What jobs can I get with IT support specialist skills?

Qualify for in-demand job titles: <text variant="body1">· Entry-level IT Support Specialist or IT Support Professional <text variant="body1">· Help Desk Technician <text variant="body1">· Technical support specialist <text variant="body1">· Network Support Specialist <text variant="body1">· Systems Administrator

Will I be able to complete this course online?

This course is completely online. You can access your lessons, readings, and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

How long does it take to complete the professional certificate?

It typically takes 3 months to complete the 6 courses. But some learners may go through the content faster.

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Introduction to Computers

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Ce cours n'est pas disponible en Français (France)

Nous sommes actuellement en train de le traduire dans plus de langues.

Introduction to Computers

Instructeur : Microsoft

Inclus avec

4 modules

Obtenez un aperçu d'un sujet et apprenez les principes fondamentaux.

niveau Débutant

Expérience recommandée

2 semaines à compléter

à 10 heures par semaine

Planning flexible

Apprenez à votre propre rythme

4 modules

Obtenez un aperçu d'un sujet et apprenez les principes fondamentaux.

niveau Débutant

Expérience recommandée

2 semaines à compléter

à 10 heures par semaine

Planning flexible

Apprenez à votre propre rythme

Ce que vous apprendrez

Identify key computer components including CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals
Explain how operating systems manage processes, memory, and hardware interactions
Describe enterprise systems including servers, storage, and computing environments
Understand how security, hardware, and software work together in IT systems

Détails à connaître

Certificat partageable

Ajouter à votre profil LinkedIn

Récemment mis à jour !

mai 2026

Évaluations

16 devoirs

Enseigné en Anglais

Découvrez comment les employés des entreprises prestigieuses maîtrisent des compétences recherchées

En savoir plus sur Coursera pour les affaires

logos de Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G et L'Oreal

Il y a 4 modules dans ce cours

This course has been designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in IT support. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone looking to kickstart your career in the tech industry, it will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field of IT support.

In this course, you’ll explore computer systems and the security threats that computer users have to deal with. You'll learn about key components like the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals. You’ll cover how these components interact with the operating system, including CPU processes, memory management, and the role of device drivers. Finally, you’ll explore essential concepts defining hardware and software relationships for a comprehensive understanding of system functionality. After completing this course, you’ll be able to: • Identify the key components of a computer system, encompassing hardware elements such as CPU, memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and peripherals. • Describe the interaction between computer system components and the operating system, including how the CPU processes instructions, memory management, and the role of device drivers. • Discuss the essential concepts that define the relationship between security, hardware and software, fostering a comprehensive understanding of system functionality. This is also a great way to prepare for the Microsoft MS-900 exam. By passing the MS-900 exam, you’ll earn the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification.

Ever wondered how we moved from basic desktop computers to machines that can "think"? In this module, you will dive into the heart of modern computing. You will explore how foundational hardware and Operating Systems serve as the launchpad for the AI revolution. By understanding how high-performance GPUs fuel today’s Generative AI, you will bridge the gap between physical circuitry and the future of intelligent technology.

Inclus

13 vidéos16 lectures5 devoirs2 plugins

13 vidéosTotal 72 minutes

Introduction to the program4 minutes
Course introduction: Introduction to Computers3 minutes
Welcome to Generative AI for everyone6 minutes
Understanding the Capabilities of Generative AI for Business Functions9 minutes
Generative AI - Under the hood8 minutes
The potential pitfalls and shortcomings of GEN AI6 minutes
Threat landscape overview5 minutes
Linked threats5 minutes
What is a computer and what is inside it?5 minutes
How does a computer operate?6 minutes
What is an operating system and what does it do?5 minutes
Popular operating systems7 minutes
Module summary: Introduction to computers and operating systems4 minutes

16 lecturesTotal 165 minutes

Course syllabus: Introduction to Computers10 minutes
How to be successful in this course10 minutes
Skills measured: Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals10 minutes
Generative AI Terminology10 minutes
Generative AI in Business10 minutes
Threat stats10 minutes
Exercise: Explaining the threat landscape30 minutes
Exemplar: Explaining the threat landscape10 minutes
Additional resources: Threat landscape 5 minutes
Hardware versus software10 minutes
Monitors and graphics cards: How visuals come to life10 minutes
Additional resources: Introduction to computing devices5 minutes
Types of operating systems10 minutes
Proprietary and open-source software10 minutes
Types of software: System, application and utility10 minutes
Additional resources: Operating systems5 minutes

5 devoirsTotal 90 minutes

Mastering Generative AI Architectures and Applications15 minutes
Knowledge check: Decoding the threat landscape: An IT perspective15 minutes
Knowledge check: Introduction to computing devices15 minutes
Knowledge check: Operating systems15 minutes
Module quiz: Operating systems30 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 20 minutes

Activity: Computer component match-up10 minutes
Activity: Software type matching challenge10 minutes

Behind every great tech company is a rock-solid infrastructure. In this module, you will master the backbone of the digital world: servers, storage, and backups. You will take control of on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, learning to protect data like a pro. By the end of this module, you will be equipped to lead strategic Patch Management and build the "Business Continuity" plans that keep global enterprises running, no matter what.

