Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL by Google Course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course is designed to equip aspiring cybersecurity professionals with foundational skills in Linux and SQL. Over approximately 21 hours of content, learners will explore operating systems, master essential Linux commands through the Bash shell, and gain practical experience with SQL for database querying. The course is structured into five core modules followed by a final project, allowing learners to progress at their own pace with hands-on exercises that reinforce each concept. Estimated time commitment is 5–10 hours per week over 4 weeks.

Module 1: Introduction to Operating Systems

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Understand the relationship between operating systems, applications, and hardware
• Explore the roles of operating systems in managing system resources
• Compare graphical user interfaces (GUI) and command-line interfaces (CLI)
• Identify use cases for CLI in cybersecurity and system administration

Module 2: The Linux Operating System

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Learn about Linux architecture and its open-source foundation
• Explore common Linux distributions used in industry
• Understand how the Linux shell enables user interaction with the OS
• Recognize the importance of Linux in cybersecurity environments

Module 3: Linux Commands in the Bash Shell

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Navigate and manage file systems using Bash commands
• Create, move, copy, and delete files and directories via CLI
• Use Linux commands to authenticate and authorize users
• Practice file permission settings and user access controls

Module 4: Databases and SQL

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Describe the organization and structure of relational databases
• Use SQL to retrieve data from single tables
• Apply filters and sorting to SQL queries using WHERE and ORDER BY
• Join multiple tables using SQL JOIN operations

Module 5: Final Project

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Perform a series of Linux command-line tasks to manage a simulated system
• Query a relational database using SQL to extract and analyze data
• Submit a report summarizing actions taken and insights gained

Prerequisites

• No prior experience required
• Basic computer literacy
• Access to a web browser and internet connection

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain how operating systems interact with hardware and software
• Compare GUI and CLI interfaces and their use cases
• Navigate and manage file systems using Linux Bash commands
• Authenticate and authorize users using Linux command-line tools
• Use SQL to retrieve, filter, and join data in relational databases