Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone
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BeginnerCourse
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
Skills You Will Learn
- Project Management, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Security, Operating Systems
Offered By
- IBMSkillsNetwork
Estimated Effort
- 6 Weeks
Platform
- edX
Last Update
- February 5, 2025
About this Course
With 25 million more project professionals being needed globally by 2030 (Project Management Institute), the demand for talented individuals with good underpinning IT knowledge is exploding. This Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals course is designed specifically for non-technical professionals who want to collaborate effectively with IT teams and make informed decisions.
In this course, you'll learn the essentials of hardware, operating systems, and the foundational concepts of software, programming, and databases. You’ll explore how different types of hardware function, from printers to display devices, and how operating systems manage files and folders. Plus, you’ll discover the basics of software applications, web browsers, programming languages, and how databases store and manipulate data.
You'll also gain an understanding of networking, including network topologies, cables, and how to manage network settings. You’ll learn about storage solutions, from local devices to hosted systems. Plus, you’ll be introduced to cybersecurity fundamentals, covering key concepts like data integrity, threat management, and safe browsing practices.
As you learn, you’ll work on hands-on labs that enable you to apply your new skills in a practical setting. And you’ll test your knowledge with a comprehensive assessment and gain insights into troubleshooting and ticketing systems for IT support.
If you’re a project-oriented professional looking to build a strong, non-technical understanding of IT for your job, ENROLL TODAY and build the job-ready IT skills you need in just 6 weeks.
You will learn:
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
Module 0 : Welcome
- 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
Module 2: Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases
- 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
Module 3: Introduction to Networking and Storage
- 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
Module 4: Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials
- 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
Module 5: Introduction to Cloud Computing
- 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
Module 6: Final Assessment
- Reading: Module 6 Introduction and Learning Objectives
- Final Exam: IT Fundamentals for Everyone
Module 7: (Bonus Lesson) Troubleshooting and Ticketing Systems
- 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
Module 8: Course Wrap-up
- 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
You should have a basic knowledge of information technology. No IT background is necessary. Some familiarity with ticketing systems may be useful.

Language
- English
Topic
- Computer Science & Information Technology
Skills You Will Learn
- Project Management, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Security, Operating Systems
Offered By
- IBMSkillsNetwork
Estimated Effort
- 6 Weeks
Platform
- edX
Last Update
- February 5, 2025