Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone
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Build the job-ready IT and non-technical IT skills in just six weeks. Plus, gain practical experience you can discuss in the interviews. No prior IT experience is required.

Language
- English
Topic
- Computer Science & Information Technology
Enrollment Count
- 1.23K
Skills You Will Learn
- Project Management, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Security, Operating Systems
Offered By
- IBMSkillsNetwork
Estimated Effort
- 6 Weeks
Platform
- edX
Last Update
- July 1, 2025
You will learn:
- Job-ready IT skills non-technical project professionals need in just 6 weeks, supported by practical experience employers look for on a resume and an industry-recognized credential.
- The essentials of operating systems, computer components, programming concepts, databases, and the difference between commercial and open software.
- The importance of computer networks, including wired and wireless connections; explore network resources and storage types in MS Windows.
- How to protect against security threats, address public browsing security concerns, and list password management best practices.
- The benefits of cloud computing and an understanding of the cloud infrastructure layer, virtual machines, and the features of ticketing systems.
Course Syllabus
- Video: Course Introduction
- Reading: General Information
- Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus
- Reading: Grading Scheme
- Reading: How to Make the Most of this Course
Module 1: Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
- Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Video: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals
- Video: Common Computing Devices and Platforms
- Video: Identifying Hardware Components and Peripherals
- Reading: Input, Output, and Display Devices
- Video: Internal Computer Component
- Reading: Additional Internal Computer Components
- Video: Identifying Ports and Connectors
- Activity: Identifying Devices and Connectors
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals and Hardware
- Video: An introduction to Operating System
- Video: Getting Started with Microsoft Window
- Video: Features and Functions of an Operating System
- Video: Managing File and Folders
- Video: Using Your Windows Lab Workspace
- Lab: Using File Explorer to Manage Files and Folders
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Operating Systems
- Practice Quiz: Module 1: Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
- Reading: Glossary: Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
- Graded Quiz: Module 1: Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems
- Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Video: Commercial and Open Source Software
- Reading: Software Licenses
- Video: Software Versions
- Reading: File Formats and Productivity and Collaboration Software
- Video: Software Installation Management
- Video: Common Web Browser
- Video: Browser Installs and Updates
- Lab: Install, Update, and Remove Applications
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Software Applications and Web Browsers
- Video: Interpreted and Compiled Programming Languages
- Reading: Scripting Languages
- Video: Introduction to Programming Concepts
- Video: Branching and Looping Programming Logic
- Activity: Working with Programming Logic and Organizational Methods
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Basics of Programming Languages
- Video: Types of Data, Sources, and Uses
- Video: Overview of Data Repositories
- Video: Introduction to SQL and Relational Databases
- Video: Database Management
- Reading: Database Roles and Permissions and Backing Up Databases
- Lab: Basic Database Operations
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Database Fundamentals
- Practice Quiz: Module 2: Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases
- Reading: Glossary: Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases
- Graded Quiz: Module 2: Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases
- Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Video: Computer Networks: Types and Topologies
- Reading: Computer Networks: Cables
- Video: Advantages and Disadvantages of Network Types
- Reading: Computer Networks: Models, Standards, Protocols, and Ports
- Video: Networking Hardware Devices
- Video: Wired and Wireless Network Connections
- Video: (Optional): Wired and Wireless SOHO Networks
- Video: Network Settings in Windows
- Lab: Exploring Windows Network Settings
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Computer Networks
- Video: Types of Local Storage Devices
- Video: Types of Hosted Storage and Sharing
- Video: Network Storage Types
- Video: Troubleshooting Storage Issues
- Lab: Disk Status and Repair Tools - Rhyme
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Storage and Sharing
- Practice Quiz: Module 3: Introduction to Networking and Storage
- Reading: Glossary: Introduction to Networking and Storage
- Graded Quiz: Module 3: Introduction to Networking and Storage
- Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Video: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
- Reading: Intellectual Property and Types of Confidential Information
- Video: Threats and Breaches
- Video: Phishing, Social Engineering, and Other Attacks
- Video: Password Management Techniques
- Video: Security Threats: Access Control, Authorization, and Authentication
- Video: Authentication and SSO
- Reading: Firewalls
- Activity: Identifying Phishing Attempts
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Common Security Threats and Security Best Practices
- Video: Safe Browsing Practices: Application Ecosystem Security
- Video: Safe Browsing Practices: Public Browsing Risks
- Video: Safe Browsing Practices: Plug-ins, Extensions, and Toolbars
- Activity: Managing Browser Plug-ins and Extensions
- Video: Security Threats: Safe Browsing Techniques
- Lab: Managing Browser Security and Privacy Settings
- Video: Virtual Private Networks
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Safe Browsing Practices
- Practice Quiz: Module 4: Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials
- Reading: Glossary: Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials
- Graded Quiz: Module 4: Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials
- Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Video: Definition and Essential Characteristics of Cloud Computing
- Reading: Cloud Adoption: No Longer a Choice
- Video: Key Cloud Service Providers and Their Services
- Video: Overview of Cloud Service Models
- Video: Overview of Cloud Infrastructure
- Video: Virtualization and Virtual Machines Explained
- Reading: Types of Virtual Machines on Cloud
- Video: Basics of Storage on Cloud
- Activity: Identifying Storage Types
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Introduction to Cloud Computing and Cloud Infrastructure
- Video: Hybrid Multi-Cloud
- Video: Containers
- Video: Microservices
- Video: Serverless Computing
- Video: Cloud Native Applications
- Video: DevOps on the Cloud
- Reading: IoT, AI, Blockchain, and Analytics in the Cloud
- Lab: Getting Started with Serverless
- Reading: Lesson Summary: Emergent Trends and Practices in Cloud Computing
- Practice Quiz: Module 5: Introduction to Cloud Computing
- Lab: Glossary 5: Introduction to Cloud Computing
- Graded Quiz: Module 5: Introduction to Cloud Computing
- Reading: Module 6 Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Final Exam: IT Fundamentals for Everyone
- Reading: Module Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Video: Introduction to Troubleshooting
- Video: Levels of Technical Support
- Video: Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Video: What are Ticketing Systems?
- Video: Features and Benefits of Ticketing Systems
- Activity: Exploring the Lifecycle of a Ticket
- Reading: Module Summary: Troubleshooting and Ticketing Systems
- Reading: Glossary 6: IT Support and Operations
- Practice Quiz: Troubleshooting and Ticketing Systems
- Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps
- Reading: Course Team and Acknowledgements
- Reading: Copyrights and Trademarks
- Course Rating and Feedback
- Course Rating and Feedback
- Badge
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Reading: Claim your badge here
Recommended Skills Prior to Taking this Course

Language
- English
Topic
- Computer Science & Information Technology
Enrollment Count
- 1.23K
Skills You Will Learn
- Project Management, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Security, Operating Systems
Offered By
- IBMSkillsNetwork
Estimated Effort
- 6 Weeks
Platform
- edX
Last Update
- July 1, 2025
Instructors
IBM Skills Network
IBM Skills Network Team
At IBM Skills Network, we know how crucial it is for businesses, professionals, and students to build hands-on, job-ready skills quickly to stay competitive. Our courses are designed by experts who work at the forefront of technological innovation. With years of experience in fields like AI, software development, cybersecurity, data science, business management, and more, our instructors bring real-world insights and practical, hands-on learning to every module. Whether you're upskilling yourself or your team, we will equip you with the practical experience and future focused technical and business knowledge you need to succeed in today’s ever-evolving world.
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