IS-125 Linux Fundamentals

Term: Winter 2026

Class Hours: Section 01: 1130 - 1250 Mondays & Wednesdays

Class Hours: Section 02: 1000 - 1120 Tuesdays & Thursdays

Classroom: 18-127A

Instructor: Rick Udlock
Office Phone: 533-3795
Email: Rick.Udlock@SFCC.Spokane.edu
Office: 18-112H

Course Description:

In this course students will learn about the fundamentals of the Linux operating system. Linux will be taught as an alternative to Windows, but more emphasis will be on its role as a server. Students will also be introduced to the basics of programming concepts in a Linux environment using the BASH shell and other tools such as Python and GAMBAS. They will learn the key components of Linux as used in IT and cybersecurity fields. This will include command-line navigation and server administration.

Course Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

• Configure Linux OS including installing updates, software from repositories and creating user accounts with appropriate permissions.
• Navigate and perform basic operations on a Linux computer using the command-line interface including remote access with SSH
• Compile binaries from source code.
• Configure Linux as a server.

Course Outline:

The following topics will be covered:

1. Installing & using Linux
2. Distributions
3. Installing & updating software
4. Developing software applications
5. Command line navigation and operations
6. Shell configuration and customization
7. Shell Scripting
8. Managing Processes
9. Server configuration
10. Installing & using the optional GUI in a server
11. Setting up database, file, FTP and web servers

Required Text and Materials:

Ubuntu Linux Unleashed, 2021 Edition
by Matthew Helmke
ISBN-13: 9780136778851

Prerequisites:

• IS 103 with a 2.0 or higher
• I strongly recommend taking up through at least Math 140 before signing up for this class.

Grading:

• Assignments: 53%
• Quizzes: 35%
• Attendance: 12%

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