This course is the first of a series that aims to prepare you for a role as an entry-level IT Support Specialist. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the world of Information Technology, or IT. You’ll learn about the different facets of Information Technology, like computer hardware, the Internet, computer software, troubleshooting, and customer service. This course covers a wide variety of topics in IT that are designed to give you an overview of what’s to come in this certificate program.
Offered By
Google
About this Course
2,278,079 recent views
Skills you will gain
Binary CodeCustomer SupportLinuxTroubleshooting
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 20 hours to complete
Suggested: 8 - 10 hours per week
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazilian)
Offered by
The IT Support Professional Certificate program is part of Grow with Google, an initiative that draws on Google's 20-year history of building products, platforms, and services that help people and businesses grow. Through programs like these, we aim to help everyone– those who make up the workforce of today and the students who will drive the workforce of tomorrow – access the best of Google’s training and tools to grow their skills, careers, and businesses.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
4 hours to complete
Introduction to IT
Welcome to Technical Support Fundamentals, the first course of the IT Support Professional Certificate! By enrolling in this course, you are taking the first step to kickstarting your career in tech. In the first week of the course, we'll learn about how computers were invented, how they've evolved over time, and how they work today. We will also learn about what an "IT Support Specialist" is and what they do in their job. By the end of this module, you will know how to count like a computer using binary and understand why these calculations are so powerful for society. So let's get started!
4 hours to complete
14 videos (Total 51 min), 6 readings, 3 quizzes
14 videos
What is IT?4m
What does an IT Support Specialist do?2m
Course Introduction2m
From Abacus to Analytical Engine5m
The Path to Modern Computers11m
Kevin Career1m
Computer Language3m
Character Encoding3m
Binary2m
How to Count in Binary3m
Abstraction2m
Computer Architecture Overview3m
Kevin Advice1m
6 readings
Navigating Coursera10m
Program Surveys10m
How to Use Discussion Forums10m
Get to Know Your Classmates10m
Supplemental Reading on Logic Gates10m
About Graded Plugins10m
3 practice exercises
Binary30m
Computer Architecture30m
How to Count in Binary30m
5 hours to complete
Hardware
In the second week of this course, we'll learn about what's inside a computer. We'll learn all about the hardware components or different pieces inside a computer. We'll discover what each component does and how they work together to make a computer function. By the end of this module, you will also know how to build a computer from scratch!
5 hours to complete
16 videos (Total 79 min), 7 readings, 4 quizzes
16 videos
Introduction to Computer Hardware4m
Programs and Hardware8m
Joe Diversity1m
CPU4m
RAM3m
Motherboards3m
Storage4m
Power Supplies4m
Mobile Devices3m
Batteries and Charging Systems4m
Peripherals4m
BIOS4m
Ben's Advice1m
Putting it All Together21m
Mobile Device Repair2m
7 readings
Supplemental Reading for CPUs10m
Supplemental Reading for CPU architecture10m
Supplemental Reading for Data Storage10m
Supplemental Readings for Batteries and Charging Systems10m
Supplemental Reading for USB Peripherals10m
Supplemental Reading for Projectors10m
About Graded Plugins10m
4 practice exercises
The Modern Computer30m
Components30m
Starting It Up30m
Assemble a Computer30m
6 hours to complete
Operating System
In the third week of this course, we'll learn about operating systems. We'll discuss the common operating systems that are used today and understand how they work with the computer hardware. We'll learn about the "boot process" of an operating system and show you how to install Windows, Linux and Mac OSX operating systems from scratch. By the end of this module, you'll use the Qwiklabs environment to interact directly with the Windows and Linux operating systems.
6 hours to complete
21 videos (Total 69 min), 5 readings, 5 quizzes
21 videos
Remote Connection and SSH5m
Remote Connections on Windows4m
Components of an Operating System6m
Files and File Systems3m
Process Management2m
Memory Management2m
I/O Management2m
Interacting with the OS: User Space3m
Logs2m
The Boot Process2m
Mobile Operating Systems1m
Cindy Drive & Career Path1m
Choosing an Operating System3m
Virtual Machines2m
Installing Windows5m
Installing Linux6m
What is Chrome OS?3m
Installing Mac OS X3m
Tri Ngo Obstacles & How to be successful in IT1m
Introduction to Qwiklabs1m
5 readings
Supplemental Reading for Chrome OS10m
Supplemental Reading for ReFS File System10m
Supplemental Reading for Choosing an OS10m
Supplemental Reading for Ubuntu10m
Instructions for Accessing Linux and Windows Qwiklabs10m
3 practice exercises
What is an Operating System?30m
Installing an Operating System30m
Accessing Qwiklabs30m
2 hours to complete
Networking
In the fourth week of this course, we'll learn about computer networking. We'll explore the history of the Internet and what "The Web" actually is. We'll also discuss topics like Internet privacy, security, and what the future of the Internet may look like. You'll also understand why the Internet has limitations even today. By the end of this module, you will know how the Internet works and recognize both the positive and negative impacts the Internet has had on the world.
