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.
Essential Aspects of Software, Hardware, and Data Backup
Essential Aspects of Software, Hardware, and Data Backup
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructor: Microsoft
3,577 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.4
(47 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
16 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Gain insight into key aspects of IT security and data management.
Develop an understanding of secure software setup and implementation.
Learn effective strategies for hardware configurations and data backup and recovery.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
June 2024
Assessments
22 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
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
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
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 videos10 readings7 assignments1 discussion prompt
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
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
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
Recommended if you're interested in Cloud Computing
University of Colorado Boulder
University of California, Irvine
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado System
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
Showing 3 of 47
4.4
47 reviews
- 5 stars
76.59%
- 4 stars
10.63%
- 3 stars
2.12%
- 2 stars
2.12%
- 1 star
8.51%
New to Cloud Computing? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
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.