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.

Essential Aspects of Software, Hardware, and Data Backup

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Essential Aspects of Software, Hardware, and Data Backup

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Microsoft

14,027 already enrolled

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

157 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

92%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

157 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

92%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Implement secure software configurations and access control practices
Apply hardware security concepts including encryption and physical protection
Describe data storage, compression, and processing techniques
Develop effective data backup and recovery strategies

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

22 assignments

Taught in English

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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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 introduces key concepts in IT security, system configuration, and data protection. It is designed for learners who want to build practical skills in securing systems and managing data in IT environments.

You’ll begin by learning how to implement secure software configurations, including access control, privilege management, and best practices for software installation. You’ll then explore hardware security concepts such as BIOS, firewalls, encryption, and physical device protection. The course also focuses on data management, including storage types, compression techniques, and backup strategies. You’ll learn how to design data backup and recovery approaches that help ensure data availability and integrity. By the end of this course, you’ll understand how to secure systems and protect data across software and hardware environments. This course supports foundational knowledge aligned with Microsoft 365 Fundamentals concepts.

In this module, you will learn about secure software configuration, access control and privilege management, and best practices in software installation. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of key cybersecurity fundamentals.

What's included

13 videos9 readings7 assignments

13 videosTotal 73 minutes

Course introduction: Software, hardware, and data backup3 minutes
Software security essentials7 minutes
End-user license agreement (EULA)6 minutes
Software firewall5 minutes
Troubleshooting user authentication6 minutes
Single sign-on (SSO)6 minutes
Access control and privilege management5 minutes
Navigating application permissions in mobile devices7 minutes
Fundamentals of secure software installation6 minutes
Understanding software updates and their importance6 minutes
Security risks in third-party software integration5 minutes
Supply chain attacks: Risks in software installation6 minutes
Module summary: Secure software configurations5 minutes

9 readingsTotal 85 minutes

Course syllabus: Software, hardware, and data backup10 minutes
Navigating malware: Viruses, Trojans, and worms10 minutes
How antivirus and antimalware software works10 minutes
Authentication mechanisms cheat sheet10 minutes
Practice stop: Checking users10 minutes
Access control and privilege management in real life scenarios10 minutes
Common mistakes in software installation and updates10 minutes
Protecting your computer from malware during software installation10 minutes
Additional resources: Secure software configurations5 minutes

7 assignmentsTotal 135 minutes

Module quiz: Secure software configurations30 minutes
Activity: Enabling and configuring your OS firewall20 minutes
Knowledge check: Secure software configurations15 minutes
Activity: Create a user account20 minutes
Knowledge check: Access controls and privilege management15 minutes
Activity: Guided safe software installation20 minutes
Knowledge check: Software installation best practices15 minutes

In this module, you'll learn about the essential elements of hardware security within IT environments. You will explore the critical functions of BIOS, hardware firewalls, and encryption technologies. You will also discover the vital aspects of physical security and how to safeguard IT devices from unauthorized access.

What's included

9 videos8 readings5 assignments

9 videosTotal 57 minutes

Introduction to BIOS6 minutes
The evolution of BIOS6 minutes
Configuring UEFI for security6 minutes
Introduction to hardware firewalls7 minutes
OEM and its role in enhanced hardware security7 minutes
Storage encryption7 minutes
Essentials of physical security for devices6 minutes
RFID Technology for enhanced physical security6 minutes
Module summary: Secure hardware configuration6 minutes

8 readingsTotal 75 minutes

UEFI updates10 minutes
UEFI malware, vulnerabilities, and threats10 minutes
Exploring TPM in Windows security: A detailed overview10 minutes
USB device threats and protective measures10 minutes
Practice stop: Brute force algorithm10 minutes
Physical access and BYOD policies in organizations10 minutes
Best practices for ensuring physical device security10 minutes
Additional resources: Secure hardware configuration5 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 85 minutes

Module quiz: Secure hardware configuration30 minutes
Knowledge check: Introduction to BIOS15 minutes
Knowledge check: Hardware security15 minutes
Activity: Securing your computer against unattended access10 minutes
Knowledge check: Physical access to devices15 minutes

In this module you will explore the essential aspects of data management, focusing on the practices of data backup, compression, and storage types.

What's included

13 videos8 readings7 assignments

13 videosTotal 79 minutes

Introduction to data storage7 minutes
Network Attached Storage (NAS)6 minutes
Disk partition and file system5 minutes
Data compression7 minutes
Introduction to data processing6 minutes
Image and video processing7 minutes
Audio processing6 minutes
Portable Document Format (PDF)5 minutes
Introduction to data backup5 minutes
Understanding RAID5 minutes
Cloud and local data backup6 minutes
System recovery essentials5 minutes
Module summary: Robust data backup and recovery8 minutes

8 readingsTotal 75 minutes

Storage media explained: Types, interfaces, and applications10 minutes
Practice stop: Compress files10 minutes
Troubleshooting storage and data compression issues10 minutes
Video codecs10 minutes
Troubleshooting file and media-related issues10 minutes
Different data backup methods and strategies10 minutes
Effective data recovery strategies10 minutes
Additional resources: Robust data backup and recovery5 minutes

7 assignmentsTotal 105 minutes

Module quiz: Robust data backup and recovery30 minutes
Activity: Partition a USB pendrive10 minutes
Knowledge check: Data storage and compression15 minutes
Activity: Convert a video format10 minutes
Knowledge check: Data processing15 minutes
Activity: Setting up and using OneDrive for data backup10 minutes
Knowledge check: Data backup strategies15 minutes

Get ready to synthesize the knowledge and skills you acquired throughout the course by completing the final course project! In this final module, you will get the opportunity to develop a comprehensive data strategy for a specified scenario.

What's included

2 videos2 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

2 videosTotal 10 minutes

Course recap: Software, Hardware, and Data Backup7 minutes
Congratulations3 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

About the final project and assessment10 minutes
Next steps10 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 180 minutes

Self-review: Developing a data strategy30 minutes
Course quiz: Software, Hardware, and Data Backup90 minutes
Activity: Developing a data strategy60 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Reflect on learning10 minutes

1 pluginTotal 10 minutes

Exemplar: Developing a data strategy10 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(29 ratings)

Microsoft

288 Courses2,531,637 learners

Offered by

Microsoft

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Reviewed on Nov 23, 2024

Really just reinforcing all that I have privately learned and worked with in the past very eventful very exciting.

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2025

It is a wonderful course, but I feel it lacks practical application; the how-tos on each topic.

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2024

Amazing company educational material and trainers were amazing I learned so much

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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.