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 subscribe to this Certificate?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Microsoft

88,160 already enrolled

Included with

Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,077 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,077 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

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

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

16 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate from Microsoft

There are 4 modules in this course

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.

What's included

13 videos16 readings5 assignments2 plugins

13 videosTotal 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 readingsTotal 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 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Module quiz: Operating systems30 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

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.

What's included

7 videos9 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

7 videosTotal 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 readingsTotal 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 assignmentsTotal 75 minutes

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

1 discussion promptTotal 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.

What's included

9 videos10 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

9 videosTotal 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 readingsTotal 100 minutes

Common business software10 minutes
Dealing with limitations10 minutes
Cloud solutions for hardware limitations10 minutes
Computers under pressure10 minutes
Additional resources: Business sofware10 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 assignmentsTotal 85 minutes

Module quiz: Business systems applications30 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

1 discussion promptTotal 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.

What's included

2 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

2 videosTotal 7 minutes

Course recap: Introduction to Computing5 minutes
Congratulations2 minutes

3 readingsTotal 50 minutes

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

2 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

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

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Reflect on learning10 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Exemplar: Designing a business computer setup15 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(288 ratings)

Microsoft

287 Courses2,503,887 learners

Offered by

Microsoft

Explore more from Support and Operations

Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security
Course
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Secure Networking
Course
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Introduction to Computing Systems
Course
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
84.30%
4 stars
11.60%
3 stars
2.22%
2 stars
0.55%
1 star
1.29%

Showing 3 of 1077

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2024

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2025

I thought it was a little strange that we started with A.I. first but it is a popular subject right now in the computer world.

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Introduction to computing is nice course.

View more reviews

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked 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.