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Are you using Linux in the classroom or on the job? Maybe you need more support to earn a passing grade or want to level up your skills to land a more rewarding role. Either way, an online Linux course can help you meet your goals.
There are options available for all skill levels and some are accessible for free or at a rate you can afford. Benzinga is here to help you find the perfect fit.
Quick Look: Best Linux Courses
Take a quick look at Benzinga’s top picks:
- Linux Mastery: Master the Linux Command Line in 11.5 Hours by Udemy
- Introduction to Linux by The Linux Foundation
- Linux Basics: The Command Line Interface by Dartmouth
- Complete Linux Training Course to Get Your Dream IT Job by Skillshare
- Linux for Developers by The Linux Foundation and Coursera
- Practical Linux for Network Engineers: Part 1 by LinkedIn Learning
- Learn Linux Administration and Supercharge Your Career by Udemy
- Linux System Programming Techniques and Concepts by Udemy
- Advanced Linux: The Linux Kernel by LinkedIn Learning
What Makes a Linux Course Great?
Here are some factors to keep in mind as you evaluate Linux classes and select the right one for you.
Led by a Knowledgeable Instructor
Is the facilitator well-versed in Linux? You want to confirm that an instructor has used the operating system extensively while working in the field and can communicate tips and strategies to leverage key features or overcome common challenges.
Before you select a course, review the instructor’s biography. Take a look at the instructor’s LinkedIn profile along with reviews from past and current students to learn more about their professional background and what to expect if you enroll.
Starts with the Basics
Just getting started with Linux? Or maybe it’s been a while since you completed any form of continuing education. Either way, a Linux course that begins with the basics is most ideal. You’ll get a refresher on foundational concepts before moving on to more advanced material. This eliminates feeling overwhelmed as you progress through the course.
Self-Paced
Linux is an operating system with several components. If you’re a newbie, you may find some concepts more challenging than others. A self-paced course allows you to spend as much time as you need on the material. That way, you won’t have to rush through the modules just to meet pressing deadlines. Plus, you can get the most from your online learning experience.
Our Top Picks
You’ll find our top picks from leading online learning platforms below — Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare. We’ve organized the courses by skill level — beginner, intermediate and advanced.
You’ll also find a description and enrollment fee for each class to help you make an informed decision.
Linux Courses for Beginners
Consider these introductory courses if you’re new to Linux.
1. Linux Mastery: Master the Linux Command Line in 11.5 Hours by Udemy
In a little under 12 hours, you can learn Linux Command Line's essentials with this highly-rated introductory course from Udemy. It’s presented by Internet Things of Academy, an online education company, and includes 69 video lectures, 3 articles and 14 downloadable resources.
Linux Mastery: Master the Linux Command Line in 11.5 Hours is comprised of the following modules:
- Mastery Level 1: Setting Up Your Linux Virtual Machine
- Mastery Level 2: Mastering the Linux Terminal
- Mastery Level 3: Mastering the Linux File System
- Mastery Level 4: Mastering Task Automation and Scheduling
- Mastery Level 5: Mastering Open Source Software
- Course Conclusion
- Appendix: Setting Up Your Linux Virtual Machine
Facilitator Ziyad Yehia is a top Udemy instructor who is well-versed in Linux and Python. He’s taught over 139,000 Udemy students.
2. Introduction to Linux by The Linux Foundation
Who it's for: Beginners
Price: Free
Offered by The Linux Foundation, this 14-week course is ideal for Linux novices and those who want a refresher course.
Introduction to Linux is led by Director of Training Jerry Cooperstein. It helps you gain an in-depth understanding of Linux, its common applications and basic command line operations. You’ll also learn more about system configurations and the graphical interface of Linux.
It’s free to enroll and you can expect to spend 5 to 7 hours per week working through the material.
You’ll walk away from the course with the skills and knowledge to navigate major Linux distributions and build on what you’ve already learned as a developer, user or system administrator.
3. Linux Basics: The Command Line Interface by Dartmouth
Who it's for: Beginners
Price: Free
Linux Basics: The Command Line Interface is a component of the C Programming with Linux Professional Certificate program from Dartmouth. It takes you from novice to skilled user in just 7 weeks if you allocate 3 to 5 hours each week to the course material.
Begin your online learning experience with a primer on Linux and Unix's history, followed by lessons on using basic commands, how to navigate and manipulate the Linux Filestyle with the command line interface and more. Plus, you’ll discover how to compile and execute a C program on Linux and manage the processes and memory running on the operating system.
This free course is co-facilitated by Petra Bonfert-Taylor, professor at the Thayer School of Engineering, and Rémi Sharrock, associate professor at Telecom ParisTech.
Intermediate Linux Courses
Have a solid grasp on Linux basics? Move on to these intermediate courses.
4. Complete Linux Training Course to Get Your Dream IT Job by Skillshare
Who it's for: Intermediate students
Price: Free
Seeking a career in IT that requires Linux mastery? If you have little to no prior experience using the operating system or want to level up your knowledge, this intermediate course is the perfect fit.
