What jobs can I get with IT support specialist skills?

Qualify for in-demand job titles: <text variant="body1">· Entry-level IT Support Specialist or IT Support Professional <text variant="body1">· Help Desk Technician <text variant="body1">· Technical support specialist <text variant="body1">· Network Support Specialist <text variant="body1">· Systems Administrator

Will I be able to complete this course online?

This course is completely online. You can access your lessons, readings, and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

How long does it take to complete the professional certificate?

It typically takes 3 months to complete the 6 courses. But some learners may go through the content faster.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Certificate?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Introduction to Secure Networking

Introduction to Secure Networking

Name: Introduction to Secure Networking
Rating: 4.773700305810397 (327 reviews)

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Microsoft

23,490 already enrolled

Included with

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

327 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

327 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

3 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Learn computer networking basics, like TCP/IP and OSI models, and how devices collaborate.
Gain insights into network infrastructure and monitoring techniques for effective management.
Learn about network security components, approaches, and mitigation strategies.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

25 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate from Microsoft

There are 5 modules in this course

This course has been designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in IT support. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone looking to kickstart your career in the tech industry, it will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field of IT support.

In this course, you’ll cover the basics of computer networking, including the TCP/IP and OSI models. You'll learn how different network layers and devices work together. You'll also explore common network infrastructure and monitoring techniques as well as the physical and data link layers in more detail. By the end of the course, you'll have an overview of important components for an IT Support Specialist focused on maintaining the security of corporate networks. After completing this course, you’ll be able to: • Identify the main concepts of networking. • Explain common network infrastructure and monitoring techniques. • Describe network security components, approaches, and mitigation strategies. This is also a great way to prepare for the Microsoft MS-900 exam. By passing the MS-900 exam, you’ll earn the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification.

This module deals with the fundamental structure and type of a network, and explores the core element of IP addresses.you will learn how a physical network is put together as well as its underlying logic. You will also discover the reason behind the need for IP addresses and how they form the basis for network communication.

What's included

6 videos13 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 34 minutes

Course introduction: Introduction to Secure Networking 5 minutes
Types of networks 5 minutes
Topologies 6 minutes
What is IP, and what’s an IP address? 7 minutes
Using IP addresses on a network 6 minutes
Module summary: Computer networking 6 minutes

13 readings Total 160 minutes

Course syllabus: Introduction to Secure Networking 10 minutes
How to be successful in this course 10 minutes
Area networks 10 minutes
Physical and logical topology 10 minutes
Data transmission 10 minutes
Exercise: Network construction 30 minutes
Exemplar: Network construction 10 minutes
Additional resources: Understanding types and topologies 5 minutes
What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6? 10 minutes
Exercise: Find your IP 30 minutes
Exemplar: Find your IP 10 minutes
How does a device get its IP address? 10 minutes
Additional resources: IP addressing 5 minutes

5 assignments Total 75 minutes

Module quiz: Computer networking 30 minutes
Self-review: Network construction 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Understanding types and topologies 15 minutes
Self-review: Find your IP 10 minutes
Knowledge check: IP addressing 10 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 5 minutes

Discussion prompt: What do you hope to learn? 5 minutes

In this module, you'll explore the devices present on networks and understand the underlying architecture facilitating their communication. The content will cover different protocols and the corresponding ports they connect to.

What's included

9 videos19 readings7 assignments

9 videos Total 50 minutes

Hybrid networking 7 minutes
Introduction to cloud computing 5 minutes
What is the OSI model? 6 minutes
TCP/IP 7 minutes
What is a port? 5 minutes
Ports and protocols 5 minutes
DNS and networking 4 minutes
Health and metric analysis 4 minutes
Module summary: Network devices and protocols 6 minutes

19 readings Total 215 minutes

The internet 10 minutes
Infrastructure 10 minutes
Virtual Private Network Technology 10 minutes
Internet of Things 10 minutes
Additional resources: Infrastructure 5 minutes
Layered architecture 10 minutes
TCP/IP versus OSI 10 minutes
Exercise: Expanding the network layout 30 minutes
Exemplar: Expanding the network layout 10 minutes
Additional resources: Network communication models 5 minutes
Protocols 10 minutes
Reserved and commonly allocated ports 10 minutes
Exercise: Ports in use 30 minutes
Exemplar: Ports in use 10 minutes
Additional resources: Protocols and ports 5 minutes
DNS attacks 15 minutes
Introduction to network traffic monitoring 10 minutes
Network logs 10 minutes
Additional resources: Network traffic monitoring 5 minutes

7 assignments Total 110 minutes

Module quiz: Network devices and protocols 30 minutes
Knowledge check: Infrastructure 15 minutes
Self-review: Expanding the network layout 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Network communication models 15 minutes
Self-review: Ports in use 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Protocols and ports 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Network traffic monitoring 15 minutes

In this module you'll expand upon your knowledge of networks by going into greater depth on the operations of the network. The role of the server as the central point of the network will be discussed. Additionally, you will explore the area of security as well as the role of the firewall in protecting the user.

