Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/system-administration-it-infrastructure-services-ua
In the ever-evolving world of Information Technology, understanding the backbone of any digital operation – system administration – is paramount. I recently completed the Coursera course “Системне адміністрування і послуги ІТ-інфраструктури” (System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services), and it has been an incredibly insightful journey from managing a single computer to overseeing an entire network.
This course is designed for anyone looking to transition into the realm of system administration, offering a comprehensive overview of the IT infrastructure services that keep organizations, big or small, running smoothly. The curriculum is structured logically, starting with the fundamental responsibilities of a system administrator and gradually delving into more complex topics.
**Week 1: What is System Administration?**
The course kicks off by laying a strong foundation. We explored organizational policies, IT infrastructure services, user and hardware maintenance, routine upkeep, troubleshooting, and problem resolution. This initial week effectively defined the scope and importance of a system administrator’s role.
**Week 2: Network Services and Infrastructure Services**
Here, we dove into the heart of network operations. Understanding IT infrastructure services and their critical role in system administration was a key takeaway. The module covered server operating systems, virtualization, network services, DNS for web services, and essential troubleshooting techniques for network services. This section provided a clear picture of the most common IT infrastructure services encountered in the field.
**Week 3: Software and Platform Services**
This week focused on managing various software and platform services. We learned how to configure email, security, file, and print services, along with platform management. Troubleshooting platform services and identifying common issues were also covered. By the end of this module, I felt confident in configuring and managing IT infrastructure services to boost productivity and ensure data security.
**Week 4: Directory Services**
A significant portion of system administration involves managing user accounts and permissions, which is where directory services come in. This week introduced us to Active Directory and OpenLDAP, two of the most popular directory services. The concept of centralized management and its benefits for IT infrastructure support were thoroughly discussed. I gained practical knowledge on adding users, managing passwords, and utilizing group policies in both AD and OpenLDAP.
**Week 5: Data Backup and Recovery**
Arguably one of the most critical aspects of system administration is data protection. This module covered the essentials of data backup and recovery, including developing disaster recovery plans and conducting situational analyses. Understanding the differences between local and remote backups, the importance of backup testing, and the purpose of a disaster recovery plan were invaluable lessons.
**Week 6: Final Project**
The course culminated in a practical final project where we applied all the learned skills. We were tasked with assessing the IT infrastructure of fictional companies and providing actionable recommendations for support. This project was a fantastic opportunity to simulate real-world problem-solving as a system administrator.
**Recommendation:**
I highly recommend “Системне адміністрування і послуги ІТ-інфраструктури” to anyone aspiring to become a system administrator or looking to deepen their understanding of IT infrastructure. The course is well-structured, informative, and provides hands-on experience through its projects. It’s an excellent stepping stone for a career in IT support and system administration.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/system-administration-it-infrastructure-services-ua