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Where to Find
the Best Online IT Courses in 2021

Information technology (IT) is an ever-expanding field due to the demand for technological systems in the world. Jobs, salaries, and system optimization will be higher year after year. Online courses are a popular choice to learn information technology. If you want to access the best online IT courses in 2021, read below to learn more.

What Is IT?

Information technology, or IT, refers to the use of computer software for the operation of general systems. We can also define IT as the group of functions that allows communication and the flow of information between technological elements.

Practices within this field include manipulating both hardware and software systems to maintain and create connectivity. IT is the foundation of most technology-related jobs like software development, computer network architecture, machine learning, and hardware manufacturing.

What Will You Learn in an IT Course?

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In an IT course, you will learn the basic concepts of standard systems operation and hardware and software maintenance. In intermediate or advanced courses, you can learn to code, develop artificial intelligence systems, and create complex designs.

In an online class, you can access video lectures, digital guides, live conferences, group chats, and more. These courses can last from 30 minutes to a few months. With the variation in skill levels and course length, you will be able to find the best online IT course for you.

Top Online IT Courses in 2021 at a Glance

To choose the best IT course, you should know what the best available platforms and programs are. We prepared a list of the top 10 online IT courses and included providers, costs, duration, and key info about each class.

In the table below, you will see the courses and their respective information. The data in this list came from the official website of each platform.

Provider and Course Price Length Certificate
Edoreal Learning Solutions
Computer Networks for Beginners-
IT Networking Fundamentals
Free 14-day trial, $19 per month 3 Hours No
Google
Technical Support Fundamentals
Free to enroll 25 Hours Yes
Google Career Certificates
System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
Free to enroll 28 Hours Yes
Google Cloud Training
Preparing for Google Cloud Certification:
Cloud Architect Professional Certificate
Free to enroll 3 Months Yes
IBM
Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools and Cyber Attacks
Free to enroll and seven-day trial,
additional fees may apply
20 Hours Yes
Johns Hopkins University
Health Information Technology Fundamentals
Free to enroll and seven-day trial,
additional fees may apply
6 Hours Yes
Lazy Programmer Inc.
Deep Learning: Convolutional Networks in Python
$119.99 12 Hours Yes
LinkedIn Learning
Networking Foundations: IP Addressing
$34.99 1 Hour, 32 Minutes Yes
Udemy
Alton Hardin’s Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies
$94.99 15 Hours No
University of Colorado
Computer Communications Specialization
Free to enroll 5 Months Yes, for a fee
Best IT Courses of 2021

Best IT Courses of 2021

Now that you know the information of each course, you should pay attention to the description of the program, the certification process, and the step by step of starting the course.

Computer Networks for Beginners | IT Networking Fundamentals by Edoreal Learning Solutions

If you visit the Skillshare platform, you can access the online course Computer Networks For Beginners, a program created by the Indian startup Edoreal Learning Solutions. This three-hour introductory course is primarily for beginners in information technology.

The course has helped more than 1,200 students from around the world. You will learn about the fundamentals of computer networks, network topologies, TCP and IP models, and many other topics. The program has positive references from organizations and offers high-quality teaching materials.

Technical Support Fundamentals by Google

Technical Support Fundamentals is a unique Google course published on Coursera. In this class, you will learn how to become an entry-level IT support specialist. It is an introductory program on software and hardware, Internet, customer service, and troubleshooting.

This Google program is helpful for people who want to enter the workforce with information technology activities. This 25-hour course offers flexible deadlines and is available in more than 10 languages.

System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services by Google Career Certificates

One of Coursera’s options for learning computer network architect skills is System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services, created by Google Career Services. This fully online IT course helps you take your first steps to develop framework plans with software and hardware learning.

One of the advantages of this alternative is that you will receive special training to solve technical problems, manage cloud resources, and configure servers to manipulate computers. The goal of the program also includes information processing and user productivity. You will use directory services, active directory, and OpenLDAP.

Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect Professional Certificate by Google Cloud Training

One of the functions of IT is cloud computing. To learn this skill, you can prepare for your Google Cloud certification with this course from Google Cloud Training published on Coursera. The provider’s recommended rate is six hours per week for three months.

During this time, you will learn about the functions of cloud systems, and you will participate in exams to advance your knowledge. Although it is an intermediate-level course, the lessons are professional and led by experts from the tech industry. You will learn job skills, infrastructure components, identifying technical watchpoints, and much more.

Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools and Cyber Attacks by IBM

IBM developed a course called Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools and Cyber ​​Attacks for workers in security systems and related fields. You can find this online class on Coursera and access unique content to start your career in the cybersecurity industry.

The course has flexible deadlines where you will learn the history of cybersecurity and essential security tools, such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and cryptography. After completing the course, you can become an information security analyst.

Health Information Technology Fundamentals by Johns Hopkins University

One of the learning paths for the principles of IT is this program from Johns Hopkins University. The Coursera course contains career information at the college level. You will learn about electronic health records, clinical decision support, and databases.

In this course, you will learn the combination between management networking and healthcare services. The program is a specialization that includes videos, guides, chat forums, and tests to evaluate your performance. You can receive this certificate in just six hours.

Deep Learning: Convolutional Neural Networks in Python by Lazy Programmer Inc.

Udemy is one of the most famous Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms in the world. The company’s programs range from entry-level content to professional tools for specific jobs. Deep Learning is a program created by Lazy Programmer that helps you start a path in programming, specifically with Python.

This course helps you understand the meaning of convolution and its role in deep learning. It also teaches you how to implement CNN for TensorFlow and Natural Language Processing (NLP). In addition, you will learn about important coding concepts and tools, such as NumPy, Matplotlib, and pandas.

Networking Foundations: IP Addressing by LinkedIn Learning

If you are looking for professional certificates to learn about networking fundamentals, you can start with this LinkedIn Learning course. The program costs $34.99, and you can get a certificate to share in your LinkedIn portfolio. The practice is focused on IP addresses and modern networks.

You will learn the importance of DNS, NAT, DHCP systems for networks as well as general information about IT network structures. The program teaches you the tasks and critical skills of a computer network architect in the 21st century. The course was created by Anthony Sequeira, an IP expert specializing in Microsoft services.

Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies by Udemy

Introduction to Computer Networks for Non-Techies is a course created by Alton Hardin available on Udemy. These programs often have special discounts, so before choosing an option from Udemy, check the updated prices on the platform.

The Alton Hardin course includes a special preparation for beginners in computer networks and IT services. This guide is in the special section for businesses as it contains essential material to start managing operating systems for companies. More than 33,000 students have taken this course, and it’s listed as one of Udemy’s bestsellers.

Computer Communications Specialization by University of Colorado

The best way to access free college content is through the University of Colorado’s Computer Communications Specialization program. The course belongs to the Coursera platform. According to the program results, about 33 percent of the students got a job after finishing the course. There are more than 23,000 students enrolled in this program.

This course is at the intermediate level, 100 percent online, and flexible. You can study three hours a week, according to the schedule recommended by the university. You need experience in C# programming, data science, mathematics, and computer science before enrolling.

IT Certifications

After completing one of these courses, you may want to consider a certification program. These credentials not only evaluate your professional performance but improve your chances of landing a job.

Many companies require one of the following licenses to hire new workers. IT is the foundation of many occupations, such as software engineering, computer network architecture, information security analysis, and database administration.
Take a look at the three most popular certifications in the IT industry today.

CISSP

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a platform that values ​​your knowledge in IT for cyber security systems. The CISSP is endorsed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium to help companies recruit qualified professionals in this field.

Cisco IT Certifications

Cisco is one of the largest career preparation companies in the world. This platform has different licenses for IT workers. One of the certificates is the Cisco Certified Design Associate, which the first step if you’re interested in the Cisco Certified Design Professional.

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA created a special certification for IT professionals. To receive this license, you need to pass various exams on repair, maintenance, installation, and supervision of IT systems. CompTIA offers many different certifications, including network engineering and cyber security.

Next Steps After Your Course

After finishing your course, the following steps are up to you. One of the recommended routes is to continue your professional preparation. If you took an entry-level course, it’s a great idea to continue your education with more advanced programs.

Companies value practical and analytical ability. Investing in programs with access to premium memberships, advanced tools, and personalized classes can help you gain specialized knowledge.

You can also consider creating personal projects. A portfolio of work helps you practice and improve your skills. After training and having the necessary certifications, you’ll be prepared to enter the job market.

Should You Learn IT?

Yes, you should learn IT. Participating in an IT course can help you improve your professional performance and quickly enter the tech industry. Both local companies and online companies hire IT specialists, and thanks to the high demand for these services, you can qualify for better positions and salaries.

According to BLS, jobs for network and computer system administrators will grow 4 percent between 2019 and 2029, with an average salary of $84,810. Remote education can help you save time and money when entering this lucrative field. This is the perfect year to study for an IT career.

Find a training program that will help you start your tech career journey.

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