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 explore computer systems and the security threats that computer users have to deal with. You'll learn about key components like the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals. You’ll cover how these components interact with the operating system, including CPU processes, memory management, and the role of device drivers. Finally, you’ll explore essential concepts defining hardware and software relationships for a comprehensive understanding of system functionality.
After completing this course, you’ll be able to:
• Identify the key components of a computer system, encompassing hardware elements such as
CPU, memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and peripherals.
• Describe the interaction between computer system components and the operating system,
including how the CPU processes instructions, memory management, and the role of device
drivers.
• Discuss the essential concepts that define the relationship between security, hardware and
software, fostering a comprehensive understanding of system functionality.
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.
Ever wondered how we moved from basic desktop computers to machines that can "think"? In this module, you will dive into the heart of modern computing. You will explore how foundational hardware and Operating Systems serve as the launchpad for the AI revolution. By understanding how high-performance GPUs fuel today’s Generative AI, you will bridge the gap between physical circuitry and the future of intelligent technology.
涵盖的内容
13个视频16篇阅读材料5个作业2个插件
显示有关单元内容的信息
13个视频•总计72分钟
Introduction to the program•4分钟
Course introduction: Introduction to Computers•3分钟
Welcome to Generative AI for everyone•6分钟
Understanding the Capabilities of Generative AI for Business Functions•9分钟
Generative AI - Under the hood•8分钟
The potential pitfalls and shortcomings of GEN AI•6分钟
Threat landscape overview•5分钟
Linked threats•5分钟
What is a computer and what is inside it?•5分钟
How does a computer operate?•6分钟
What is an operating system and what does it do?•5分钟
Popular operating systems•7分钟
Module summary: Introduction to computers and operating systems•4分钟
16篇阅读材料•总计165分钟
Course syllabus: Introduction to Computers•10分钟
How to be successful in this course•10分钟
Skills measured: Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals•10分钟
Generative AI Terminology•10分钟
Generative AI in Business•10分钟
Threat stats•10分钟
Exercise: Explaining the threat landscape•30分钟
Exemplar: Explaining the threat landscape•10分钟
Additional resources: Threat landscape •5分钟
Hardware versus software•10分钟
Monitors and graphics cards: How visuals come to life•10分钟
Additional resources: Introduction to computing devices•5分钟
Types of operating systems•10分钟
Proprietary and open-source software•10分钟
Types of software: System, application and utility•10分钟
Additional resources: Operating systems•5分钟
5个作业•总计90分钟
Mastering Generative AI Architectures and Applications•15分钟
Knowledge check: Decoding the threat landscape: An IT perspective•15分钟
Knowledge check: Introduction to computing devices•15分钟
Knowledge check: Operating systems•15分钟
Module quiz: Operating systems•30分钟
2个插件•总计20分钟
Activity: Computer component match-up•10分钟
Activity: Software type matching challenge•10分钟
Enterprise systems and security
第 2 单元•小时 后完成
单元详情
Behind every great tech company is a rock-solid infrastructure. In this module, you will master the backbone of the digital world: servers, storage, and backups. You will take control of on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, learning to protect data like a pro. By the end of this module, you will be equipped to lead strategic Patch Management and build the "Business Continuity" plans that keep global enterprises running, no matter what.
