IT

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

Coursera logo C cutout
[Featured image] A cybersecurity tech in a gray shirt stands up looking at a tablet in front of a wall of video security monitors.

What Is Hashing in Cybersecurity?

Hashing is an encryption technique used in cybersecurity to protect and manage information. Learn more about what hashing is and how it’s used.

August 24, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A learner is reading about encapsulation on their tablet while sitting on a flight of stairs.

What Is Encapsulation?

Learn what encapsulation is, how you can use it in programming, and why it’s important for digital security.

August 24, 2023

Article

[Featued image] A person is researching the different routers on their phone while sitting at their desk.

What Is a Router?

Learn why a router is an important piece of computer hardware and what you need to know to maintain and troubleshoot it.

August 24, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity tech in a gray shirt stands up looking at a tablet in front of a wall of video security monitors.

What Is Hashing in Cybersecurity?

Hashing is an encryption technique used in cybersecurity to protect and manage information. Learn more about what hashing is and how it’s used.

August 24, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A learner is reading about encapsulation on their tablet while sitting on a flight of stairs.

What Is Encapsulation?

Learn what encapsulation is, how you can use it in programming, and why it’s important for digital security.

August 24, 2023

Article

Explore popular IT courses

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Peripheral Devices, Cybersecurity, Computing Platforms, Hardware Troubleshooting, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Cloud Platforms, Encryption, Data Storage, Software Development Life Cycle, Professional Networking, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Interviewing Skills

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, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Information Systems Security, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Network Architecture, Desktop Support, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Application Security, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, Technical Documentation

Build toward a degree

4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
201K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Status: AI skills

Microsoft

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Cybersecurity, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Application Security, Microsoft Teams, Productivity Software, Information Systems Security, Multi-Factor Authentication

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
928 reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[Featued image] A learner is outside researching about the different command-line interfaces

What Is a Command-Line Interface?

All computers, regardless of the operating system, feature a command-line interface that enables user-computer interactions. Learn how it differs from a graphical user interface and the benefits of interacting directly with the command line.

August 23, 2023

Article

[Featued image] A cybersecurity analyst is working from home and is learning about public keys.

What Is a Public Key?

Learn what a public key is, how it relates to public key encryption, and when you might need to use one.

August 23, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst is on their laptop learning about the different intrusion detection systems.

What Is an Intrusion Detection System?

Explore how intrusion detection systems strengthen network security and safeguard against potential cyber threats.

August 23, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst is working with physical servers while holding a laptop.

What Is a DDoS Attack?

Learn more about distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, including the different attack types and tips for preventing them.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] Two professionals examining the motherboard of a robot.

What Is a Motherboard?

Learn more about motherboards and what you may need to know for an information technology career.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] Two people sit next to each other at a shared desk and work on separate computers in a dimly lit open office space.

What Is an Operating System?

Learn about the role an operating system (OS) plays in computer processes, as well as common types of operating systems.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A person in a blue shirt sits at a desk next to a window and works with code on a laptop and secondary monitor.

What Is a CPU?

Learn what a central processing unit (CPU) is, how it enables a computer to function through the instruction cycle process, and the factors that influence CPU speed.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A person in a gray hoodie sits at their desk and launches BIOS on their desktop computer.

What Is BIOS?

Every time your computer boots up, it relies on BIOS to ensure everything is working properly. Learn more about this firmware and what you can do with BIOS.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] Two coworkers sit on a wooden bench and collaborate using Active Directory on a laptop.

What Is Active Directory?

Learn about Active Directory and how it’s used in organizations to group objects, grant permissions, and manage networks and information.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featued image] A person is researching the different routers on their phone while sitting at their desk.

What Is a Router?

Learn why a router is an important piece of computer hardware and what you need to know to maintain and troubleshoot it.

August 24, 2023

Article

[Featued image] A learner is outside researching about the different command-line interfaces

What Is a Command-Line Interface?

All computers, regardless of the operating system, feature a command-line interface that enables user-computer interactions. Learn how it differs from a graphical user interface and the benefits of interacting directly with the command line.

August 23, 2023

Article

[Featued image] A cybersecurity analyst is working from home and is learning about public keys.

What Is a Public Key?

Learn what a public key is, how it relates to public key encryption, and when you might need to use one.

August 23, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst is on their laptop learning about the different intrusion detection systems.

What Is an Intrusion Detection System?

Explore how intrusion detection systems strengthen network security and safeguard against potential cyber threats.

August 23, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst is working with physical servers while holding a laptop.

What Is a DDoS Attack?

Learn more about distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, including the different attack types and tips for preventing them.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured Image] Two professionals examining the motherboard of a robot.

What Is a Motherboard?

Learn more about motherboards and what you may need to know for an information technology career.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] Two people sit next to each other at a shared desk and work on separate computers in a dimly lit open office space.

What Is an Operating System?

Learn about the role an operating system (OS) plays in computer processes, as well as common types of operating systems.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A person in a blue shirt sits at a desk next to a window and works with code on a laptop and secondary monitor.

What Is a CPU?

Learn what a central processing unit (CPU) is, how it enables a computer to function through the instruction cycle process, and the factors that influence CPU speed.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] A person in a gray hoodie sits at their desk and launches BIOS on their desktop computer.

What Is BIOS?

Every time your computer boots up, it relies on BIOS to ensure everything is working properly. Learn more about this firmware and what you can do with BIOS.

August 22, 2023

Article

[Featured image] Two coworkers sit on a wooden bench and collaborate using Active Directory on a laptop.

What Is Active Directory?

Learn about Active Directory and how it’s used in organizations to group objects, grant permissions, and manage networks and information.

August 22, 2023

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)