the final module in the course! The last module of this course is dedicated to the final project. For the final project, you will apply all the skills you've learned in this course by providing systems administration consultation. You will assess the IT infrastructure of three fictitious (but very real-life based!) companies and provide recommendations and advice about how to support their IT infrastructure. By the end of this project, you will demonstrate the skills and problem-solving techniques of a SysAdmin. Good luck!