Operating system courses can help you learn process management, memory allocation, file systems, and user interfaces. You can build skills in troubleshooting system errors, optimizing performance, and implementing security protocols. Many courses introduce tools like Linux, Windows, and virtualization software, illustrating how these skills are applied in real-world environments.

Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, Package and Software Management, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, Linux Administration, Remote Access Systems, System Monitoring, Command-Line Interface, User Accounts, Systems Administration, Windows PowerShell, Technical Support and Services, File Management, Virtualization
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Skills you'll gain: File Systems, Operating Systems, OS Process Management, C (Programming Language), System Programming, Virtualization, Data Integrity, Debugging, Systems Design, Performance Tuning, Distributed Computing, Data Storage, Computer Systems, Command-Line Interface, Virtual Machines, Data Security, Computer Hardware, Scalability, Data Structures, Linux
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Skills you'll gain: Operating Systems, OS Process Management, System Programming, File Systems, Unix Commands, Command-Line Interface, System Monitoring, System Design and Implementation, Performance Tuning, Package and Software Management, File Management, Algorithms, Cloud Platforms, Security Controls, User Accounts, Debugging
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Peripheral Devices, Computer Hardware, System Configuration, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Computer Systems, Virtual Machines, Operating Systems, USB, Hardware Troubleshooting, Computing Platforms, Linux, Software Installation, Technical Support, Mac OS, Computer Architecture, File Systems, Network Infrastructure, Data Storage, User Accounts, Disaster Recovery
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, Cloud Computing, Linux Commands, Linux Administration, Linux Servers, Cloud Security, Operating Systems, Windows PowerShell, Windows Servers, File Systems, System Software, Mac OS, Command-Line Interface, Active Directory, Computer Systems, Virtual Machines, Firewall, Virtualization, Containerization, User Accounts
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Infosec
Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Linux Commands, Command-Line Interface, Linux, Cybersecurity, Operating System Administration, Operating Systems, Windows PowerShell, Unix Commands, Microsoft Windows, Computer Systems, Mac OS
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Illinois Tech
Skills you'll gain: Open Source Technology, Linux, Package and Software Management, Shell Script, Linux Administration, Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows, Linux Commands, Unix Shell, Windows PowerShell, User Accounts, Bash (Scripting Language), Command-Line Interface, Unix, Operating Systems, Scripting, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Systems Administration, Windows Servers, Security Management
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Computer Systems, Operating Systems, Generative AI, Business Systems, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Security, Servers, Security Awareness, Computer Hardware, Information Systems Security, Computer Architecture, Data Storage, Patch Management, Cloud Computing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Peking University
Skills you'll gain: File Systems, Operating Systems, System Software, OS Process Management, Real-Time Operating Systems, Computer Systems, Data Storage, Unix, Computer Science, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Virtualization, Algorithms
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months

Illinois Tech
Skills you'll gain: Virtualization, Virtual Machines, Hyper-V, VMware ESX Servers, Data Centers, Data Storage, Servers, Virtual Reality, Computer Networking, Network Infrastructure, Remote Access Systems, Computer Hardware
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Akamai Technologies, Inc.
Skills you'll gain: Linux, Ubuntu, Linux Administration, File Systems, Linux Commands, Operating Systems, User Accounts, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, OS Process Management, File Management, Unix Shell, System Configuration, Command-Line Interface, Open Source Technology, Security Controls, Virtualization, Virtual Machines
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Illinois Tech
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Windows, Windows PowerShell, Operating System Administration, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, Systems Administration, Desktop Support, System Configuration, Control Panels, OS Process Management, IT Automation, General Networking, Computing Platforms, Graphical Tools, File Management, Network Troubleshooting, User Accounts
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
An operating system is the collection of software that directs a computer’s operations; controlling and scheduling the execution of other programs; and managing storage, input/out, and communication resources. Some popular examples of operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Google’s Android OS, and others.
Operating systems are important to learn about because of their role in computing. Learners who become IT professionals must understand its critical function in managing a computer’s memory and processes, software and hardware, and other key functions.
The average salary of an Operating Systems Specialist is $72,000 per year, and though some employers require a bachelor’s degree in a Computer Science-related field, many only require a post-secondary certificate. Major skills learners should master in order to become successful include Recovery Procedures, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, and others listed by Zippia.
Other roles where knowledge of Operating Systems is important include Systems Administrator, Administrative Assistant, Computer Operator, Technical Support Specialist, Network Technician, and others that are related.
Through Coursera, Operating Systems are covered in various courses. These courses focus on understanding an operating system’s various functional modules; applying operating system principles, design methods, and implementation techniques; staying on top of development research trends; new technologies and new ideas; and more.
Lessons on Operating Systems are taught by instructors from major organizations and universities, including Google, EIT Digital, Peking University, and other institutions. Learners can enjoy exploring Operating Systems with instructors specializing in Systems Software, Information Technology, and other disciplines. Course content is delivered via video lectures, readings, quizzes, hands-on projects, and other assignments.
Any formal or informal background experience working with computers can be helpful before you begin learning about operating systems. This could include taking classes in basic programming or practicing independently on your own projects. Helping friends or family members address tech issues—especially tasks such as installing, uninstalling, or troubleshooting an operating system—can also be useful background experience. A basic understanding of software management and embedded hardware systems can help you advance through your studies quicker.
People who are highly curious about technology are suitable for roles in operating system design and maintenance. People in these roles are analytical, as they spend much of their time exploring the various processes that make a computer run. They're also committed to lifelong learning since operating systems are always being updated to offer users faster and more secure performance. Keeping up with these latest advancements requires a mind that's passionate about technology.
If you're a curious individual who wants to gain a fuller understanding of what goes on behind the scenes of a computer, learning about operating systems may be right for you. Some people who study this subject are ambitious enough to start the lengthy task of creating their own operating system from scratch. However, that doesn't necessarily have to be your goal, and few people undertake the challenge. Aspiring programmers, professional programmers, and other people in computer science fields often seek to learn more about operating systems in order to better understand their own work and gain a better perspective of how multiple processes work together in a system. So, whether you're aiming to land a lucrative job in software engineering or you're simply curious about how your personal computer works, learning about operating systems may be right for you.
Online Operating System (OS) courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Operating System (OS) skills. Choose from a wide range of Operating System (OS) courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.
When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Operating System (OS), it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.