![[Featured Image] A person in a light blue button-down presents data to their coworkers using insights gleaned from edge computing technology.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4MMsMZFpIvPomLErQITptf/ef48e9cd7b42a625ad1be997e19f07fe/GettyImages-1308902708.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing: Differences and Use Cases
Compare, contrast, and identify real-world applications of edge and cloud computing in this guide.
June 28, 2023
Article
IT
Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
![[Featured image] A systems administrator in a white sweater reviews Linux interview questions on his laptop in a co-working space.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/O2gWmGDVkYg4kqAXBJfMB/78730c8a07079aac34018e655786cc8c/GettyImages-1132115579.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Three colleagues sit in front of their laptops in an office setting and discuss cybersecurity best practices.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6NMlBYzoSyVaJVbkjxQCHS/b2480cf01f57aa8400232d0346d8bc5f/GettyImages-2170629270.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
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Status: New AI skills
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
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
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Cloud Services, Debugging, Puppet (Configuration Management Tool), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Bash (Scripting Language), Configuration Management, Test Automation, CI/CD, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, Technical Communication, Scripting, Network Troubleshooting, Web Services, Python Programming, Restful API, Computer Programming
![[Featured image] A cybersecurity analyst in a white shirt leans over their desk to view their laptop screen. They are in a dark office and a large monitor with green code is on the wall behind them.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6oQvmRoehwsUKQORgFPGzj/96783ab58cd6d32a1370a357ffcfb7e6/GettyImages-1289906309.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Three colleagues stand together in a server room and troubleshoot an issue on a computer monitor.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6hxOXs8MLU9k9mYpyVPsIK/a7414a78ee742995cbd95ae1ef3bb821/GettyImages-672157207__3_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] An ethical hacker in a plaid shirt and glasses competes to win a bug bounty on a laptop computer while sitting at a desk with a large desktop monitor.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/jQSjnxP6TQO7158DA3xss/62ffedcf2bc01cc41e217f37a5dc40d8/GettyImages-1255905201.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Feature Image] An IT president working in one of the highest-paying IT jobs meets with the IT team to discuss the ongoing strategy for the company’s digital transformation.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/QgxIdI3NIEXaTVmUrLlNK/702a28ed68f72e6b9502171c4dc27c24/GettyImages-1413759114.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image]: QA Tester, working on a desktop computer, identifying and analyzing problems during the debugging process of the software.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1tPfcTC0l523DnstxkXgho/4badca73ee40e229624883d213af6af7/GettyImages-1280720394.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A closeup shows someone monitoring a cybersecurity feed for malware on a tablet and desktop computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/JxixYMCiG7DSu8wgDpg9Y/7e231c4af3e4484dcfc77663bf16b738/GettyImages-1299372413.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Cybersecurity analyst working on creating a firewall to secure the network.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3AUaFq4JpATHurg81SAUj0/6f34db2e2a38d9ea77d350f89447ea60/GettyImages-76530721__2_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Feautured image] Two IT support technicians discuss IT issues in front of a large monitor.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7J9Qh1Xr191CdF3ty1tv7O/11d5e37698ad30d554ee7b650fbfc7de/GettyImages-1171809330.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image]: An IT associate wearing an orange top sits at a desktop computer, exploring information about free IT certifications.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/114Z6JxwjZjEfnfTQpSqrl/5ba0afe55a2a28bcf6087b27ab6db79d/pexels-rfstudio-3059745.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
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:
