Top Online Courses for Operating Systems Beyond Coursera and edX

If you haven't found a suitable operating system (OS) course on popular platforms like Coursera and edX, there are still many quality options available. Below, we will review a few of these platforms and highlight some of the best courses available.

Udacity

Udacity is an excellent platform if you are a beginner and looking for an introduction to operating systems, particularly focusing on Linux. This course covers the basics of how operating systems work, including file management, memory management, and process management.

Udemy

For more fundamental concepts, Udemy offers a comprehensive course on operating systems. This includes detailed explanations of processes, memory management, and file systems. It's a great starting point for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in this topic.

Pluralsight

Pluralsight is ideal for Linux enthusiasts. This course provides a deep dive into the Linux kernel, which is crucial for understanding how operating systems function. This level of detail makes it perfect for those looking to understand the inner workings of OSes.

MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare offers a free, advanced course that includes actual lecture notes, assignments, and exams from the MIT course. Ideal for those with some computer science background, this course covers more advanced topics and is excellent for those who want to go deeper.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy, while not a full course, provides resources and videos on computer science topics that include some aspects of operating systems. It’s a great place to start or supplement your learning.

LinkedIn Learning

Coding Ninjas, a popular platform, provides a variety of courses tailored for absolute beginners. Specifically for operating systems, the course at Coding Ninjas is highly recommended. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect:

Course Curriculum at Coding Ninjas

The curriculum is designed to cover the entire spectrum of operating system concepts, from basic to advanced.

Introduction to OS: Detailed definitions, components, and functionalities of the Kernel. Process Management: In-depth explanation of Process Control Blocks, process architecture, and basic storage devices. Memory Management: Understanding of memory management in early systems, isolation, and protection. Concurrency: Detailed discussions on processes, threads, and multithreading, along with thread scheduling algorithms. Storage Management: Need for secondary memory, file systems, and disk scheduling algorithms. Case Study: A comprehensive case study on Linux, including process management, memory management, and file system.

Advantages of the Course

The Coding Ninjas OS course offers several advantages, including:

60-day pause feature: You can take breaks during busy periods without losing your progress. Certificates: You receive a completion certificate after finishing the course and an excellence certificate for the top performers. Free trial: There is a free trial version available, and you still get a certificate upon completion.

Through this course, you will gain a detailed understanding of operating systems, from the basics to advanced levels. After completing the course, you will be well-prepared to explore job and career opportunities as an Operating Systems Analyst, Operating Systems Programmer, or even prepare for exams like GATE, NTA UGC NET Computer Science and Applications.

Best of luck with your learning journey!