Our hands-on course offers a guided introduction to the UNIX operating system. You’ll cover the essentials, from navigation and commands to basic UNIX shell scripting and file handling - ideal for those getting started with UNIX and looking to apply their skills on the job.
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UNIX Introduction
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Learn essential skills
Course overview
Build foundational UNIX skills that support career growth
Over three focused days, you’ll gain a working knowledge of UNIX essentials and build the confidence to tackle technical tasks independently. With hands-on access to live lab environments, you’ll move from learning basic navigation and commands to applying UNIX shell scripting to automate real scenarios - setting you up for future success in system support, development, or admin pathways.
Learning objectives
- Use core UNIX commands to navigate and manage files
- Apply redirection and pipes to control data flow
- Edit and customise text files with vi/Vim
- Combine commands using logic and wildcards
- Filter and process text using grep, sed and awk
- Manage file permissions and user access
- Monitor and control running processes
- Configure your UNIX shell environment
What you’ll learn
Develop your UNIX knowledge from the ground up. Each session at ILX is instructor-led and scenario-based - preparing you to handle real technical challenges using UNIX shell scripting and system tools. You’ll gain confidence applying your skills immediately in workplace situations.
Navigating and managing UNIX files
Learn to move confidently within the UNIX environment by mastering directory navigation and file management. This session covers the differences between absolute and relative paths, using wildcards to match patterns, and combining commands with logical operators. You’ll explore real use cases through lab-based exercises to help embed your command line fluency. It’s a critical step in becoming efficient in everyday UNIX workflows and gaining the confidence to handle tasks independently.
Automating tasks and handling text
This topic explores how to link commands together and route inputs and outputs effectively - core skills in UNIX shell scripting. You’ll gain experience using tools like grep, awk, sed, cut, sort, and xargs to manipulate and reformat data. By applying these techniques in hands-on labs, you’ll build a toolkit for streamlining your work and automating repetitive tasks. This session is ideal for those wanting to build speed and accuracy into everyday system tasks.
Mastering file editing with vi/vim
Discover the core functions of vi/Vim and how to edit with confidence. You’ll work with different modes, navigation shortcuts, undo and redo actions, and customisation techniques. From basic editing to powerful regex-based search and replace, you’ll learn how to adapt the editor to your tasks. These skills are key for working with configuration files, scripts or code on UNIX systems - and help reduce errors and improve efficiency in your work.
Optimising your shell and processes
Configure your UNIX environment to work smarter, not harder. In this session, you’ll learn how to tailor your .bashrc or .profile files to streamline commands and automate your setup. You’ll also explore process monitoring, background job handling, and resource management. These capabilities are essential for maintaining control in a live UNIX system and make day-to-day technical operations faster, more reliable, and easier to manage.
What’s included
- Instructor-led virtual training sessions
- Expert UNIX tutor with industry experience
- Access to UNIX live lab environments
- Engaging, practical exercises throughout
- Digital course resources to keep for future reference
- Ongoing support after the course
- ILX certificate of completion
Key facts
Ideal for
Newcomers to UNIX or professionals aiming to build their command line proficiency in technical support, development or admin environments.
Prerequisites
No prior experience with UNIX is needed. A general understanding of IT and working with operating systems will help you make the most of the sessions. Learning experience
Learning experience
Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.
FAQs
This course introduces the building blocks of UNIX in a clear, structured way. Whether you're automating tasks with UNIX shell scripting or learning to manage files and processes, it’s designed to help you solve real challenges and grow in confidence.
What is UNIX shell scripting, and will I learn it on this course?
UNIX shell scripting involves writing sequences of commands to automate tasks in the UNIX environment. It’s a core skill for managing systems efficiently. On this course, you’ll be introduced to the basics of UNIX shell scripting, learning how to structure commands, use variables, and perform actions like searching, editing, and filtering text - all key to building scripts that streamline day-to-day operations.
What roles benefit from learning UNIX?
UNIX skills can benefit IT support staff, system administrators, developers, DevOps engineers, and anyone working with enterprise systems or cloud infrastructure.
How does this course support learning retention?
The course combines structured, instructor-led teaching with live lab exercises that reinforce each topic through hands-on application. You’ll receive immediate feedback during sessions to correct and refine your approach in real time. Supporting materials and post-course guidance are also available, helping you revisit and apply what you’ve learned well beyond the training itself. This blended approach ensures knowledge is not only understood but retained and usable in your day-to-day role.
Is UNIX still relevant in modern IT?
Yes. Despite its age, UNIX remains highly relevant. Many modern operating systems (including Linux and macOS) are based on UNIX principles, and it continues to underpin much of today’s enterprise, server, and cloud infrastructure. Its stability, security, and efficiency make it a preferred choice in environments where performance and reliability are critical. Learning UNIX also builds transferable skills that apply to many related systems and technologies, making it an asset in a wide range of IT roles.
What our customers say
“The instructor made the subject matter interesting. The pacing was spot on, and he clearly knew what he was talking about and was able to communicate that easily. Very pleased and would highly recommend.”
Gavin, ILX learner
“Very well laid out and the instructor did an amazing job of explaining things in detail.”
Ali, ILX learner
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