IT Support

Learn about the skills and qualifications needed for a career as a help desk technician, IT support specialist or similar, and how these roles keep organizational technology systems running smoothly.

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[Featued image] A learner is outside researching about the different command-line interfaces

What Is a Command-Line Interface?

All computers, regardless of the operating system, feature a command-line interface that enables user-computer interactions. Learn how it differs from a graphical user interface and the benefits of interacting directly with the command line.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featued image] A cybersecurity analyst is working from home and is learning about public keys.

What Is a Public Key?

Learn what a public key is, how it relates to public key encryption, and when you might need to use one.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst is on their laptop learning about the different intrusion detection systems.

What Is an Intrusion Detection System?

Explore how intrusion detection systems strengthen network security and safeguard against potential cyber threats.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featued image] A learner is outside researching about the different command-line interfaces

What Is a Command-Line Interface?

All computers, regardless of the operating system, feature a command-line interface that enables user-computer interactions. Learn how it differs from a graphical user interface and the benefits of interacting directly with the command line.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featued image] A cybersecurity analyst is working from home and is learning about public keys.

What Is a Public Key?

Learn what a public key is, how it relates to public key encryption, and when you might need to use one.

August 22, 2023

Article

Explore popular IT support courses

Status: New AI skills

Google

Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Network Security, Network Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Administration, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Information Systems Security, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Desktop Support, Network Protocols, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Application Security, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation

Build toward a degree

4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
202K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Status: AI skills

Microsoft

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Cybersecurity, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Collaborative Software, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Application Security, Microsoft Teams, Information Systems Security, Multi-Factor Authentication

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
982 reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Computing Platforms, Cloud Computing Architecture, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Peripheral Devices, Cybersecurity, Hardware Troubleshooting, IT Service Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Applications, Desktop Support, Network Protocols, Cyber Attacks, Professional Networking, Cloud Storage, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Interviewing Skills

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[Featured Image] Two professionals examining the motherboard of a robot.

What Is a Motherboard?

Learn more about motherboards and what you may need to know for an information technology career.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] Two people sit next to each other at a shared desk and work on separate computers in a dimly lit open office space.

What Is an Operating System?

Learn about the role an operating system (OS) plays in computer processes, as well as common types of operating systems.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A person in a blue shirt sits at a desk next to a window and works with code on a laptop and secondary monitor.

What Is a CPU?

Learn what a central processing unit (CPU) is, how it enables a computer to function through the instruction cycle process, and the factors that influence CPU speed.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A person in a gray hoodie sits at their desk and launches BIOS on their desktop computer.

What Is BIOS?

Every time your computer boots up, it relies on BIOS to ensure everything is working properly. Learn more about this firmware and what you can do with BIOS.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] Two coworkers sit on a wooden bench and collaborate using Active Directory on a laptop.

What Is Active Directory?

Learn about Active Directory and how it’s used in organizations to group objects, grant permissions, and manage networks and information.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featued image] An IT specialist is working at a cafe and researching binary code.

What Is Binary Code?

Learn what binary code is, how it works, and the role it plays in the digital communication processes.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst is working at home while researching about hardening.

What Is Hardening?

Hardening is an IT security practice organizations use to make attacking a system “harder.” In this article, discover what hardening is and its benefits.

August 18, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A learner is researching about authentication on their laptop.

What Is Authentication?

Learn about authentication, its purpose, and how it identifies users for a server or client.

August 17, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A learner is researching different patch panels.

What Is A Patch Panel?

Learn how a patch panel can help you organize and manage cables.

August 14, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst is on their laptop learning about the different intrusion detection systems.

What Is an Intrusion Detection System?

Explore how intrusion detection systems strengthen network security and safeguard against potential cyber threats.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] Two professionals examining the motherboard of a robot.

What Is a Motherboard?

Learn more about motherboards and what you may need to know for an information technology career.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] Two people sit next to each other at a shared desk and work on separate computers in a dimly lit open office space.

What Is an Operating System?

Learn about the role an operating system (OS) plays in computer processes, as well as common types of operating systems.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A person in a blue shirt sits at a desk next to a window and works with code on a laptop and secondary monitor.

What Is a CPU?

Learn what a central processing unit (CPU) is, how it enables a computer to function through the instruction cycle process, and the factors that influence CPU speed.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A person in a gray hoodie sits at their desk and launches BIOS on their desktop computer.

What Is BIOS?

Every time your computer boots up, it relies on BIOS to ensure everything is working properly. Learn more about this firmware and what you can do with BIOS.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] Two coworkers sit on a wooden bench and collaborate using Active Directory on a laptop.

What Is Active Directory?

Learn about Active Directory and how it’s used in organizations to group objects, grant permissions, and manage networks and information.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featued image] An IT specialist is working at a cafe and researching binary code.

What Is Binary Code?

Learn what binary code is, how it works, and the role it plays in the digital communication processes.

August 21, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst is working at home while researching about hardening.

What Is Hardening?

Hardening is an IT security practice organizations use to make attacking a system “harder.” In this article, discover what hardening is and its benefits.

August 18, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A learner is researching about authentication on their laptop.

What Is Authentication?

Learn about authentication, its purpose, and how it identifies users for a server or client.

August 17, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A learner is researching different patch panels.

What Is A Patch Panel?

Learn how a patch panel can help you organize and manage cables.

August 14, 2023

Article

IT support covers a wide variety of skills and industries, from data analysis to customer service and beyond. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore IT support topics, including:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)