Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/information-technology-it-fundamentals-for-everyone

Introduction

### Course Review: Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone In today’s digitally driven world, understanding the fundamentals of Information Technology (IT) is not just an advantage, but a necessity. Coursera’s course, **Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone**, provides an excellent starting point for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in IT concepts and skills. #### Overview This course is designed to encapsulate the key elements of IT and its role in our increasingly digital society. It covers a broad range of topics, including hardware, operating systems, software, programming, databases, networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT support operations. Whether you are a complete novice or have some experience, this course prepares you to navigate the complexities of IT confidently. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems** - The course kicks off by introducing learners to computer hardware basics, including the various types of devices, their internal components, and peripherals. - You will learn how operating systems function and how they manage files and folders, providing a comprehensive understanding of what lies beneath the screen of your device. 2. **Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases** - This module covers software fundamentals, distinguishing between open-source and commercial software, which is essential for anyone interested in software development. - Basic programming concepts and relational databases are explored, making this module especially valuable for those planning to delve deeper into IT-related roles. 3. **Introduction to Networking and Storage** - Here, networking basics are presented, covering different topologies, cable types, and associated ports. - You also learn about storage devices and troubleshooting storage issues, which is crucial knowledge for IT support roles. 4. **Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials** - In an era where cybersecurity threats are prevalent, this module focuses on key concepts related to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. - You will learn about password management, secure browsing practices, and the various types of cyber threats, arming you with knowledge to protect yourself and your organization. 5. **Introduction to Cloud Computing** - As cloud technology continues to dominate the IT landscape, understanding its principles is vital. This module covers cloud services, infrastructure, virtualization, and emerging trends such as serverless computing and hybrid-cloud. - This knowledge is especially relevant for those looking to pursue a career in cloud services or IT operations. 6. **Final Assessment and Bonus Content on IT Support and Operations** - The course culminates in a comprehensive final assessment, allowing you to test the knowledge acquired throughout the course. Additionally, there is an optional lesson on troubleshooting and ticketing systems, enhancing your practical skills. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - Comprehensive coverage of fundamental IT topics. - Flexible learning pace, making it suitable for busy individuals. - High-quality instructional materials with practical examples. - No prerequisites; suitable for all beginners. **Cons:** - The course content might feel overwhelming for absolute beginners due to its breadth. - Some learners might require additional resources for deeper understanding on certain topics. #### Recommendation I highly recommend **Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone** for anyone interested in entering the world of IT or simply wishing to enhance their digital literacy. The course's structured approach ensures that learners gradually build their knowledge base, while the assessment at the end solidifies their understanding. Whether you aim to start a career in IT, enhance your current skill set, or simply navigate the digital world more efficiently, this course provides the essential foundation you need. With the increasing reliance on technology across various industries, investing your time in this course is a strategic move that will open up numerous opportunities in your professional journey. ### Final Thoughts In conclusion, Coursera's **Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone** is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to demystify the world of IT. With its rich content and practical approach, you’ll not only learn the fundamentals but also gain the confidence to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. So enroll today and take your first step into the exciting realm of Information Technology!

Syllabus

Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

This week you will learn about computer hardware and operating systems. Lesson one presents computing fundamentals such as types of devices, their benefits, their internal components, and peripheral devices. Other hardware you will learn about includes printers, display devices, and port types, along with their connectors. In lesson two, you will be introduced to operating systems for the devices you learned about in lesson one. You will learn how those operating systems implement files and folders and the basic operations you can perform on them.

This module has three lessons that cover the basics of software, web browsers, programming languages, and database fundamentals. The first lesson addresses software applications, where you learn about the differences between open-source and commercial software, software versioning, file formats, and components of web browsers. In the second lesson, you will explore some basic programming concepts. In the third lesson, you investigate databases, where you compare and contrast different types of database storage and manipulation.

In this two-lesson module, you learn about networking and storage. Lesson one focuses on networking, where you investigate concepts such as comparing and contrasting types of networks’ topologies, the cables used to connect devices to a network, and the common ports those cables use. You learn about network connections and how to adjust network settings in Windows. In lesson two, you are presented with types of local storage devices compared to hosted storage and sharing and how to troubleshoot storage issues.

In the two instructional lessons in this module, you will be introduced to some fundamental concepts in cybersecurity. First, you hear about the confidentiality, integrity, and availability triad and then about intellectual property and confidential information. Then you will learn about types of threats, breaches, and attacks. You will explore password management, access control, authorization, and single-sign-on authentication. In lesson two, you will learn about safe browsing practices such as application ecosystem security, plug-ins, extensions, and toolbars. You will also learn about public browsing risks, safe browsing techniques, and virtual private networks.

Cloud computing is the topic of this module. In lesson one, explore the characteristics, benefits, models, infrastructure, virtualization, and storage for cloud-native applications. In lesson two, you learn about cloud-computing emerging trends and practices. Some of those trends include the hybrid-multi-cloud, containerization, microservices architecture, serverless computing, and the development of applications specifically for the cloud, also known as cloud-native applications.

In the first lesson of this module, you will test your knowledge and the skills you’ve acquired in this course. This module contains a 20-question graded final examination focused on the content of this course. In lesson two, you may choose to learn about troubleshooting and ticketing systems. This is not a required lesson for this course, but the content will provide you with an overview of troubleshooting and ticketing systems, enhancing your knowledge of IT Fundamental concepts.