Overview
Coursera Flash Sale
40% Off Coursera Plus for 3 Months!
Grab it
In today’s connected world, core knowledge of IT hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies is vital for almost every function, or role within an organization. Adding storage, updating an operating system, connecting to a network, recognizing phishing, and setting up Cloud instances are some of the skills employees need or need help with. This five-course specialization provides prerequisite skills for almost all IT careers, including technical support specialist, data analyst, data scientist, AI specialist, web developer, software engineer, systems administrator, DevOps and site reliability engineer, data center technician, networking specialist, IT Manager, and cyber-security analyst.
You’ll acquire hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and cloud computing knowledge and skills that can prepare you for an entry-level IT role or better help you understand and manage IT responsibilities within your organization.
In addition to receiving an IBM credential upon successful completion of this specialization, it provides a dual benefit of preparing you for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (IFT+) Certification Exam, which can attest to your skills, helping you gain a competitive advantage.
This program is for beginners. To start this program, no prior IT background, programming experience, or cloud skills are required. All that's necessary is basic computer literacy.
Syllabus
- Course 1: Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
- Course 2: Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases
- Course 3: Introduction to Cloud Computing
- Course 4: Introduction to Networking and Storage
- Course 5: Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials
- Course 6: Practice Exam for CompTIA Tech+ Certification
Courses
-
Start your cloud computing journey with this self-paced introductory course! Whether you need general cloud computing knowledge for school or business, or you are considering a career change, this beginner-friendly course is right for you. In this course you’ll learn about essential characteristics of cloud computing and emerging technologies supported by cloud. You’ll explore cloud service models, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Public, Private, and Hybrid deployment models. Discover the offerings of prominent cloud service providers AWS, Google, IBM, Microsoft, and others, and review cloud computing case studies. Learn about cloud adoption, blockchain, analytics, and AI. You will learn about the many components of cloud computing architecture including datacenters, availability zones, virtual machines, containers, and bare metal servers. You will also familiarize yourself with different types of cloud storage options, such as Object Storage. You’ll gain foundational knowledge of emergent cloud trends and practices including Hybrid, Multicloud, Microservices, Serverless, DevOps, Cloud Native, Application Modernization, as well as learn about cloud security and monitoring. You’ll also explore cloud computing job roles and possible career paths and opportunities. You will complete a number of labs and quizzes throughout this course to increase your understanding of course content. At the end of the course, you will complete a final project where you will deploy an application to Cloud using a serverless architecture, a valuable addition to your portfolio. After this course, check out the related courses to help you towards your new career as a cloud engineer, full stack developer, DevOps engineer, cybersecurity analyst, and others.
-
Ready to get hands-on exploring software, programming, and databases in this comprehensive introduction to the digital technologies transforming today’s workplaces? During this course, you’ll build a strong foundation in computing platforms, software lifecycles, application compatibility, and cloud-based deployment. You’ll learn to install, manage, and secure modern web browsers using extensions and plug-ins. You’ll explore programming with coding logic and get hands-on using languages like Python. Plus, you’ll discover data and database fundamentals, including interfaces, backups, and real-world applications. You’ll also dive into cutting-edge concepts such as artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, chatbots, and modern analytics applications. Additionally, you’ll explore data monetization strategies and gain insight into how organizations are leveraging data as an asset for growth and innovation. Throughout, you’ll get hands-on experience in labs. Then, in a final project, you’ll apply your new skills in software, programming, databases, and emerging technologies. Enroll today to build core skills you need to kickstart your career in IT!
-
Ready to dive into the world of hardware and operating systems? This beginner-friendly course builds essential entry-level skills needed for roles in IT support, networking, cybersecurity, and software development. During this course, you’ll explore core computing concepts and the four functions of computing. You’ll then dive into internal hardware such as CPUs, motherboards, GPUs, memory, interfaces, ports, and peripherals. Plus, you’ll look at how modern technologies such as virtualization (including host/guest OS and hypervisors), parallel-processing GPUs, IoT devices, and VR/AR systems are transforming today’s IT environments. You’ll get hands-on with operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms, and practice workstation setup, configuration, acquisition, and troubleshooting just like an IT professional. Plus, you’ll look at specialized devices like wearables and e-readers to gain practical technology insights. Throughout, interactive labs help reinforce your learning. Then, in a final project, you’ll apply your new skills in real-world scenarios. This course is also part of the series to help you prepare for CompTIA Tech+ and A+ certification exams.
-
Ready to build essential cybersecurity skills employers need? This beginner course introduces the foundational concepts, tools, and best practices used by cybersecurity professionals. During the course, you’ll learn to identify common threats such as data theft, tampering, phishing, and malware. You’ll discover how cyberattacks unfold and explore the physical, environmental, and access control measures used to secure devices and facilities. Plus, you’ll develop strong digital hygiene habits using secure passwords, password management techniques, and multi-factor authentication, and understand the risks of password reuse, sharing, and default credentials. You’ll also practice device hardening, use encryption tools, apply safe browsing techniques, and configure web browsers to minimize vulnerabilities. Plus, you’ll explore methods of managing and protecting confidential information to prevent identity theft and privacy breaches. Hands-on labs provide practical experience, and a final project tests your proficiency across key cybersecurity topics. Enroll now to gain the essential cybersecurity skills that will help you kickstart your IT career!
-
Keen to kickstart your IT career with networking and storage skills employers need? This beginner course introduces essential IT concepts to help you diagnose and support modern systems. During this course, you’ll explore networking fundamentals such as cables, topologies, network types, and communication models and learn how data travels across wired and wireless connections using protocols and standards. You’ll dive into Wi-Fi, exploring SSID configuration, access point setup, security evolution from WEP to WPA3, and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) features such as frequency bands and channel planning. Plus, you’ll look at NFC (near-field communication) concepts and practical applications. Next, you’ll get hands-on with device configuration and the command-line tools used to troubleshoot connectivity issues in Windows environments. You’ll look at storage essentials, exploring memory , local versus cloud options, and file, block, and object storage. Plus, you’ll learn how to select storage solutions for different networking scenarios while examining NVMe performance factors, including PCIe generations and thermal management. Enroll now to build IT skills in networking and storage employers need!
Taught by
Rav Ahuja and Skills Network