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What Is a Firewall?
Learn about the role firewalls play in safeguarding networks and devices from cyber threats.
March 21, 2023
Article
Learn about the skills and qualifications needed for a career as a help desk technician, IT support specialist or similar, and how these roles keep organizational technology systems running smoothly.
Explore popular IT support courses
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting, Package and Software Management, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Desktop Support, Network Security, Network Architecture, Computer Hardware, Linux, Encryption, Microsoft Windows, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Security Awareness, Technical Support, Software Installation, Help Desk Support
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, Help Desk Support, Information Technology, Hardware Troubleshooting, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Computer Networking, Computational Logic, Technical Documentation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Skills you'll gain: Hardware Troubleshooting, Customer Service, Network Troubleshooting, Customer Relationship Building, Computer Security Incident Management, Incident Response, Professional Development, Continuous Improvement Process, Cybersecurity, Client Services, Desktop Support, Performance Metric, Service Improvement, Computer Hardware, Customer Support, Technical Support, Digital Transformation, Operating Systems, Lifelong Learning, System Support
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IT support covers a wide variety of skills and industries, from data analysis to customer service and beyond. 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 IT support topics, including:
Though this depends on the role, many entry-level IT positions request some knowledge of operating systems, computer security, networking principles, and troubleshooting. If you want to go into software or web development, a versatile and popular programming language like Python can be good to learn.
If you’re stuck, try finding a few positions you’re interested in on a job search website to see what skills are commonly requested.
Read more: 7 Essential IT Skills to Start Your IT Career
Typically, an IT certification refers to a qualification you receive that shows your competency in a specific field of information technology (IT). To get a certification, you generally must pass an exam that tests your capabilities in the field. Read this article about 10 Essential IT Certifications.
IT courses on Coursera are structured to accommodate learners at various levels: