Get started with UNIX in this instructor-led course designed for beginners. You’ll learn how to navigate the operating system, work with core commands, manage files, and apply basic UNIX shell scripting. It’s a practical, hands-on course that builds real-life skills to support your technical development and career progression.
UNIX Introduction
Develop practical UNIX skills for real-world use
This three-day introductory course offers a comprehensive foundation in using the UNIX operating system. Learn how to navigate the UNIX environment, manage files and directories, use the vi editor and begin scripting with shell commands. Build confidence, capability and readiness for further responsibilities and technical learning.
Learning objectives
- Navigate and manage files within the UNIX file system
- Work with shell commands, redirection and pipes
- Edit files effectively using vi/Vim
- Use command line logic and wildcards
- Search and manipulate text with grep, sed and awk
- Set file permissions and access controls
- Understand and manage processes
- Customise the shell environment
What you’ll learn
Learn essential UNIX skills from the ground up. Through instructor-led, interactive sessions you’ll apply what you learn to real scenarios, whether it’s handling files, editing scripts or managing system processes – helping you leave with transferable skills you can use straight away.
Working with the UNIX file system
Explore how to navigate directories, manage files, and confidently run key UNIX commands. You’ll gain a solid understanding of absolute and relative pathnames, how to use wildcards for file operations, and combine commands using logical AND/OR operators. These skills can help streamline your workflow and build fluency with command line operations - foundational for anyone working with UNIX. Through hands-on exercises, you'll also become adept at navigating the UNIX environment and managing your working directory efficiently.
Redirection, pipes and text processing
Master the techniques for connecting commands and controlling input and output using redirection and pipelines. You’ll work with powerful text-processing tools such as grep, awk, sed, cut, sort, and xargs to filter, extract, and format data. These skills allow you to handle large volumes of information quickly and effectively - an essential capability when working in real-world UNIX environments. You’ll also practise chaining commands for more efficient task automation.
Editing and managing files with vi/Vim
Learn to edit text files confidently using vi/Vim - an essential skill for UNIX users. You’ll get comfortable with modes, cursor navigation, undo/redo commands, and customising the editing environment. We’ll cover regex-based search and replace, and how to tailor the editor for specific tasks. This session builds confidence and efficiency when working in any UNIX-based project where editing configuration or code files is required.
Shell environment and process control
Understand how to configure and manage your working environment for improved productivity. You’ll learn to customise .bash_profile, .bashrc, and other shell files to streamline your setup. The module also explores job control, background and foreground tasks, monitoring active processes, and controlling system resources – allowing you to troubleshoot and optimise system performance. By the end of the session, you’ll be able to manage tasks with greater control and flexibility in any UNIX-based setting.
What’s included
- Live virtual classroom delivery
- Experienced UNIX trainer with real-world expertise
- Practical live lab-based learning
- Interactive, hands-on exercises
- Downloadable course materials
- Post-course support options
- Certificate of attendance
Key facts
Ideal for
Those new to UNIX or anyone needing to work confidently with the command line - whether you're in system support, development or technical administration roles.
Prerequisites
No previous UNIX experience required, though general IT knowledge and familiarity with operating systems will help you get the most from the course.
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 core concepts of UNIX, including navigating the file system, running commands, editing files, managing processes, and basic shell scripting. It’s ideal for building a strong technical foundation for your current role, or future career progression.
What is UNIX and why should I learn it?
UNIX is a robust, multiuser operating system that plays a critical role in many IT environments, from cloud platforms to enterprise servers. Gaining UNIX skills is essential for careers in system administration, development and technical support, as the operating system forms the foundation of countless modern infrastructures.
Is this UNIX course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course is designed for those with little or no prior experience of UNIX. You’ll be guided through the basics step-by-step in a supportive, instructor-led environment. After completing the course, you’ll have the skills to confidently work with UNIX systems, apply shell commands, and support day-to-day technical tasks in your role.
Is this a Unix certification course?
While this course does not lead to a formal UNIX certification, you will receive a StayAhead certificate of completion. It recognises the practical skills you’ve gained and can be added to your CV or used as evidence of CPD.
Will I learn about UNIX shell scripting?
Yes. You’ll gain a solid introduction to shell scripting as part of the course. This includes structuring commands, using redirection and pipes, and automating routine tasks with tools like grep, sed, and awk. While the focus is on foundational skills, you’ll develop the confidence to write simple scripts and understand how scripting fits into broader UNIX workflows. It’s an ideal starting point if you plan to explore more advanced scripting or automation later on.
What our customers say
“The documentation provided by instructor was very good, keeping each day's progress separate and providing examples, notes, tips and links throughout the course. I feel like I've learnt a lot over the last few days.”
Ross, StayAhead learner
“Fantastic course, gave me a real understanding of some of the fundamentals. I would recommend!”
Mathew, StayAhead learner
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