IT courses can help you learn programming languages like Python and Java, database management, networking fundamentals, and cybersecurity principles. You can build skills in troubleshooting, system administration, and software development methodologies. Many courses introduce tools such as Git for version control, SQL for database queries, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, showing how these skills are applied in real-world IT environments.

Skills you'll gain: Information Technology, Computer Hardware, Cloud Computing, Network Troubleshooting, Software Installation, Technical Support and Services, Help Desk Support, Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure, Cyber Attacks, Information Technology Operations, Data Storage, General Networking, Database Software, Operating Systems, Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Computer Security Awareness Training, IT Infrastructure, Project Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Authorization (Computing), Hardware Architecture, Cloud Services, Microsoft Power Automate/Flow, Microsoft Teams, Generative Model Architectures, Hardening, Data Warehousing, Network Protocols, Data Storage, Productivity Software, Cloud Computing, Data Security, Data Storage Technologies, Firewall, Security Controls, General Networking, Problem Management, Multi-Factor Authentication
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: IT Security Architecture, Computer Networking, Operating System Administration, Package and Software Management, Network Troubleshooting, Version Control, IT Automation, Systems Administration, IT Infrastructure, Network Administration, Information Systems Security, TCP/IP, Git (Version Control System), Chef (Configuration Management Tool), Network Security, General Networking, Ruby (Programming Language), Desktop Support, Web Presence, Interviewing Skills
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: Systems Administration, IT Infrastructure, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cloud Management, Operating System Administration, Active Directory, Server Administration, Disaster Recovery, Cloud Infrastructure, Technical Consulting, System Configuration, Cloud Computing, Cloud Services, Servers, Network Administration, Network Infrastructure, Data Storage
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Skills you'll gain: Desktop Support, Package and Software Management, Technical Support and Services, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, System Support, Network Support, General Networking, Help Desk Support, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Software Documentation, Customer Support, End User Training and Support, Computer Networking, Information Technology, Technical Writing, Computer Systems, Linux
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

IBM
Skills you'll gain: Email Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Platforms, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Computing, Generative AI, Cloud Computing Architecture, Hardware Troubleshooting, IT Service Management, Generative AI Agents, Cloud Services, Cloud Development, Cloud Deployment, Professional Networking, Data Storage, Peripheral Devices, Database Administration, Information Technology, Customer Service
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Cloud Management, Test Automation, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Virtual Machines, Development Testing, Test Script Development, Scripting, Network Troubleshooting, Cloud Services, Email Automation, Web Presence, Python Programming, CI/CD, Configuration Management, Program Development, Containerization, Unit Testing
Build toward a degree
Advanced · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Electronic Medical Record System, Medical Privacy, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Electronic Medical Record, Telehealth, Medical Records, Patient Safety, Health Technology, Health Information Management, Clinical Informatics, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Health Informatics, Medical Equipment and Technology, Security Awareness, Desktop Support, End User Training and Support, Technical Support and Services, Medical Support, Technical Support, Customer Support
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, IT Service Management, Cloud Computing, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Malware Protection, Networking Hardware, Service Management, Identity and Access Management, Linux, Linux Commands, Incident Response, Network Security, Cybersecurity, TCP/IP, Linux Administration, Network Protocols, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Security, Cyber Attacks
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Email Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Computing, Generative AI, Cloud Computing Architecture, Generative AI Agents, Cloud Services, Cloud Development, Cybersecurity, Hardening, Data Storage, Peripheral Devices, Virtualization, Computer Hardware, OSI Models, General Networking, Database Administration, Programming Principles, Computer Programming
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Cyber Threat Intelligence, Malware Protection, Peripheral Devices, Personally Identifiable Information, Remote Access Systems, Hardware Troubleshooting, Threat Detection, Desktop Support, Technical Support and Services, Threat Management, Help Desk Support, Cloud Services, Active Directory, Cybersecurity, Mac OS, Computer Hardware, Microsoft Windows, Technical Support, IT Management, Cloud Security
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: User Story, Software Development Life Cycle, Risk Management, Team Motivation, Software Architecture, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Planning, Peer Review, Agile Software Development, Scrum (Software Development), Project Management Life Cycle, Risk Management Framework, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Communications, Project Management, Information Technology, Interviewing Skills, Agile Project Management, Leadership, Communication
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IT, or information technology, is the use of computers, networks, software, and systems to store, manage, secure, and support digital information. In practice, IT can include troubleshooting user issues, setting up devices, managing infrastructure, supporting cloud and network services, and helping organizations keep technology running reliably. Courses such as Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone from IBM and Technical Support Fundamentals from Google introduce core IT concepts in an accessible way. On Coursera, you can explore IT courses that build foundational knowledge and help you decide which area to study next.‎
IT skills are used in roles such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, system administrator, technical support analyst, infrastructure support specialist, and healthcare IT support specialist. These roles often involve solving technical problems, supporting users, maintaining systems, documenting issues, and working with networks, operating systems, or security basics. Courses on this page, including Microsoft IT Support Specialist, Google IT Support, IBM IT Support, and Healthcare IT Support from Johns Hopkins University, reflect several practical paths within IT. Coursera can help you compare beginner-friendly programs based on the type of support or systems work you want to learn.‎
Before studying IT, it helps to have basic computer literacy, comfort using the internet, and a willingness to troubleshoot problems step by step. You do not usually need advanced technical experience to begin with introductory IT courses, but familiarity with files, browsers, email, and common software can make the learning experience smoother. Courses like Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone from IBM and Technical Support Fundamentals from Google are designed to introduce core concepts before more specialized topics. If you are new to the field, starting with foundational courses on Coursera can help you build confidence gradually.‎
Skills that complement IT include problem solving, customer communication, networking fundamentals, operating systems, cybersecurity basics, cloud computing, scripting, and documentation. For learners interested in automation, Google IT Automation with Python connects IT tasks with programming skills that can help streamline repetitive work. For learners focused on infrastructure, System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services from Google introduces concepts related to managing systems and services. Coursera offers courses that pair IT fundamentals with adjacent skills, so you can shape your learning around support, administration, automation, or specialized environments like healthcare.‎
A good way to start learning IT is to begin with foundational concepts, then move into hands-on support, systems, networking, or automation topics. Introductory courses can help you understand how computers, operating systems, networks, and troubleshooting processes fit together before you choose a more specific direction. Options on this page include IBM’s Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone, Google’s Technical Support Fundamentals, and broader professional programs like Google IT Support or Microsoft IT Support Specialist. On Coursera, you can start with a beginner course and continue into more applied IT training as your goals become clearer.‎
Yes. You can start learning it on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in it, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Some strong beginner options for IT include Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone from IBM, Technical Support Fundamentals from Google, Google IT Support, Microsoft IT Support Specialist, and IBM IT Support. These courses and programs introduce practical topics such as troubleshooting, computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking basics, customer support, and system administration. If you are interested in a specific setting, Healthcare IT Support from Johns Hopkins University can connect IT support skills to healthcare environments. Coursera’s IT course selection makes it easier to start broadly, then choose a path aligned with your interests.‎
IT courses typically cover computer hardware, software, operating systems, networking, troubleshooting, technical support, system administration, infrastructure services, security basics, and sometimes automation. For example, Google’s System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services focuses on managing systems and services, while Google IT Automation with Python introduces scripting for IT tasks. IT support programs from Google, Microsoft, and IBM often emphasize practical support workflows, user communication, and problem diagnosis. On Coursera, you can use course titles, syllabi, and listed skills to choose courses that match the IT topics you want to build next.‎