Disappointing Start to an IT Certification Program As a 35-year IT veteran with 15 certifications, a BA and Master's in IT, a scientific research degree, and six years as a university professor, I approached this course with high hopes. I also have over 100 internationally published IT papers. I’m taking this certification to encourage my son in his learning journey, but Course 1 has been a major disappointment for several reasons: Overwhelming and Misaligned Content: This is supposed to be entry-level training, but it introduces advanced concepts like data lakes that are far beyond the scope of a beginner. The result is a curriculum that feels too broad, shallow, and confusing for someone starting in IT. Lack of Practical Labs: Surprisingly, there are no hands-on labs. For a course designed to prepare students for IT support roles, I expected fundamental training in Windows 11 installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. Instead, the course focuses on tedious theoretical concepts with little real-world application. Poorly Designed Questions: The test questions are unnecessarily tricky, focusing on irrelevant details that frustrate rather than educate. The quality of these assessments undermines the learning experience and risks driving students to quit the program. Whoever designed these tests should take inspiration from Google's Cybersecurity certification exams, which feature well-crafted, practical questions. Recommendation: Microsoft should revisit its past success with certifications like MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional). That program provided in-depth, hands-on training that built real skills in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Windows systems. In contrast, after completing a month of studying Course 1 in this program, a student will gain ZERO practical skills. So far, this certification is a disappointment. I will reserve final judgment until I evaluate the subsequent courses.

This is a great course, even if you have previous knowledge in computers this can help you to get updated information about new storage options or cloud services.

The course is poorly written, not to mention CompTIA A+, it is not even as good as Google IT Support and IBM IT Support courses. Have you ever seen an introductory course on computers that starts with the so-called security instead of introducing the various components of the hardware, then the operating system, etc., step by step?

The course provided a decent overview of the fundamental aspects of IT work. However, it could have gone more in-depth into how a computer works beyond the hardware basics. I don't like how the course starts with a large section about how AI works before talking about how "the CPU is the brain of the computer". I almost quit the course because the AI section was a slog of information to get through. I also don't appreciate how much information this course contains about Microsoft products. Yes, many are used in modern office settings, but this course also felt like a plug for Microsoft products. It didn't give me an accurate idea of other common products and software used in various business tasks.

The course provides a great introduction to Computers, hardware, software and network basics, overall you will go from Novice to Computer Literate.

lots of irregularities in the final quizzes here ..my notation doesn't reflect my work done a couple of weeks ago and today again ... in some correct answers. got no marks ? contrary with assignment correction ...still did not get the correct mark in some quizzes ? Can someone check this? It's disappointing !

This course it taught in a way that allows for the fundamentals to break through and your mind retains the knowledge through different life applications.

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

Insightful information. A lot to have to recall for the final but very enjoyable.

I love it. I’m really learning a lot and feeling confident about my future!

A very good course for the entry level support engineers and technicians.

Ce cours donne une impression assez commerciale, comme s’il cherchait surtout à mettre en avant Microsoft 365 plutôt qu’à offrir une vraie compréhension globale de l’écosystème Microsoft. On y parle beaucoup de Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook ou Dynamics, mais très peu de Windows, alors que c’est pourtant le cœur du système et le quotidien de n’importe quel technicien ou administrateur. Les questions sont souvent orientées pour montrer “comment M365 résout tout”, ce qui donne un côté vitrine marketing plus qu’un apprentissage technique réel. Au final, le module manque de profondeur, survole les sujets, et laisse l’impression qu’on veut surtout convaincre l’utilisateur d’adopter M365 plutôt que lui apprendre à maîtriser Microsoft et Windows dans leur ensemble.

The Introduction to Computers course provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to build their understanding of basic computer concepts. It’s especially beneficial for beginners or individuals returning to technology after a long break. The course covers essential topics such as hardware and software components, operating systems, file management, internet basics, cybersecurity, and an overview of popular applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. What stands out most is how clearly the course breaks down complex terms and functions into easy-to-understand lessons. The pacing is manageable, allowing students to absorb information without feeling overwhelmed. Practical exercises help reinforce what’s taught, and the hands-on approach makes it easier to gain confidence in using a computer. The instructor (or course material) maintains an encouraging tone throughout and uses real-world examples that make learning more relatable and engaging. By the end of the course, students not only gain technical knowledge but also develop the confidence to navigate and use computers in their daily life, studies, or workplace. Overall, this is a great starter course for anyone who wants to become computer literate or improve their digital skills. Highly recommended for both personal development and career readiness.

Sure! Here’s a shorter version: Reflection on Course Completion This course greatly enhanced my understanding of computers and operating systems. I particularly enjoyed learning about distributed systems and data management. The sections on data lakes and warehouses were challenging, but using additional resources and discussing with classmates helped me overcome these difficulties. I'm now curious about how emerging technologies like quantum computing will impact operating systems and data management. I plan to explore this further and would appreciate any recommendations. Overall, the course has improved my technical skills and supported my professional goals. I look forward to applying this knowledge in my career and connecting with others who share similar interests.

Excellent and Easy-to-Understand Course! I really enjoyed this course. Everything was explained step by step, making it perfect for beginners. The concepts were made clear with practical examples, and the videos were short, simple, and easy to follow. Earlier, I used to struggle with understanding technical topics, but this course made everything feel simple and approachable. The final project was especially useful—it helped me apply what I learned in a real-world scenario. If you're looking to build a strong foundation in computer basics, this course is a great choice. Big thanks to Microsoft and the Coursera team for creating such helpful content 🙌

Beginners get your notebook's out. Your course in Microsoft IT Support Specialist is easy to navigate with short reading material, AI chat available to hone your skills, and videos loaded with information that summarize the course. Think logically, question your knowledge, and begin to understand what technology is and why we use it. AI technology and learning machines will bring about new challenges that will need you to secure our world against cyber-attackers. WELCOME and remember to have fun while learning a new skill at your own pace.

Me gusta cómo se cubrieron temas desde los conceptos básicos de hardware y sistemas operativos hasta aspectos más avanzados como la seguridad de la información y la gestión de riesgos. Esto proporciona una perspectiva completa y equilibrada que puede ser beneficiosa para cualquier persona interesada en la informática y la seguridad cibernética.

The course has positively impacted my professional goals by equipping me with the knowledge to troubleshoot system issues more effectively and implement best practices for security and performance. I feel more confident in tackling IT-related challenges and discussing technical topics with peers and colleagues.

This was a helpful introduction to computers, and I learned some basic things about hardware and software. But the course was mostly theoretical and didn’t go very deep into the real concept of how a computer works. I still found it useful as a starting point

I am so happy I decided to take this course. It gave me a solid foundation for IT Help Desk Level 1 roles. I highly recommend this for anyone who is studying IT at a University and wants something to boost their knowledge to become job ready.