Complete Linux Training Course to Get Your Dream IT Job includes 10 core modules:
- Understanding Linux Concepts
- Download, Install and Configure
- System Access and File System
- Linux Fundamentals
- System Administration
- Shell Scripting
- Networking, Servers and System Updates
- Disk Management and Run Levels
- All About Resume
- All About Interview
Systems Manager Imran Afzal delivers easy-to-follow instruction through a series of video lectures. You’ll be tasked with completing homework assignments, projects and quizzes to ensure you get the most out of the course.
Grab a free seat in the class with a Skillshare trial.
5. Linux for Developers by The Linux Foundation and Coursera
Who it's for: Intermediate students
Price: Free
Linux for Developers is the 2nd course in the Open Course Software Development, Linux and Git Specialization from The Linux Foundation.
It explores what it’s like to work in the Linux operating system daily. You will discover which skills are vital to effectively do your work as a developer.
Here’s a breakdown of the course:
- Linux Orientation
- Starting to Work in Linux
- System Components
- Command Details
- System Administration and User Management
Each module includes video lectures, readings and quizzes. You will spend approximately 19 hours working through the course from start to finish.
It’s free to enroll. Have experience working at the command line before you register.
6. Practical Linux for Network Engineers: Part 1 by LinkedIn Learning
Who it's for: Intermediate students
Price: Included with the monthly membership
If you’re an aspiring or new network engineer, Linux is a skill you should master to thrive in your role. This intermediate course will bring you up to speed in a little over 4 hours.
Practical Linux for Network Engineers: Part 1 is led by Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and Cisco Certified Systems Instructor (CCSI) David Bombal. It is divided into 11 segments:
- Why Should You Learn Linux?
- GNS3 Linux Networks
- Linux Fundamentals: Which Linux Distro?
- Linux Fundamentals: Text Editors
- Linux Fundamentals
- Linux Fundamentals: File Systems
- Linux Fundamentals: Files, Tools, Owners and Permissions
- Linux Fundamentals: Copy, Move and Delete
- Linux Fundamentals: Users, Groups and Passwords
- Linux Fundamentals: Permissions
- Processes
There’s no cost to enroll if you have a LinkedIn monthly membership. If you’re not a member, sign up in just minutes to access the class for free.
Advanced Linux Courses
Seasoned Linux users seeking career advancement opportunities or ways to use the operating system more effectively will find these courses useful.
7. Learn Linux Administration and Supercharge Your Career by Udemy
Want to master the essentials of the Linux operating system to advance your career? Let professional system administrator Jason Cannon show you the ropes.
Learn Linux Administration and Supercharge Your Career involves the following segments:
- The Linux Boot Process and System Logging
- Disk Management
- LVM – The Logical Volume Manager
- User Management
- Networking
- Managing Processes and Jobs
- Linux Permissions
- Managing Software
- Viewing and Editing Files
- Shell Scripting
Register today for full lifetime access to 4.5 hours of on-demand video, 2 articles and 21 downloadable resources. You will also receive a certificate of completion when you finish the course.
8. Linux System Programming Techniques and Concepts by Udemy
Are you an aspiring developer who wants to prepare for system programming technical interviews? This Udemy best seller is a good fit.
It pulls back the curtain on how C programming works behind the scenes. A variety of vital concepts are covered in the course, including header files, preprocessing directives, static and dynamic libraries, the compilation process and programmable libraries. There are also lessons on iterative macros, glue-based data structures, opaque pointers, paging and more.
Linux System Programming Techniques and Concepts is available for a low enrollment fee and offers a ton of value. When you register, you will receive instant access to 12.5 hours of on-demand video and 4 downloadable resources. Plus, you can enroll with confidence knowing the course comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied for any reason.
Make sure you have C/C++ programming and OS knowledge before you enroll.
9. Advanced Linux: The Linux Kernel by LinkedIn Learning
Who it's for: Advanced students
Price: Included with the monthly membership
This advanced course from LinkedIn Learning imparts valuable knowledge to help boost your knowledge while teaching you how to configure and troubleshoot the Linux kernel.
Advanced Linux: The Linux Kernel is facilitated by Dr. Kevin Dankwardt of Embedded Linux Authority. Here’s a quick look at the course curriculum:
- Surveying the Linux Kernel
- Booting
- Working with Loadable Kernel Modules
- Examining Linux Kernel Source Code
- Configuring and Building a Linux Kernel
Grab a free seat in the class with a 30-day LinkedIn trial membership.
Get Started with a Linux Course
Instead of spending hours sitting through web tutorials to level up your Linux skills, consider our top recommendations. They are facilitated by knowledgeable instructors who allow you to work at your own pace. Plus, there are options for all skill levels and budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors do you need to consider in a Linux course?
You should consider the pace, material and instructor’s experience.
What are the best Linux courses for beginners?
Benzinga recommends Introduction to Linux, Linux Basics and Linux Mastery.
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