Inclus

7 vidéos9 lectures4 devoirs1 sujet de discussion1 plugin

7 vidéosTotal 37 minutes

Infrastructure and Servers6 minutes
Risk mitigation: Backup frequency6 minutes
What are computing environments?6 minutes
Security in computing environments6 minutes
What is maintenance and patching?6 minutes
Patch management: pros, cons, and challenges4 minutes
Module summary: Enterprise systems and security5 minutes

9 lecturesTotal 80 minutes

Types of servers, storage, and backups10 minutes
Additional resources: Servers, storage and backup5 minutes
Traditional versus cloud computing environments10 minutes
Security in computing environments in depth10 minutes
Additional resources: Computing environments5 minutes
Types of maintenance10 minutes
Optimizing your computer's performance10 minutes
Vulnerability management10 minutes
Additional resources: Maintenance and patches10 minutes

4 devoirsTotal 75 minutes

Knowledge check: Servers, storage and backups15 minutes
Knowledge check: Computing environments15 minutes
Knowledge check: Maintenance and patching15 minutes
Module quiz: Enterprise systems and security30 minutes

1 sujet de discussionTotal 10 minutes

Storage and security needs for enterprise versus home users10 minutes

1 pluginTotal 10 minutes

Activity: Environment Characteristics Match-Up10 minutes

Get ready to step into the engine room of modern business operations. You will explore the powerful tools that keep teams connected and data moving, from Enterprise Messaging to complex Data Warehousing. You will discover how backend Business Intelligence (BI) functions turn raw information into winning strategies. This is where you learn to navigate the cloud-based ecosystems that define the 2026 workplace.

Inclus

9 vidéos10 lectures5 devoirs1 sujet de discussion

9 vidéosTotal 43 minutes

What is business software?5 minutes
A day in the life of a business computer5 minutes
How email changed the world5 minutes
Email app functions5 minutes
Growing your knowledge on storage 5 minutes
Processing data 4 minutes
Machine Learning and data5 minutes
Artificial intelligence and machine learning4 minutes
Module Summary: Business systems applications5 minutes

10 lecturesTotal 100 minutes

Common business software10 minutes
Dealing with limitations10 minutes
Cloud solutions for hardware limitations10 minutes
Computers under pressure10 minutes
Additional resources: Business software10 minutes
Email security functions10 minutes
Additional resources: Email apps10 minutes
Data warehousing and data lakes 10 minutes
Machine learning in action10 minutes
Additional resources: Storage solutions10 minutes

5 devoirsTotal 85 minutes

Activity: Practical solutions to hardware and software limitations10 minutes
Knowledge check: Business software15 minutes
Knowledge check: Email apps15 minutes
Knowledge check: Storage solutions15 minutes
Module quiz: Business systems applications30 minutes

1 sujet de discussionTotal 10 minutes

Have you ever received spam or malicious emails? What was your experience?10 minutes

It’s time to bring it all together and prove what you can do! In this final capstone module, you will synthesize everything you’ve learned about hardware, cloud, and AI into one cohesive vision. You will take on the role of a lead architect, designing a comprehensive system solution from the ground up. This is your opportunity to show that you can solve real-world business challenges with cutting-edge technical strategy.

Inclus

2 vidéos3 lectures2 devoirs1 sujet de discussion1 plugin

2 vidéosTotal 7 minutes

Course recap: Introduction to Computing5 minutes
Congratulations2 minutes

3 lecturesTotal 50 minutes

About the final project and assessment10 minutes
Exercise: Designing a business computer setup30 minutes
Next steps10 minutes

2 devoirsTotal 120 minutes

Self-review: Designing a business computer setup30 minutes
Course quiz90 minutes

1 sujet de discussionTotal 10 minutes

Reflect on learning10 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Exemplar: Designing a business computer setup15 minutes

Instructeur

Microsoft

302 Cours2 541 960 apprenants

Offert par

Microsoft

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Pour quelles raisons les étudiants sur Coursera nous choisissent-ils pour leur carrière ?

Felipe M.

Étudiant(e) depuis 2018

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Jennifer J.

Étudiant(e) depuis 2020

’J'ai directement appliqué les concepts et les compétences que j'ai appris de mes cours à un nouveau projet passionnant au travail.’

Larry W.

Étudiant(e) depuis 2021

’Lorsque j'ai besoin de cours sur des sujets que mon université ne propose pas, Coursera est l'un des meilleurs endroits où se rendre.’

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’Apprendre, ce n'est pas seulement s'améliorer dans son travail : c'est bien plus que cela. Coursera me permet d'apprendre sans limites.’

Foire Aux Questions

This program is for you:

· If you are interested in the field of Information Technology or just beginning to work in IT support-related roles.

· If you want to switch or start a career in the field of Information Technology (IT).

· If you already work in IT support, earning a Microsoft IT Support Specialist certificate can help advance your career or help you address gaps in your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

You don’t need any background knowledge to take this Professional Certificate. Whether you’re just starting out or a professional in a relevant field, this program can be the right fit for you.

The role of an IT support specialist includes technical skills such as conducting regular network assessments and assessing, testing, and upgrading an organization's network systems.

This role also includes problem-solving skills needed to identify and resolve hardware and software issues. guiding users through troubleshooting steps and providing training on the usage of new software and hardware, such as upgraded email systems and external hard drives.

An IT support specialist collaborates with clients and colleagues; therefore, effective communication is crucial for IT support specialists.

Yes. We highly recommend taking the courses of each certificate program in the order they are presented. The content in the courses builds on information from earlier courses. The final course contains a capstone project that assesses your knowledge of the content covered in the previous courses. As such, it makes the most sense to take the courses in the order they are presented.

When you complete the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate, you stand out with a unique set of skills and knowledge in the dynamic field of information technology (IT).

This certificate demonstrates your job readiness and can be shared with your professional network.

Throughout this program, you've engaged with instructional videos, assessments, and practical exercises, gaining a deep understanding of key aspects including:

· Proficiency in system analysis and maintenance.

· Skills in software configuration and recommendation using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

· Practice in establishing robust security protocols.

· Expertise in diagnostics and troubleshooting.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.