Technical Support Fundamentals (Coursera)

Offered by Google,
Technical Support Fundamentals (Coursera)

This course is the first of a series that aims to prepare you for a role as an entry-level IT Support Specialist. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the world of Information Technology, or IT. You’ll learn about the different facets of Information Technology, like computer hardware, the Internet, computer software, troubleshooting, and customer service. This course covers a wide variety of topics in IT that are designed to give you an overview of what’s to come in this certificate program.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • understand how the binary system works
  • assemble a computer from scratch
  • choose and install an operating system on a computer
  • understand what the Internet is, how it works, and the impact it has in the modern world
  • learn how applications are created and how they work under the hood of a computer
  • utilize common problem-solving methodologies and soft skills in an Information Technology setting

Course 1 of 5 in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to IT
Welcome to Technical Support Fundamentals, the first course of the IT Support Professional Certificate! By enrolling in this course, you are taking the first step to kickstarting your career in tech. In the first week of the course, we'll learn about how computers were invented, how they've evolved over time, and how they work today. We will also learn about what an "IT Support Specialist" is and what they do in their job. By the end of this module, you will know how to count like a computer using binary and understand why these calculations are so powerful for society. So let's get started!

WEEK 2
Hardware
In the second week of this course, we'll learn about what's inside a computer. We'll learn all about the hardware components or different pieces inside a computer. We'll discover what each component does and how they work together to make a computer function. By the end of this module, you will also know how to build a computer from scratch!

WEEK 3
Operating System
In the third week of this course, we'll learn about operating systems. We'll discuss the common operating systems that are used today and understand how they work with the computer hardware. We'll learn about the "boot process" of an operating system and show you how to install Windows, Linux and Mac OSX operating systems from scratch. By the end of this module, you'll use the Qwiklabs environment to interact directly with the Windows and Linux operating systems.

WEEK 4
Networking
In the fourth week of this course, we'll learn about computer networking. We'll explore the history of the Internet and what "The Web" actually is. We'll also discuss topics like Internet privacy, security, and what the future of the Internet may look like. You'll also understand why the Internet has limitations even today. By the end of this module, you will know how the Internet works and recognize both the positive and negative impacts the Internet has had on the world.

WEEK 5
Software
In the fifth week of this course, we'll learn about computer software. We'll learn about what software actually is and the different types of software you may encounter as an IT Support Specialist. We'll also explore how to manage software and revisit the concept of "abstraction." By the end of this module, you'll use the Qwiklabs environment to install, update and remove software on both Windows and Linux operating systems.

WEEK 6
Troubleshooting
Congratulations, you've made it to the last week of the course! In the final week, we'll learn about the importance of troubleshooting and customer support. computer software. We'll go through some real-world scenarios that you might encounter at a Help Desk or Desktop Support role. We'll learn why empathizing with a user is super important when working in a tech role. Finally, we'll learn why writing documentation is an important aspect of any IT role. By the end of this module, you will utilize soft skills and write documentation to communicate with others.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Ethical Issues in Data Science (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Ethical Issues in Data Science (Coursera)

Computing applications involving large amounts of data – the domain of data science – impact the lives of most people in the U.S. and the world. These impacts include recommendations made to us by internet-based systems, information that is available about us online, techniques that are used for security and surveillance, data that is used in health care, and many more. In many cases, they are affected by techniques in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Digital Shield: Cybersecurity for Data and System Protection (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Anáhuac

Digital Shield: Cybersecurity for Data and System Protection (Coursera)

Digital Shield: Cybersecurity for Data and Systems Protection" is a course designed to provide a solid introduction to the protection of sensitive data and the infrastructure supporting various information systems. This MOOC was created in collaboration with CYBERPRO Global, a leading international provider of cyber education programs with over a decade of experience in training security personnel and delivering large-scale technological projects. Its aim is to educate participants on the fundamental concepts of information security and cybersecurity, including techniques and tactics necessary to protect information and computer systems from potential threats.

