Updated in May 2025.

This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course prepares you for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) exam by covering a wide range of topics related to operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. You’ll gain a solid understanding of how to configure and troubleshoot various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to manage and secure IT systems and respond to real-world technical issues. The course begins with an introduction to operating systems, where you’ll explore the installation and configuration of different systems, including Windows 10/11, macOS, and Linux. You’ll also learn about partitioning, file systems, boot methods, and the critical tasks performed after installation. Special attention will be given to configuring Windows client networking and using command line tools. As you progress, the course delves into security fundamentals, emphasizing physical and logical security, malware types, social engineering tactics, and mobile device security. You'll also examine important security features in Microsoft OS, including permissions and encryption. The module ends with best practices for securing workstations and web browsers. In the final part of the course, you'll explore troubleshooting techniques for both software and hardware issues across desktop and mobile platforms. You’ll learn to resolve common operating system problems, malware removal practices, and how to address mobile OS/application security issues. The course is ideal for individuals aspiring to become IT technicians or those looking to upgrade their skills in operating system management, security, and troubleshooting.