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What Is a CPU?
Learn what a central processing unit (CPU) is, how it enables a computer to function through the instruction cycle process, and the factors that influence CPU speed.
August 21, 2023
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Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
Explore popular IT courses
IBM
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, Computing Platforms, Hardware Troubleshooting, Computer Hardware, IT Service Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, Peripheral Devices, Encryption, Data Storage, Software Development Life Cycle, Professional Networking, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Interviewing Skills
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Akamai Technologies, Inc.
Skills you'll gain: Endpoint Security, Incident Response, Network Security, Vulnerability Scanning, Security Management, Penetration Testing, Cybersecurity, Authentications, Vulnerability Assessments, Encryption, Firewall, Identity and Access Management, Hardening, Threat Detection, Disaster Recovery, Multi-Factor Authentication, Public Key Infrastructure, Mobile Security, Wireless Networks
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Amazon Web Services
Skills you'll gain: AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Command-Line Interface, Amazon CloudWatch, AWS CloudFormation, Root Cause Analysis, Amazon DynamoDB, Network Troubleshooting, Amazon Web Services, Customer Relationship Management, Software Architecture, IT Automation, Linux Commands, Cloud Computing, Linux, Amazon S3, Scalability, Scripting, Cloud Infrastructure, Web Applications
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
The world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries. An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers and businesses safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore information technology topics, including:
Typically, an IT certification refers to a qualification you receive that shows your competency in a specific field of information technology (IT). To get a certification, you generally must pass an exam that tests your capabilities in the field. Read this article about 10 Essential IT Certifications.
IT courses on Coursera are structured to accommodate learners at various levels:
The skills, practices, and technologies you’ll use as a cybersecurity professional will continue to evolve along with computer and network technology. The desire to learn, ability to problem solve, and attention to detail will serve you well in this field. Other, more technical skills and technologies to learn include: