Curious about technical support and IT but not sure where to start? Explore IT fundamentals and gain job-ready skills in this introductory course. These beginner-friendly materials provide you with the basics you need to jump-start your career in IT or help you converse knowledgeably with your development team peers regarding software, programming, and databases.

Topics you investigate include the operating system running on your mobile phone to cloud computing technology underpinning enterprise software applications. You'll also learn about databases which fuel the flow of information in software, web browsers, software development processes, programming languages, and fundamental programming concepts.

You'll explore advanced topics like artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, chatbots, and modern analytics tools. You'll also delve into strategies for monetizing data and understand how organizations are using data as a strategic asset to drive innovation and growth.

Along the way, you'll gain practical experience through hands-on labs. In the final project, you'll apply your knowledge in a way that integrates your skills in software, programming, databases, and emerging technologies.

Enroll today to build the core IT skills you need to launch your career—and take the first step toward a future in tech!

Course Syllabus

Module 0: Welcome

Video: Course Introduction
Reading: Course Overview
Reading: How to Make the Most from This Course
Reading: General Information
Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus
Reading: Grading Scheme

Module 1: Computing Platforms and Software Applications

Computing Platforms and Compatibility
Commercial and Open Source Software
Software Licenses
Understanding Software Licenses, DRM, and EULAs
Software Installation Management
Software Versions
Using Your Windows Lab Workspace
Microsoft Windows Server Lab Environment
Hands-on Lab: Install, Update, and Remove Applications
Mobile Applications and Stores
Productivity, Business, and Collaboration Software
Types of File Formats
Activity: Recognizing File Formats
Summary and Highlights
Practice Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications
Graded Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications

Module 2: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI

Common Web Browsers
Browser Installs and Updates
Browser Plug-ins and Extensions
Basic Browser Security Settings
Browser Security Certificates and Pop-Ups Settings
Private Browsing and Client-Side Scripting Settings
Activity: Managing Browser Plug-ins and Extensions
Hands-on Lab: Browser Pop-Ups, Redirects, and Extensions
Introduction to Cloud Computing and Cloud Deployment, and Service Models
Understanding the Differences Between Community Cloud, DaaS, and VDI
Application Architecture and Delivery Methods
Software Development Life Cycle
What Is a Chatbot?
AI Chatbots and Smart Assistants
Introduction to Generative AI
Machine Learning
Reading: AI Predictions and Suggestions
Summary and Highlights
Practice Quiz: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI
Graded Quiz: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI

Module 3: Basics of Programming

Interpreted and Compiled Programming Languages
Comparing Compiled and Interpreted Programming Languages
Query and Assembly Programming Languages
Hands-on Lab: Hello World in 11 Programming Languages
Query and Assembly Programming Languages
Scripting Languages and Use Cases: Windows and Linux
Hands-on Lab: Basic Script Within Windows
Understanding Code Organization Methods
Branching and Looping Programming Logic
Activity: Programming Logic and Organizational Methods
Introduction to Programming Concepts: Part 1
Introduction to Programming Concepts: Part 2
Hands-on Lab: Programming Fundamentals with Python
Summary and Highlights
Practice Quiz: Basics of Programming
Graded Quiz: Basics of Programming

Module 4: Database Fundamentals

Types of Data, Sources, and Uses
Database Fundamentals and Constructs
Database Roles and Permissions
Database Types
Interfacing with Databases
Hands-on Lab: Basic Database Operations
Database Management
Backing Up Databases
Hands-on Lab: Back-Up and Restore a Database
Big Data and Applications
Reading: Modern Analytics Applications and Data Monetization Strategies
Summary and Highlights
Practice Quiz: Database Fundamentals
Graded Quiz: Database Fundamentals

Module 5: Final Project and Final Quiz

Optional Hands-on Lab: Exploring Libre Office
Final Project Overview and Scenario
Hands-on Lab: Libre Office Calc Final Project
Graded Final Quiz

Module 6: Course Wrap-Up

Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps
Reading: Thanks from the Course Team
Reading: Course Rating and Feedback

What you will learn:

Classify, install, and administer software applications and tools, including those used on mobile operating systems.
Apply foundational concepts in cloud computing, web browsers, and software development, including cloud services, browser technologies, and software development models, techniques, and best practices.
Explain and utilize core database concepts using the principles of database management and perform basic operations to interface with and maintain databases.
Recognize the role of artificial intelligence in modern software ecosystems, and explain how AI enables intelligent tools such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative applications to solve real-world problems.

Recommended Skills Before Taking this Course

Basic computer literacy

Software, Programming, and Databases Fundamentals

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