IBM
Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization
IBM

Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization

Kickstart a new IT and Cloud Career. Master hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and Cloud computing essentials.

IBM Skills Network Team
Rav Ahuja
Heather Vaughan

Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team

Included with Coursera Plus

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.8

(615 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.8

(615 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Operating systems history, installation, configuration, and hardware connectors and peripheral identification and troubleshooting techniques.

  • Software management, cloud computing characteristics, benefits and trends, web browser essentials, software development basics, and database basics.

  • Commonly used storage and network types, common security risks, and secure browsing practices.

  • Application of technical and troubleshooting skills for an IT customer support role.

Details to know

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Taught in English
58 practice exercises

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  • Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
  • Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
  • Earn a career certificate from IBM

Specialization - 6 course series

What you'll learn

  • Identify the hardware components of desktops, laptops, and other devices, plus operating system functions, settings, and troubleshooting processes

  • Explore ports, connectors, storage devices, and GPU architectures, and assess appropriate processing and hardware solutions for applications

  • Develop secure IoT integration strategies for wearable devices and smart tech, using effective device management and cybersecurity principles.

  • Evaluate VR and AR technologies for organizational use, assessing hardware requirements, deployment considerations, and practical applications.

Skills you'll gain

Computer Hardware, Operating Systems, Peripheral Devices, User Accounts, Hardware Troubleshooting, Technical Support, USB, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Data Storage, Computer Systems, System Configuration, Virtual Machines, File Systems, Computer Architecture, Linux, Computing Platforms, Disaster Recovery, Network Infrastructure, Mac OS, and Software Installation

What you'll learn

  • Classify, install, and administer software applications and tools, including those used on mobile operating systems

  • Learn foundational concepts in cloud services, browser technologies, and software development models, techniques, and best practices

  • Utilize core database concepts using the principles of database management and perform basic operations to interface with and maintain databases

  • Understand how AI enables intelligent tools such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative applications to solve real-world problems

Skills you'll gain

Generative AI, Computer Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Data Strategy, Cloud Computing Architecture, and Data-Driven Decision-Making

What you'll learn

  • Define cloud computing and explain essential characteristics, history, the business case for cloud, and the emerging technologies enabled by cloud

  • Describe the cloud service models- IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and cloud deployment models- Public, Private, Hybrid; explain cloud infrastructure components

  • Explain emerging Cloud related trends including HybridMulticloud, Microservices, Serverless, Cloud Native, DevOps, and Application Modernization

  • List and describe services of popular cloud platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and others

Skills you'll gain

Cloud Services, Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies, Serverless Computing, Cloud Security, Cloud Storage, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Cloud-Native Computing, Cloud Computing Architecture, DevOps, Cloud Development, Cloud Hosting, IBM Cloud, Technical Services, Cloud Solutions, Cloud Management, Virtual Machines, Cloud Engineering, and Cloud Platforms

What you'll learn

  • Explain wired and wireless network types, topologies, cable categories, IP addressing, packet flow, and core protocols

  • Configure secure networks and mobile devices using encryption standards and troubleshooting tools, including the command prompt and Windows Settings

  • Explore memory and storage technologies, including RAM, ROM, RAID, STaaS, file/block/object storage, USB4, and NVMe, andtroubleshooting methods

  • Apply NFC operating modes, Wi-Fi security protocols, and device integration techniques to evaluate modern networking and storage solutions

Skills you'll gain

Wireless Networks, General Networking, Network Protocols, Network Security, TCP/IP, Network Troubleshooting, Local Area Networks, Computer Networking, OSI Models, Networking Hardware, Wide Area Networks, Technical Support and Services, Data Storage, Hardware Architecture, Network Architecture, Microsoft Windows, System Configuration, Network Infrastructure, and Command-Line Interface

What you'll learn

  • Learn how to identify common cybersecurity threats, including malware, social engineering, breaches, and other attack vectors

  • Install software updates and patches, and apply authentication, encryption, and device-hardening techniques to protect sensitive information

  • Explore physical security, environmental safeguards, and access control measures used to prevent unauthorized access and ensure business continuity

  • Apply cybersecurity best practices using strong password creation and management strategies, and identify use cases for encryption

Skills you'll gain

Multi-Factor Authentication, Cyber Attacks, Encryption, Malware Protection, Personally Identifiable Information, Information Privacy, Cybersecurity, Hardening, Email Security, Windows Servers, Data Security, Security Controls, Threat Detection, Security Awareness, Cryptography, Endpoint Security, Computer Security Awareness Training, Information Systems Security, Application Security, and Microsoft Windows

What you'll learn

  • Practice and check your readiness for the CompTIA Tech+ Certification exam that tests your proficiency in IT fundamentals

  • Describe the components of an OS, identify programming language categories, define programming & database concepts, and the interface methods used 

  • Identify best security practices, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns of secure devices, and describe IT concepts

Skills you'll gain

Network Security, Computer Programming, Mockups, Cloud Infrastructure, and Artificial Intelligence

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

IBM Skills Network Team
IBM
83 Courses1,558,754 learners
Rav Ahuja
IBM
56 Courses4,347,424 learners
Heather Vaughan
IBM
1 Course9,760 learners

Offered by

IBM

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