This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. To view certifications that are part of the CompTIA Continuing Education program and can be renewed, please visit our Continuing Education page. CompTIA ITF+ helps professionals decide if a career in IT is right for them or to develop a broader understanding of IT.

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.

Operating Systems and Applications

Perfect for Students and Career ChangersCompTIA ITF+ provides an IT education foundation for upskilling in secondary, post-secondary and beyond. Since there are so many available options in this category, finding the right class may be the hardest part. Take your time to do your homework and make sure the course you enroll in will meet your objectives. This Specialization doesn’t carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit.

For example, you should familiarize yourself with the standard operating systems, including Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android and Linux OS. Everything in IT happens on these platforms and you must understand how they work before anything else. 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.

eLearning with CertMaster Learn

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. Explore our information technology (IT) courses for beginners and learn a diverse range of topics, including programming, web partnership with Gyfted development, networking, database management, and cybersecurity. Discover the significance of designing, developing, and maintaining systems, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing technology infrastructure. Whether you’re new to IT or seeking to expand your knowledge, our beginners’ courses provide a solid foundation to enhance your understanding of IT concepts and strategies. These programs typically provide learners with the opportunity to pursue a specialty or concentration area.

The BLS projects that this field will have a 7% growth in employment by 2030. These professionals protect an organization’s systems and networks by creating and carrying out security measures. They usually possess a bachelor of science (BS) degree and work experience in an IT department, often as a network or computer systems administrator.

Our learners work at

Don’t just jump in headfirst without doing some leg work to find these things out. CompTIA Live Online Training is an instructor-led program that brings the classroom experience to you. Live Online Training students receive hands-on test preparation from industry-leading instructors while also being able to engage and discuss materials with peers in real time. 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. ThisSpecializationis suitable for anyone with or without a college degree orpriorprogrammingexperience.

If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. ZDNET’s recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. Get Familiar With Basic IT Knowledge and SkillsCompTIA ITF+ covers all IT fundamentals, creating a broader understanding and a helpful on-ramp to tech career pathways.

Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?

Donations to freeCodeCamp go toward our education initiatives, and help pay for servers, services, and staff. This computer basics course is full of animations to help you understand the topics. We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.

While earning a four-year degree in computer science or information systems is valuable, it’s not always necessary, especially since computer technology can quickly outpace curriculums. If you choose the right training solutions, you can quickly gain the IT skills employers are looking for. These new skills paired with some hands-on experience is what will get you an interview and eventually win you the job. When you’ve mastered the basics, you are perfectly qualified to work at a help desk in a technical support role – a common entry-level IT job. You may also be qualified to work in an IT project management role with this foundational knowledge.

The lessons can sometimes be boring and some contents don’t have subtitles in English. Include visualization and metaphors in your lessons so it’s easy to understand. Whichever format works best for you, be sure to locate an internship that offers you experience in your areas of interest and relates to your career goals. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions.

The biggest benefit to learning information technology on your own is that you are in charge of your own destiny. You determine how you want to learn, you set your own time frame and you learn at your own pace. Typically, learning on your own is a lot faster (and more cost effective) than enrolling in a standard degree program. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, 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.

Specialization – 6 course series

Similar to other technical and academic fields, a certificate serves as an excellent stepping-stone toward an entry-level job. This foundational training also prepares you to pursue two- or four-year degrees. Many schools offer certificates in data visualization, information security, software development, or machine learning.

• These analysts make a median annual wage of $103,590 and can expect a 33% job growth by 2030.
• We just released a computer and technology basics course on the freeCodeCamp.org YouTube channel.
• Information technology refers to the development, management, and practical application of computer networks, systems, and software.
• These managers plan and coordinate all computer-centered operations in an organization.
• These programs typically provide learners with the opportunity to pursue a specialty or concentration area.