IT

Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.

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[Featured Image] After learning what is bandwidth and the benefits of high bandwidth, a group of businesspeople work on their computers simultaneously, talking amongst themselves and collaborating.

What Is Bandwidth: Definition and Tips

Bandwidth plays a significant role in modern technology across the world. Learn more about what bandwidth is and why it is crucial for internet connections.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A fiber technician connects fiber optic cables to a switch.

What Is Fiber Optics?

Fiber optics is restructuring the world of communications with its ability to send data faster and more reliably than traditional cables. Explore what fiber optics is and how it works within your career goals.

October 29, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A technical consultant holds a tablet while talking with a colleague as they walk through an office.

What Is a Technical Consultant? And How to Become One

Learn more about what a technical consultant does and how to start your career as one, including the education and training requirements needed for the role.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] After learning what is bandwidth and the benefits of high bandwidth, a group of businesspeople work on their computers simultaneously, talking amongst themselves and collaborating.

What Is Bandwidth: Definition and Tips

Bandwidth plays a significant role in modern technology across the world. Learn more about what bandwidth is and why it is crucial for internet connections.

October 30, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A fiber technician connects fiber optic cables to a switch.

What Is Fiber Optics?

Fiber optics is restructuring the world of communications with its ability to send data faster and more reliably than traditional cables. Explore what fiber optics is and how it works within your career goals.

October 29, 2024

Article

Explore popular IT courses

IBM

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

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

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

Johns Hopkins University

Skills you'll gain: Medical Privacy, Electronic Medical Record, Telehealth, Patient Safety, Health Technology, Health Information Management, Medical Equipment and Technology, Security Awareness, Cloud Security, Personally Identifiable Information, Encryption, Help Desk Support, Desktop Support, End User Training and Support, Health Care, Technical Support and Services, Decision Support Systems, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Clinical Data Management, Patient Education and Support

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews

Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

[Featured Image] A business manager stands in front of a screen in a conference room and conducts a meeting on why data privacy is important.

Why Is Data Privacy Important?

Learn more about why data privacy is important, as well as careers relating to data privacy, and some useful tips you can use to help keep your data private.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Business professionals gather around a table in a well lit confrence room, each on a laptop connected through a wireless access point, discussing business stats and projects.

Complete Guide to Wireless Access Points

Wireless access points are key additions to businesses looking for stronger and more reliable internet access. Explore what wireless access points do and the benefits of wireless access points for businesses.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Students in a computer programming class gathering around a computer and a whiteboard to create a network diagram for an assignment.

Network Diagrams Explained

Network diagrams can be a powerful professional tool. Discover more about the standard types of diagrams, the pros and cons of using network diagrams, and how to start creating them yourself.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two IT professionals look at a computer and talk about their company's token ring.

What Is a Token Ring? Understanding Local Area Networks

In local area networks (LANs), token ring technology offers a unique approach to facilitating reliable and orderly communication between network devices.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two network security engineers collaborate while troubleshooting a web development project to enhance cybersecurity.

What Does a Network Security Engineer Do?

Network security engineers help businesses keep important, sensitive data safe. Learn more about this role, including the skills, education, and cybersecurity experience you’ll need to be successful.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT expert sits at a laptop wearing a headset and talking a technician through a network layer repair.

What Is the Network Layer? Definition and Practical Applications

The network layer allows for end-to-end communication between computer networks by assigning addresses to devices and routing data packets. Learn more about what the network layer is and the functions it performs in the broader networking system.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software engineer sits at a workstation, using containerization to simplify his job.

What Is Containerization? Software Explained

With containerization, you create software in a way that makes it more adaptable to different machines. Explore why software professionals use containerization across industries, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using such software.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three co-workers are sending files through their communication network protocols on digital tablets.

The 3 Types of Network Protocols

Explore what network protocols are, including different types centered around communication, management, and security.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A network engineer works on his computer to implement network monitoring software.

Network Monitoring Software: What It Is and Why to Use It

Discover the details of enterprise networking monitoring software, including its benefits, operational mechanisms, and best practices.

October 23, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A technical consultant holds a tablet while talking with a colleague as they walk through an office.

What Is a Technical Consultant? And How to Become One

Learn more about what a technical consultant does and how to start your career as one, including the education and training requirements needed for the role.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A business manager stands in front of a screen in a conference room and conducts a meeting on why data privacy is important.

Why Is Data Privacy Important?

Learn more about why data privacy is important, as well as careers relating to data privacy, and some useful tips you can use to help keep your data private.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Business professionals gather around a table in a well lit confrence room, each on a laptop connected through a wireless access point, discussing business stats and projects.

Complete Guide to Wireless Access Points

Wireless access points are key additions to businesses looking for stronger and more reliable internet access. Explore what wireless access points do and the benefits of wireless access points for businesses.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Students in a computer programming class gathering around a computer and a whiteboard to create a network diagram for an assignment.

Network Diagrams Explained

Network diagrams can be a powerful professional tool. Discover more about the standard types of diagrams, the pros and cons of using network diagrams, and how to start creating them yourself.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two IT professionals look at a computer and talk about their company's token ring.

What Is a Token Ring? Understanding Local Area Networks

In local area networks (LANs), token ring technology offers a unique approach to facilitating reliable and orderly communication between network devices.

October 25, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two network security engineers collaborate while troubleshooting a web development project to enhance cybersecurity.

What Does a Network Security Engineer Do?

Network security engineers help businesses keep important, sensitive data safe. Learn more about this role, including the skills, education, and cybersecurity experience you’ll need to be successful.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT expert sits at a laptop wearing a headset and talking a technician through a network layer repair.

What Is the Network Layer? Definition and Practical Applications

The network layer allows for end-to-end communication between computer networks by assigning addresses to devices and routing data packets. Learn more about what the network layer is and the functions it performs in the broader networking system.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software engineer sits at a workstation, using containerization to simplify his job.

What Is Containerization? Software Explained

With containerization, you create software in a way that makes it more adaptable to different machines. Explore why software professionals use containerization across industries, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using such software.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three co-workers are sending files through their communication network protocols on digital tablets.

The 3 Types of Network Protocols

Explore what network protocols are, including different types centered around communication, management, and security.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A network engineer works on his computer to implement network monitoring software.

Network Monitoring Software: What It Is and Why to Use It

Discover the details of enterprise networking monitoring software, including its benefits, operational mechanisms, and best practices.

October 23, 2024

Article

The world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries. An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers and businesses safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. 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 information technology topics, including:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)