2 hours to complete
13 videos (Total 43 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
13 videos
Basics of Networking7m
Networking Hardware3m
Language of the Internet2m
The Web3m
Victor First Job1m
History of the Internet4m
Limitations of the Internet3m
Impact3m
Internet of Things1m
Gian What he does in Android Security1m
Privacy and Security3m
Heather Adkins Keeping Hackers Out2m
1 reading
Supplemental Reading for Internet of Things10m
2 practice exercises
Limitations of the Internet30m
Networking50m
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM TECHNICAL SUPPORT FUNDAMENTALS
by DHNov 13, 2019
I loved how useful all of the information in this course was. I love how much the instructors really seemed to be so in love with their careers. Its the most fun I've had learning in a very long time.
by FKMar 9, 2018
An excellent introductory course. The all around material was well presented, the instructors are doing a great job passing on their knowledge. The weekly assignments were interesting and fun to take.
by ALMay 7, 2019
Great course for beginners and experts. Easy to understand and a good refresher for those who have been into IT for a long date. Recommend it to everyone looking for a high quality course on coursera.
by AHOct 3, 2018
Starting from scratch, I feel like I've gained a great basic understanding of IT support. It was informative, and it has motivated me and left me hungry for more. I am pumped to start the next course!
by JMFeb 14, 2018
Great introduction to IT and the different standards that are used in the field. It really gives you an idea of what to expect and the different aspects that you may encounter while you're on the job.
by DPMar 5, 2018
Awesome course designed by google. Thank you very much. Knowledge gained in just introductery leactures started burning desire in me to complete whole syllabus. Every bit of program is worth the time.
by BMJul 30, 2018
I am working in IT and wanted to do a refresher on the fundamentals and this course is really worth it. Good job Google and thank you for an affordable solution to getting my refresher and certificate
by AKMar 3, 2020
You were such a hit. Thanks for this course and the next five more! On behalf of our entire organization, thanks again for taking the Conference to a whole new level of education and professionalism!!
by CTNov 28, 2018
A great high-level overview of Computer Networks and Networks. Paced just right, and plenty of good information. Not an in-depth course, but accessible to those wanting an introduction to networking.
by SYNov 15, 2019
As an IT specialist, I wanted to make sure I had the basics down. I was able to get through this course very quickly, but this course is really good at starting from scratch and building upon itself.
by AROct 30, 2018
Very effective course. It's drafted in such a way that everyone understands it quickly. Thanks to the mentors for such a marvelous effort. Keep rocking so the very best . Kudos for your efforts team.
by LNov 21, 2019
Thank you to all who put effort into creating this course!\n\nIt is a start to something more for a lot of people including myself. I've learned a lot and appreciate how simple and informative it is.
by DHMay 30, 2018
This does a great job at what it does - teaching fundamentals.\n\nIf someone from a background light on computers wanted to learn a great deal in easy to manage segments, this is definitely for them.
by TPSep 29, 2019
It was very basic and the labs were difficult to access and use. I already know most of this material but I guess it is okay for someone who knows nothing about network hardware and customer support.
by CDMar 26, 2018
I would have rated this as a 5, but I don't feel the peer reviews are fair. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and they aren't always open minded when it comes to someone's point of view or ideas.
by DFJun 21, 2018
This was fun. I thought parts of it got a little more detailed without providing underlying information or didn't get into enough information but I understand that this is the introduction to it all.
by GJFeb 12, 2020
Great course. The fundamentals that you learn in this course are comprehensive and will give what I think is a great foundation to stand upon for the next courses in your program. Good luck everyone!
by HSMay 6, 2018
Beginner Friendly\n\nThis course is very good for beginners who don't know anything about IT.\n\nIt's a very good start if you want to dive into the field of IT support or any computer related field.
by SJJun 17, 2019
I think that this is a fantastic course for beginners and people that have been in IT industry that might have forgotten the fundamentals of computing along with customer service and writing skills.
by RGFeb 1, 2020
A very good overview of key elements of personal computers and networking in the age of the internet. Truly starts from the basics of the 1's and 0's of the binary world and how computers "compute".
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.