涵盖的内容
7个视频9篇阅读材料4个作业1个讨论话题1个插件
显示有关单元内容的信息
7个视频•总计37分钟
Infrastructure and Servers•6分钟
Risk mitigation: Backup frequency•6分钟
What are computing environments?•6分钟
Security in computing environments•6分钟
What is maintenance and patching?•6分钟
Patch management: pros, cons, and challenges•4分钟
Module summary: Enterprise systems and security•5分钟
9篇阅读材料•总计80分钟
Types of servers, storage, and backups•10分钟
Additional resources: Servers, storage and backup•5分钟
Traditional versus cloud computing environments•10分钟
Security in computing environments in depth•10分钟
Additional resources: Computing environments•5分钟
Types of maintenance•10分钟
Optimizing your computer's performance•10分钟
Vulnerability management•10分钟
Additional resources: Maintenance and patches•10分钟
4个作业•总计75分钟
Knowledge check: Servers, storage and backups•15分钟
Knowledge check: Computing environments•15分钟
Knowledge check: Maintenance and patching•15分钟
Module quiz: Enterprise systems and security•30分钟
1个讨论话题•总计10分钟
Storage and security needs for enterprise versus home users•10分钟
Get ready to step into the engine room of modern business operations. You will explore the powerful tools that keep teams connected and data moving, from Enterprise Messaging to complex Data Warehousing. You will discover how backend Business Intelligence (BI) functions turn raw information into winning strategies. This is where you learn to navigate the cloud-based ecosystems that define the 2026 workplace.
涵盖的内容
9个视频10篇阅读材料5个作业1个讨论话题
显示有关单元内容的信息
9个视频•总计43分钟
What is business software?•5分钟
A day in the life of a business computer•5分钟
How email changed the world•5分钟
Email app functions•5分钟
Growing your knowledge on storage •5分钟
Processing data •4分钟
Machine Learning and data•5分钟
Artificial intelligence and machine learning•4分钟
Module Summary: Business systems applications•5分钟
10篇阅读材料•总计100分钟
Common business software•10分钟
Dealing with limitations•10分钟
Cloud solutions for hardware limitations•10分钟
Computers under pressure•10分钟
Additional resources: Business software•10分钟
Email security functions•10分钟
Additional resources: Email apps•10分钟
Data warehousing and data lakes •10分钟
Machine learning in action•10分钟
Additional resources: Storage solutions•10分钟
5个作业•总计85分钟
Activity: Practical solutions to hardware and software limitations•10分钟
Knowledge check: Business software•15分钟
Knowledge check: Email apps•15分钟
Knowledge check: Storage solutions•15分钟
Module quiz: Business systems applications•30分钟
1个讨论话题•总计10分钟
Have you ever received spam or malicious emails? What was your experience?•10分钟
Final project and assessment: Introduction to computing
第 4 单元•小时 后完成
单元详情
It’s time to bring it all together and prove what you can do! In this final capstone module, you will synthesize everything you’ve learned about hardware, cloud, and AI into one cohesive vision. You will take on the role of a lead architect, designing a comprehensive system solution from the ground up. This is your opportunity to show that you can solve real-world business challenges with cutting-edge technical strategy.
涵盖的内容
2个视频3篇阅读材料2个作业1个讨论话题1个插件
显示有关单元内容的信息
2个视频•总计7分钟
Course recap: Introduction to Computing•5分钟
Congratulations•2分钟
3篇阅读材料•总计50分钟
About the final project and assessment•10分钟
Exercise: Designing a business computer setup•30分钟
Next steps•10分钟
2个作业•总计120分钟
Self-review: Designing a business computer setup•30分钟
Course quiz•90分钟
1个讨论话题•总计10分钟
Reflect on learning•10分钟
1个插件•总计15分钟
Exemplar: Designing a business computer setup•15分钟
Our goal at Microsoft is to empower every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more.
In this next revolution of digital transformation, growth is being driven by technology. Our integrated cloud approach creates an unmatched platform for digital transformation. We address the real-world needs of customers by seamlessly integrating Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, LinkedIn, GitHub, Microsoft Power Platform, and Azure to unlock business value for every organization—from large enterprises to family-run businesses. The backbone and foundation of this is Azure.
· 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.
What background knowledge is necessary?
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.
What is the main benefit of a Professional Certificate?
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.
What jobs can I get with IT support specialist skills?
Qualify for in-demand job titles:
· Entry-level IT Support Specialist or IT Support Professional
· Help Desk Technician
· Technical support specialist
· Network Support Specialist
· 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.
Do I need to take the courses in specific order?
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.
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 be able to do upon completing the Professional Certificate?
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.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
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. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
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.