I am reaching out for suggestions for textbooks/resources to use for a course that I am teaching. The course is an introductory to intermediate look at current Windows and Linux operating systems. The course description and objectives/learning outcomes are as follows:
Course Description:
This course examines two of the most prominent operating systems: Windows and Linux. Students will explore structural and functional topics in both operating system environments to complete hands-on activities that reinforce using various commands and interfaces for each task. Tasks include: Installing and maintaining operating systems; Configuring and utilizing standard utilities and applications; Implementing and maintaining files and file systems; Exploring the fundamentals of installing, managing, and configuring network clients.
Student Learning Objectives:
- Configure and manipulate Windows and Linux-based systems operating systems
- Configure and manage operating system interfaces, utilities, and applications
- Perform basic file management operations
- Create, mount, and manage operating system file systems
- Identify, access, and control hardware resources
- Maintain and update operating system installations
- Connect and share operating system resources via simple network environments
This course bridges the skills and knowledge acquired from the CompTIA A+ objectives covering these operating systems to Microsoft Windows Desktop Admin certification objectives and CompTIA Linux+ objectives. It is not designed to teach System Admin level skills rather, it is intended to provide a deeper understanding and exploration of both environments before moving to the administrator level.
I have used a Cengage textbook for this course for the last 3 years, but it is now time to update. Cengage has discontinued the textbook/author relationship, so I need to find some new resources. What I have found does not really fit the course's objectives, and there are not many usable hands-on resources in the Cengage offerings that have been suggested.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
JB