Overview
Gain hands-on Systems Administrator skills in this exciting course that follows the journey of the fictional Globex Corporation as it grows from a startup to a multinational enterprise with fully-functional network and information systems. As their new corporate systems administrator, get ready to upgrade obsolete systems and design new networks in this fast-paced learning environment that mirrors critical on-the-job scenarios designed to prepare you for real-world Ops challenges.
The course integrates practical network and systems administration operations such as network design and troubleshooting, server deployment and configuration, user identity management, scripting & automation, and system health monitoring with professional exercises in change management and project planning in a simulated on-the-job narrative.
This course includes career development curriculum to get you ready for your job search, plus job search assistance after graduation. The course totals 160 hours, including lectures, lab, coworking, and collaborative projects.
Outcomes
At the end of this course, you will be able to land an entry-level Network Operations Specialist or Systems Administrator job with skills to:
- Implement ITIL change and configuration management best practices
- Apply Agile project management methodologies to IT systems administration
- Design and deploy a client-server infrastructure
- Administer critical IT and network systems
- Practice identity management in Active Directory (AD)/LDAP protocol
- Deploy and use a database in Microsoft SQL Server 2019
- Analyze how cloud systems can integrate into on-premise systems
- Automate OS tasks using scripting languages Bash, Powershell, and Python
- Design and deploy a complete enterprise-grade network infrastructure including routers, switches and firewalls
- Troubleshoot challenging network problem scenarios
- Implement network protocols TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, and routing
- Oversee patch management of various systems
- Resolve network problems using network analyzer tools and network management solutions
- Be prepared for a Ops 401: Networking and Sysadmin course
Prerequisites
- Required: Familiarity with algebra concepts.
- Ops 201: Foundations of Computer Operations Learn to support technology operations by resolving issues with hardware, software, and virtual or cloud systems.
- Students with previous experience can test out of this requirement in their application. If you'd like to test straight into this course, please make sure you have experience with all of the topics listed on the Ops 102 and Ops 201 course pages.
Topics
Systems Administration
- Agile project management
- ITIL change management
- Linux and Windows network services, like AD, DHCP, DNS, email, LDAP, web servers
- Cloud services
- Identity management
- IT infrastructure and systems design
- Microsoft SQL Server 2019
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019
- Patch management
- Software administration
- Virtual machine administration
Networking
- Enterprise-grade routers, switches, firewalls
- Network analyzer tools
- Network design
- Network infrastructure troubleshooting
- Network service administration (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS)
- Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP)
Scripting & Automation
- Bash
- OS task automation
- Powershell
- Python
Certification Alignment
This course will substantially prepare you for achieving the learning objectives of CompTIA Network+ certification. This course covers significant aspects of four of the five domains required for Network+.
- CompTIA Network+ N10-007
- 1.0 Networking Concepts
- 2.0 Infrastructure
- 3.0 Network Operations
- 5.0 Network Troubleshooting and Tools
Career Transition Services
Changing careers is about more than learning a new skill. In tandem with your Ops education, you will receive powerful career-building strategic training so you can confidently start your job search as soon as (or even before!) you graduate.
Our Career Transition Services provide training, mentoring, leadership, and introductions to industry partners to help you become a more well-rounded software developer and a leader in your field. These services, which start in Ops 201 and continue after Ops 401 graduation, involve a series of events, workshops, and assignments that help you think holistically about your new career and take actionable steps towards success.
Material Requirements
You are required to supply your own laptop that meets the below requirements. Chromebooks are not suitable for this course, since you can’t directly control installed software. You are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your computer throughout the course.
- 64-bit Operating System: Linux, macOS, or Windows 10
- Fully up to date, with the latest version of the operating system and all security updates installed
- At least 80GB of free space on the hard drive
- At least 16GB RAM required. 32GB of RAM or more strongly preferred
- Free of viruses, and in general working order
By the first day of class, you will need:
- The latest version of Google Chrome
- A second computer intended for lab and data overwrite
- At least three 64GB USB 2.0 or better flash drive
Stacked Modules
Concepts in each of our courses are taught using stacked modules, where a new concept is introduced in each class session, building upon what came before it. This is a challenging style that requires persistence, practice, and collaboration, but allows more concepts to be introduced over the length of the course. This method helps students learn and retain more information in a short period of time. Learn more about stacked modules »
Homework Policy
In order to pass the class, students must attain at least 90% of available points.
Professionalism
Punctuality, participation in discussions, completion of assignments, and demonstration of professional courtesy to others are required, in accordance with our Code of Conduct. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. Passing requires at least 90% attendance. Students should always contact the instructors ahead of time if they are unable to attend all or part of the published class/lab hours.