Jul 27th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Reviews & Metrics for Software Improvements (Coursera) Coursera
University of Alberta

Reviews & Metrics for Software Improvements (Coursera)

This course covers techniques for monitoring your projects in order to align client needs, project plans, and software production. It focuses on metrics and reviews to track and improve project progress and software quality. What you will learn: apply techniques to measure and visualize project progress, integrate Agile review practices to increase project visibility; reflect on lessons learned in software projects through retrospective exercises; improve project and process quality through ongoing measurement

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks
Programming Mobile Applications for Android Handheld Systems: Part 2 (Coursera) Coursera
University of Maryland, College Park

Programming Mobile Applications for Android Handheld Systems: Part 2 (Coursera)

This course introduces you to the design and implementation of Android applications for mobile devices. You will build upon concepts from the prior course, including handling notifications, using multimedia and graphics and incorporating touch and gestures into your apps.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Network Systems Foundations (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Network Systems Foundations (Coursera)

Welcome! Throughout this course, Network Systems Foundations, you will delve into the fundamental layers of network communication. You will start with a thorough discussion of the Link Layer and its crucial role, moving on to the intricacies of Internet Protocol (IP) and router data planes, and then navigate through the complexities of the transport layer, application layer, and network security.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Fundamentals of Management (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Irvine

Fundamentals of Management (Coursera)

Are you about to enter the workforce? Are you an emerging professional? Are you new to your role in the organization? All prospective new employees benefit from understanding management principles, roles and responsibilities, regardless of position. Now you can acquire an in-depth understanding of the basic concepts and theories of management while exploring the manager's operational role in all types of organizations. Gain insight into the manager's responsibility in planning, organizing, leading, staffing and controlling within the workplace. It’s never too soon to plan your professional path by learning how the best managers manage for success!

Jul 20th 2026
4 Weeks
Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Healthcare (Coursera) Coursera
Northwestern University

Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Healthcare (Coursera)

This course aims to help high school students, recent graduates, and those considering career transitions explore health care career options and learn strategies for entry into the health care workforce and health related fields. There are lots of amazing job opportunities in medicine and healthcare! Join us, as we share the strategies and secrets for getting those jobs.

Jul 20th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 102 (Coursera) Coursera
Intel Corporation

Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 102 (Coursera)

Welcome to the Intel® Network Academy – a comprehensive training program on network transformation. In this program, we will be covering the topic areas of software defined infrastructure (SDI) network functions virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) and beyond. Network Transformation 102 covers topics such as VNF Operations & Development, Cryptography, and Hyperscan technology, students will dive into the benefits of Intel hardware and software and explore how to accelerate compute-intensive operations with Intel® QuickAssist Technology (Intel® QAT).

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks
Competencias digitales. Conceptos y herramientas básicas (Coursera) Coursera
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Competencias digitales. Conceptos y herramientas básicas (Coursera)

Los continuos cambios tecnológicos, sobre todo en aquellos aspectos vinculados a las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) hacen que las personas tengan la necesidad de actualizarse de forma continua para que sus conocimientos no queden obsoletos. En este contexto, para las empresas se convierte en algo imprescindible disponer de profesionales que tengan las competencias necesarias para ejercer con éxito las actividades que requieren en su lugar de trabajo.

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks
Safety First: EV Maintenance & Best Practices (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

Safety First: EV Maintenance & Best Practices (Coursera)

In today's ever-changing automotive landscape, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping our approach to driving and car maintenance. Welcome to our comprehensive 75-minute video course on Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Safety. This course is essential in the modern world as the shift towards sustainable transportation makes understanding EV care and safety practices not just an advantage, but a necessity. As a learner, you'll acquire the knowledge and skills needed to confidently navigate the world of electric vehicles, ensuring both your safety and the longevity of your EV investment.

Aug 3rd 2026
1 Week