IBM
Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization

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IBM

Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization

Kickstart a new IT and Cloud Career. Master hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and Cloud computing essentials.

IBM Skills Network Team
Rav Ahuja
Roopa Raghavan

Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team +2 more

14,340 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.8

(596 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
4.8

(596 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 months to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Operating systems history, installation, configuration, and hardware connectors and peripheral identification and troubleshooting techniques.

  • Software management, cloud computing characteristics, benefits and trends, web browser essentials, software development basics, and database basics.

  • Commonly used storage and network types, common security risks, and secure browsing practices.

  • Application of technical and troubleshooting skills for an IT customer support role.

Skills you'll gain

  • Category: General Networking
  • Category: Peripheral Devices
  • Category: Computing Platforms
  • Category: Databases
  • Category: Computer Hardware
  • Category: Security Awareness
  • Category: Cloud Applications
  • Category: Information Technology
  • Category: Cloud Security
  • Category: Software Development Life Cycle
  • Category: Cloud Platforms
  • Category: Cloud Storage

Details to know

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

June 2025

Advance your subject-matter expertise

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  • Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
  • Earn a career certificate from IBM

Specialization - 6 course series

What you'll learn

  • Demonstrate an understanding of operating system fundamentals.

  • Recognize desktop and laptop hardware components and devices.

  • Identify and describe internal desktop and laptop computer components, interfaces, and peripherals.

  • Explain basic workstation setup, locate operating system settings, and identify good troubleshooting practices.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Computer Hardware
Category: Operating Systems
Category: Microsoft Windows
Category: Peripheral Devices
Category: User Accounts
Category: Hardware Troubleshooting
Category: System Configuration
Category: Disaster Recovery
Category: Technical Support
Category: Computer Architecture
Category: Networking Hardware
Category: Mac OS
Category: Linux

What you'll learn

  • Classify, install, configure, and manage software including mobile platforms.

  • Discuss cloud computing and web browser concepts.

  • Explain software development models, techniques, and concepts.

  • Describe fundamental database management concepts.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Computer Programming
Category: Computing Platforms
Category: Software Versioning
Category: Cloud Computing
Category: Database Management
Category: SQL
Category: Relational Databases
Category: Software Development Life Cycle
Category: Database Application
Category: Javascript
Category: Cloud Applications
Category: Data Access
Category: Information Technology
Category: Browser Compatibility
Category: System Configuration
Category: Software Installation

What you'll learn

  • Define cloud computing and explain essential characteristics, history, the business case for cloud, and the emerging technologies enabled by cloud

  • Describe the cloud service models- IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and cloud deployment models- Public, Private, Hybrid; explain cloud infrastructure components

  • Explain emerging Cloud related trends including HybridMulticloud, Microservices, Serverless, Cloud Native, DevOps, and Application Modernization

  • List and describe services of popular cloud platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and others

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cloud Computing
Category: Cloud Services
Category: Emerging Technologies
Category: Cloud Storage
Category: Cloud Security
Category: Hybrid Cloud Computing
Category: Serverless Computing
Category: Cloud Computing Architecture
Category: Cloud-Native Computing
Category: Microservices
Category: DevOps
Category: Cloud Platforms
Category: Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS)
Category: Virtual Machines
Category: Software As A Service

What you'll learn

  • Identify wired and wireless network types, explain physical and logical topology, differentiate network cable types and what each is used for.

  • List common network devices. Discover what packets are and how IP addresses work, and explain what protocols are and why models are necessary.

  • Determine how to set up and encrypt networks and mobile devices. Diagnose connectivity issues and utilize the command prompt and Windows Settings.

  • List network drive types, explain RAM, ROM, and RAID, and troubleshoot storage issues. Explain STaaS, and define file, block, and object storage.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Wireless Networks
Category: Network Protocols
Category: General Networking
Category: Local Area Networks
Category: Data Storage
Category: Network Troubleshooting
Category: Networking Hardware
Category: Cloud Storage
Category: TCP/IP
Category: Computer Networking
Category: Hardware Troubleshooting
Category: OSI Models
Category: System Configuration
Category: Network Architecture
Category: Command-Line Interface
Category: Cloud Services

What you'll learn

  • Recognize the importance of data security, maintaining data integrity, and confidentiality

  • Demonstrate the installation of software updates and patches

  • Identify preferred practices for authentication, encryption, and device security

  • Discuss types of security threats, breaches, malware, social engineering, and other attack vectors

Skills you'll gain

Category: Data Security
Category: Encryption
Category: Malware Protection
Category: Cyber Attacks
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Multi-Factor Authentication
Category: Personally Identifiable Information
Category: Security Controls
Category: Threat Management
Category: Security Awareness
Category: Computer Security Awareness Training
Category: Information Systems Security
Category: Information Privacy
Category: Hardening
Category: Network Security

What you'll learn

  • Practice and check your readiness for the CompTIA ITF+ Certification exam that tests your proficiency in IT Fundamentals.

  • Summarize how to set up and install common peripheral devices, secure a basic wireless network, and the importance of Cloud+ Certification exam.

  • Describe the components of an OS, identify programming language categories, define programming & database concepts, and methods used to interface.

  • Identify best security practices, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns of secure devices, and describe IT concepts.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cloud Computing
Category: Computer Networking
Category: Computer Hardware
Category: Software Installation
Category: Databases
Category: Desktop Support
Category: Information Technology
Category: IT Infrastructure
Category: Technical Support and Services
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Test Tools
Category: End User Training and Support

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Instructors

IBM Skills Network Team
IBM Skills Network Team
IBM
84 Courses1,326,341 learners
Rav Ahuja
Rav Ahuja
IBM
56 Courses3,816,522 learners
Roopa Raghavan
Roopa Raghavan
IBM
1 Course8,746 learners

Offered by

IBM

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