What's included

10 videos14 readings4 assignments

10 videos Total 56 minutes

Client-server network 5 minutes
Remote access 6 minutes
Introduction to authentication 7 minutes
Types of authorization 7 minutes
Authentication versus authorization 3 minutes
Common network attacks 6 minutes
Network security 5 minutes
Firewalls 6 minutes
Security tools 5 minutes
Module summary: Network security 7 minutes

14 readings Total 125 minutes

Client-server models 10 minutes
Different types of servers 10 minutes
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) 10 minutes
Additional resources: Network client and server 5 minutes
Authorization 10 minutes
Internet, extranet and intranet 10 minutes
Authorization protocols on VPNs 10 minutes
Additional resources: Authentication and authorization 5 minutes
Network attacks 10 minutes
Network security best practices 10 minutes
Firewall types 10 minutes
Firewall rules 10 minutes
Firewall threats and network analysis 10 minutes
Additional resources: Firewalls and security tools 5 minutes

4 assignments Total 75 minutes

Module quiz: Network security 30 minutes
Knowledge check: Network client and server 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Authentication and authorization 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Firewall and security tools 15 minutes

In this module, you delve into cloud computing and networking. You will evaluate Azure and its diverse services in relation to cloud computing and networking, providing you with a solid understanding of its capabilities. Additionally, you will explore the concept of virtualization as well as the various types of artificial intelligence (AI) and the resources that underpin their functionality. Lastly, you will review a few enterprise-level as a service models and their common applications and advantages.

What's included

11 videos21 readings7 assignments1 discussion prompt

11 videos Total 52 minutes

What is Azure? 6 minutes
Business enterprise use case 3 minutes
What is virtualization? 5 minutes
Azure Virtual Desktop 5 minutes
Virtual world 3 minutes
Cloud capabilities 6 minutes
Machine learning services 4 minutes
AI business uses 4 minutes
Business benefits of XaaS 5 minutes
What is Software as a Service? 5 minutes
Module Summary: Cloud computing and networking 6 minutes

21 readings Total 230 minutes

What is cloud computing? 10 minutes
What services are available with Azure 10 minutes
Azure technologies 10 minutes
Exercise: Cloud transformation 30 minutes
Exemplar: Cloud transformation 10 minutes
Additional resources: Introduction to Azure 5 minutes
What are virtual environments or machines 10 minutes
Virtual machines and containers 10 minutes
Get started with Figma 10 minutes
Exercise: Virtual network simulation 30 minutes
Exemplar: Virtual network simulation 10 minutes
Additional resources: Virtual environments 5 minutes
Cloud capabilities in action 10 minutes
Types of AI 10 minutes
Cloud and AI 10 minutes
Additional resources: Cloud services 5 minutes
A general overview of XaaS 10 minutes
SaaS in action 10 minutes
SaaS and XaaS as a comparison 10 minutes
IaaS and PaaS as a comparison 10 minutes
Additional resources: X as a Service 5 minutes

7 assignments Total 110 minutes

Module quiz: Cloud computing and networking 30 minutes
Self-review: Cloud transformation 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Introduction to Azure 15 minutes
Self-review: Virtual network simulation 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Virtual environments 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Cloud services 15 minutes
Knowledge check: X as a service 15 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

What types of AI have you interacted with? 10 minutes

In this module, you’ll put your skills into practice. You’ll reflect on the key learning points that you studied during the course and complete the final assessment and hands-on activity.

What's included

2 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

2 videos Total 11 minutes

Course recap: Introduction to Secure Networking 7 minutes
Congratulations 4 minutes

4 readings Total 60 minutes

About the final course project and assessment 10 minutes
Exercise: Digital transformation 30 minutes
Exemplar: Digital transformation 10 minutes
Next steps 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 120 minutes

Self-review: Digital transformation 30 minutes
Course quiz: Introduction to Secure Networking 90 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 5 minutes

Reflect on learning 5 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(64 ratings)

Microsoft

287 Courses 2,373,262 learners

Offered by

Microsoft

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"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

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"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
84.70%
4 stars
11%
3 stars
1.83%
2 stars
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1 star
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Showing 3 of 327

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2025

I loved this course a lot as it made all my doubts about networking and cloud solutions plain clear.

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2025

Es muy buen curso, lo recominedo para empezar en el mundo de las redes.

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Best skills and learning course, very comprehensive and best for IT professionals

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Frequently asked questions

This program is for you:

· If you are interested in the field of Information Technology or just beginning to work in IT support-related roles.

· If you want to switch or start a career in the field of Information Technology (IT).

· If you already work in IT support, earning a Microsoft IT Support Specialist certificate can help advance your career or help you address gaps in your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

You don’t need any background knowledge to take this Professional Certificate. Whether you’re just starting out or a professional in a relevant field, this program can be the right fit for you.

The role of an IT support specialist includes technical skills such as conducting regular network assessments and assessing, testing, and upgrading an organization's network systems.

This role also includes problem-solving skills needed to identify and resolve hardware and software issues. guiding users through troubleshooting steps and providing training on the usage of new software and hardware, such as upgraded email systems and external hard drives.

An IT support specialist collaborates with clients and colleagues; therefore, effective communication is crucial for IT support specialists.

Yes. We highly recommend taking the courses of each certificate program in the order they are presented. The content in the courses builds on information from earlier courses. The final course contains a capstone project that assesses your knowledge of the content covered in the previous courses. As such, it makes the most sense to take the courses in the order they are presented.

When you complete the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate, you stand out with a unique set of skills and knowledge in the dynamic field of information technology (IT).

This certificate demonstrates your job readiness and can be shared with your professional network.

Throughout this program, you've engaged with instructional videos, assessments, and practical exercises, gaining a deep understanding of key aspects including:

· Proficiency in system analysis and maintenance.

· Skills in software configuration and recommendation using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

· Practice in establishing robust security protocols.

· Expertise in diagnostics and troubleshooting.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

Introduction to Secure Networking

Introduction to Secure Networking

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise

There are 5 modules in this course

Computer networking

What's included

Network devices and protocols

What's included

Network security

What's included

Cloud computing and networking

What's included

Course project and assessment

What's included

Earn a career certificate

Instructor

Offered by

Explore more from Support and Operations

Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Network Security

Introduction to Networking and Cloud Computing

Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

Learner reviews

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

Who is this program for?

What background knowledge is necessary?

What is the main benefit of a Professional Certificate?

More questions