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January 14, 2025
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Kickstart a new IT and Cloud Career . Master hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and Cloud computing essentials.
Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team
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Beginner level
Only basic computer literacy is required. ThisSpecializationis suitable for anyone with or without a college degree orpriorprogrammingexperience.
(548 reviews)
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Only basic computer literacy is required. ThisSpecializationis suitable for anyone with or without a college degree orpriorprogrammingexperience.
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.
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In today’s connected world, core knowledge of IT hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies is vital for almost every function, or role within an organization. Adding storage, updating an operating system, connecting to a network, recognizing phishing, and setting up Cloud instances are some of the skills employees need or need help with. This five-course specialization provides prerequisite skills for almost all IT careers, including technical support specialist, data analyst, data scientist, AI specialist, web developer, software engineer, systems administrator, DevOps and site reliability engineer, data center technician, networking specialist, IT Manager, and cyber-security analyst.
You’ll acquire hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and cloud computing knowledge and skills that can prepare you for an entry-level IT role or better help you understand and manage IT responsibilities within your organization.
In addition to receiving an IBM credential upon successful completion of this specialization, it provides a dual benefit of preparing you for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (IFT+) Certification Exam, which can attest to your skills, helping you gain a competitive advantage.
This program is for beginners. To start this program, no prior IT background, programming experience, or cloud skills are required. All that's necessary is basic computer literacy.
Applied Learning Project
These course assignments are designed for beginners and provide you with core skills from each course.
You will use interactive activities and reference materials to identify computer hardware, connectors, and peripherals and to recall steps related to work station setup, operating system installation, and configuration of frequently adjusted operating system settings. In hands-on labs, you’ll use Python to acquire real-world, in-demand, fundamental programming skills and learn how to perform basic database operations using MySQL. In additional online labs, you’ll use the IBM Cloud platform and other interactive techniques towith user-facing software, back-end applications, introductory networking concepts, security practices, and cloud computing types and services.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
At IBM, we know how rapidly tech evolves and recognize the crucial need for businesses and professionals to build job-ready, hands-on skills quickly. As a market-leading tech innovator, we’re committed to helping you thrive in this dynamic landscape. Through IBM Skills Network, our expertly designed training programs in AI, software development, cybersecurity, data science, business management, and more, provide the essential skills you need to secure your first job, advance your career, or drive business success. Whether you’re upskilling yourself or your team, our courses, Specializations, and Professional Certificates build the technical expertise that ensures you, and your organization, excel in a competitive world.
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No. Courses do not need to be taken in a specific order.
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.
This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.
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