IT

Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.

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[Featured Image] An IT expert sits at a laptop wearing a headset and talking a technician through a network layer repair.

What Is the Network Layer? Definition and Practical Applications

The network layer allows for end-to-end communication between computer networks by assigning addresses to devices and routing data packets. Learn more about what the network layer is and the functions it performs in the broader networking system.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software engineer sits at a workstation, using containerization to simplify his job.

What Is Containerization? Software Explained

With containerization, you create software in a way that makes it more adaptable to different machines. Explore why software professionals use containerization across industries, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using such software.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three co-workers are sending files through their communication network protocols on digital tablets.

The 3 Types of Network Protocols

Explore what network protocols are, including different types centered around communication, management, and security.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT expert sits at a laptop wearing a headset and talking a technician through a network layer repair.

What Is the Network Layer? Definition and Practical Applications

The network layer allows for end-to-end communication between computer networks by assigning addresses to devices and routing data packets. Learn more about what the network layer is and the functions it performs in the broader networking system.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A software engineer sits at a workstation, using containerization to simplify his job.

What Is Containerization? Software Explained

With containerization, you create software in a way that makes it more adaptable to different machines. Explore why software professionals use containerization across industries, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using such software.

October 24, 2024

Article

Explore popular IT courses

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Peripheral Devices, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, Computing Platforms, Hardware Troubleshooting, IT Service Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Protocols, Encryption, Software Development Life Cycle, Professional Networking, Cloud Storage, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Interviewing Skills, Computer Hardware

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Status: New AI skills

Google

Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Network Security, Network Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Network Architecture, Routing Protocols, Desktop Support, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Encryption, Security Awareness, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation

Build toward a degree

4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
201K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Google

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

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
48K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[Featured Image] A network engineer works on his computer to implement network monitoring software.

Network Monitoring Software: What It Is and Why to Use It

Discover the details of enterprise networking monitoring software, including its benefits, operational mechanisms, and best practices.

October 23, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Female IT professional sitting at her workspace building network architectures and communicating with colleagues via headphones.

A Guide to Network Architectures

Network architectures describe how a computer network operates, outlining devices and logistics. Explore network architectures and how they can impact your organization’s network management.

October 23, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] In a server room, a network operations engineer examines a server while holding a tablet.

What Does a Network Operations Engineer Do?

Network operations engineers are vital to keeping a business’s computing network functioning properly. Learn more about a network operations engineer job description, as well as the skills, education, and experience necessary for the role.

October 22, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman looking at a computer monitor using exFAT to organize her files.

ExFAT vs. FAT32: Deciding Between the Two

When building a file system that suits your unique needs, you will want to know how to decide between exFAT and FAT32. This primer offers the basic pros and cons of each, along with their applications, to help you decide between them.

October 21, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT support specialist shakes hands with a potential employer during a job interview.

8 IT Support Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Reviewing possible IT support interview questions is an excellent way to prepare for your upcoming interview. Explore these eight sample questions to walk into your meeting feeling confident and ready to shine.

October 16, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A computer networking learner studies the function of data packets and internet protocol.

What Are Data Packets?

Data packets are the fundamental units of communication for devices connected to the internet. Explore their role in internet protocol and other details to gain a deeper understanding of computer networking.

October 11, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two women on a video call using a computer as a full duplex as both computers are transmitting and receiving information.

What Is Full Duplex and How Is It Used?

Full-duplex design allows computers to send and receive information at the same time. Learn about the full duplex communication mode, including the type of data transmission used, devices that use it, and the difference between half duplex and simplex.

October 11, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young computer user explains how network interface cards work to allow their parent’s laptop and other devices to connect to the network.

Network Interface Cards: What They Are and Where to Buy Them

Network interface cards provide network connections for your devices. Installing this critical hardware in your computers or servers keeps you connected to the networks you need. Find out more about these essential computing cards.

October 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A female network engineer stands in a server room with a laptop looking at the physical layer mechanics

What Is the Physical Layer: A Beginner’s Guide

When you communicate with someone via technology, you need physical devices to receive and transmit information. They are the “physical layer” of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. Learn more about OSI and the function the physical layer plays.

October 8, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Three co-workers are sending files through their communication network protocols on digital tablets.

The 3 Types of Network Protocols

Explore what network protocols are, including different types centered around communication, management, and security.

October 24, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A network engineer works on his computer to implement network monitoring software.

Network Monitoring Software: What It Is and Why to Use It

Discover the details of enterprise networking monitoring software, including its benefits, operational mechanisms, and best practices.

October 23, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Female IT professional sitting at her workspace building network architectures and communicating with colleagues via headphones.

A Guide to Network Architectures

Network architectures describe how a computer network operates, outlining devices and logistics. Explore network architectures and how they can impact your organization’s network management.

October 23, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] In a server room, a network operations engineer examines a server while holding a tablet.

What Does a Network Operations Engineer Do?

Network operations engineers are vital to keeping a business’s computing network functioning properly. Learn more about a network operations engineer job description, as well as the skills, education, and experience necessary for the role.

October 22, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A woman looking at a computer monitor using exFAT to organize her files.

ExFAT vs. FAT32: Deciding Between the Two

When building a file system that suits your unique needs, you will want to know how to decide between exFAT and FAT32. This primer offers the basic pros and cons of each, along with their applications, to help you decide between them.

October 21, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] An IT support specialist shakes hands with a potential employer during a job interview.

8 IT Support Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Reviewing possible IT support interview questions is an excellent way to prepare for your upcoming interview. Explore these eight sample questions to walk into your meeting feeling confident and ready to shine.

October 16, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A computer networking learner studies the function of data packets and internet protocol.

What Are Data Packets?

Data packets are the fundamental units of communication for devices connected to the internet. Explore their role in internet protocol and other details to gain a deeper understanding of computer networking.

October 11, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] Two women on a video call using a computer as a full duplex as both computers are transmitting and receiving information.

What Is Full Duplex and How Is It Used?

Full-duplex design allows computers to send and receive information at the same time. Learn about the full duplex communication mode, including the type of data transmission used, devices that use it, and the difference between half duplex and simplex.

October 11, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A young computer user explains how network interface cards work to allow their parent’s laptop and other devices to connect to the network.

Network Interface Cards: What They Are and Where to Buy Them

Network interface cards provide network connections for your devices. Installing this critical hardware in your computers or servers keeps you connected to the networks you need. Find out more about these essential computing cards.

October 9, 2024

Article

[Featured Image] A female network engineer stands in a server room with a laptop looking at the physical layer mechanics

What Is the Physical Layer: A Beginner’s Guide

When you communicate with someone via technology, you need physical devices to receive and transmit information. They are the “physical layer” of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. Learn more about OSI and the function the physical layer plays.

October 8, 2024

Article

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:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)