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

Seize the savings! Get 40% off 3 months of Coursera Plus and full access to thousands of courses.

Introduction to Computers

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Microsoft

81,831 already enrolled

Included with

Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,061 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.

1,061 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

Learn about computer components like CPU, memory, and storage.
Learn how computer system components, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices, interact with the operating system.
Gain insight into security, hardware, and software relationships.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

17 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.

This module provides you with a foundational understanding of computer systems, focusing on the intricate relationship between hardware and software. The module starts off by informing you about the current threat landscape of the computing world, giving insight into some of the challenges faced by computer support specialists. You'll explore key hardware components, operating systems, and software types, including their development and functionality. The module covers essential concepts such as memory management, system updates, and network communication, culminating in practical activities to reinforce learning. This comprehensive module is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to understand and interact effectively with computer technology.

What's included

13 videos16 readings6 assignments2 plugins

13 videos Total 72 minutes

Introduction to the program 4 minutes
Course introduction: Introduction to Computers 3 minutes
Welcome to Generative AI for everyone 6 minutes
Understanding the Capabilities of Generative AI for Business Functions 9 minutes
Generative AI - Under the hood 8 minutes
The potential pitfalls and shortcomings of GEN AI 6 minutes
Threat landscape overview 5 minutes
Linked threats 5 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 systems 7 minutes
Module summary: Introduction to computers and operating systems 4 minutes

16 readings Total 165 minutes

Course syllabus: Introduction to Computers 10 minutes
How to be successful in this course 10 minutes
Skills measured: Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals 10 minutes
Generative AI Terminology 10 minutes
Generative AI in Business 10 minutes
Threat stats 10 minutes
Exercise: Explaining the threat landscape 30 minutes
Exemplar: Explaining the threat landscape 10 minutes
Additional resources: Threat landscape 5 minutes
Hardware versus software 10 minutes
Monitors and graphics cards: How visuals come to life 10 minutes
Additional resources: Introduction to computing devices 5 minutes
Types of operating systems 10 minutes
Proprietary and open-source software 10 minutes
Types of software: System, application and utility 10 minutes
Additional resources: Operating systems 5 minutes

6 assignments Total 100 minutes

General Knowledge Quiz 15 minutes
Self-review: Explaining the threat landscape 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Decoding the threat landscape: An IT perspective 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Introduction to computing devices 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Operating systems 15 minutes
Module quiz: Operating systems 30 minutes

2 plugins Total 20 minutes

Activity: Computer component match-up 10 minutes
Activity: Software type matching challenge 10 minutes

In this module you will consider servers, storage and backups, computing environments and the process of maintenance and patching in the context of enterprise systems and security.

What's included

7 videos9 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

7 videos Total 37 minutes

Infrastructure and Servers 6 minutes
Risk mitigation: Backup frequency 6 minutes
What are computing environments? 6 minutes
Security in computing environments 6 minutes
What is maintenance and patching? 6 minutes
Patch management: pros, cons, and challenges 4 minutes
Module summary: Enterprise systems and security 5 minutes

9 readings Total 80 minutes

Types of servers, storage, and backups 10 minutes
Additional resources: Servers, storage and backup 5 minutes
Traditional versus cloud computing environments 10 minutes
Security in computing environments in depth 10 minutes
Additional resources: Computing environments 5 minutes
Types of maintenance 10 minutes
Optimizing your computer's performance 10 minutes
Vulnerability management 10 minutes
Additional resources: Maintenance and patches 10 minutes

4 assignments Total 75 minutes

Knowledge check: Servers, storage and backups 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Computing environments 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Maintenance and patching 15 minutes
Module quiz: Enterprise systems and security 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Storage and security needs for enterprise versus home users 10 minutes

1 plugin Total 10 minutes

Activity: Environment Characteristics Match-Up 10 minutes

This module provides you with an introduction to software in the business context that facilitates the performance of various tasks, enhancing productivity. The limitations of both software and hardware are discussed as well as possible solutions to these limitations.

What's included

9 videos10 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

9 videos Total 43 minutes

What is business software? 5 minutes
A day in the life of a business computer 5 minutes
How email changed the world 5 minutes
Email app functions 5 minutes
Growing your knowledge on storage 5 minutes
Processing data 4 minutes
Machine Learning and data 5 minutes
Artificial intelligence and machine learning 4 minutes
Module Summary: Business systems applications 5 minutes

10 readings Total 100 minutes

Common business software 10 minutes
Dealing with limitations 10 minutes
Cloud solutions for hardware limitations 10 minutes
Computers under pressure 10 minutes
Additional resources: Business sofware 10 minutes
Email security functions 10 minutes
Additional resources: Email apps 10 minutes
Data warehousing and data lakes 10 minutes
Machine learning in action 10 minutes
Additional resources: Storage solutions 10 minutes

5 assignments Total 85 minutes

Activity: Practical solutions to hardware and software limitations 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Business software 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Email apps 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Storage solutions 15 minutes
Module quiz: Business systems applications 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Have you ever received spam or malicious emails? What was your experience? 10 minutes

In this module you'll step into the role of an IT consultant, helping a business set up its computer system. From picking the right hardware and software to planning how it all connects, you'll design a practical solution that meets the business's unique needs. This hands-on project allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you gained throughout the course, providing a real-world taste of computer system design and configuration.

What's included

2 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

2 videos Total 7 minutes

Course recap: Introduction to Computing 5 minutes
Congratulations 2 minutes

3 readings Total 50 minutes

About the final project and assessment 10 minutes
Exercise: Designing a business computer setup 30 minutes
Next steps 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 120 minutes

Self-review: Designing a business computer setup 30 minutes
Course quiz 90 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Reflect on learning 10 minutes

1 plugin Total 15 minutes

Exemplar: Designing a business computer setup 15 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

(284 ratings)

Microsoft

287 Courses 2,323,864 learners

Offered by

Microsoft

Explore more from Support and Operations

Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security
Course
Status: Preview
Coursera
Digital Literacy: Introduction to Using Computers
Course
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Secure Networking
Course
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Essential Aspects of Software, Hardware, and Data Backup
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
84.26%
4 stars
11.68%
3 stars
2.26%
2 stars
0.47%
1 star
1.31%

Showing 3 of 1061

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

The instructor was excellent in explaining concepts. I loved the Sam Scoops analogy that was smartly mixed in through the modules.

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Introduction to computing is nice course.

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.

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.