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Microsoft

If you're interested in a cybersecurity career but don't know where to start, you've arrived at the right place!

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If you're interested in a cybersecurity career but don't know where to start, you've arrived at the right place!

This course forms part of a series of courses that offers a good starting point for a career in cybersecurity. It will help you gain knowledge and skills related to Computers and Operating Systems, Enterprise Systems, and Security, including Business Systems Applications. This course gets you one step closer to the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, which requires no degree or prior experience.

After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify the various components of a computer system

• Explain how the various components of a computer system interact with an operating system

• Describe the basics of the cybersecurity landscape

• Describe the various business computing environments

This is also a great way to prepare for the Microsoft SC-900 exam. By passing the SC-900 exam, you’ll earn the Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Certification.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to computers and operating systems
In this module, computer basics are explained, including hardware and operating systems. You will also learn where threats to cybersecurity can originate in the computing landscape, and cover a broad overview of how these threats can result in a security breach.
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Enterprise systems and security
In this module we consider servers, storage and backups, computing environments, and the process of maintenance and patching, in the context of enterprise systems and security.
Business systems applications
This Module provides an introduction to software in the business context that facilitates the performance of various tasks, enhancing productivity.
Computers, operating systems, and security
This module provides a recap of the course.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners who aim to gain knowledge and skills related to Computers and Operating Systems, Enterprise Systems, and Security
Ideal for beginners seeking a starting point for a career in cybersecurity
Provides a solid foundation for the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
Presents a comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity landscape
Covers various business computing environments
Prepares learners for the Microsoft SC-900 exam

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security with these activities:
Review Computer Science Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental computer science concepts to build a solid foundation for cybersecurity.
Browse courses on Computer Basics
Show steps
  • Review concepts like data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
  • Explore online resources, tutorials, or books to refresh your knowledge.
Review Business Computing Environments
Familiarize yourself with business computing environments to better understand how cybersecurity measures impact them.
Show steps
  • Revisit basic concepts of data networks, servers, and cloud computing.
  • Explore real-world examples and case studies of business computing environments.
Explore Cybersecurity Blogs and Forums
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices by exploring relevant blogs and forums.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity Landscape
Show steps
  • Identify reputable cybersecurity blogs and forums.
  • Regularly read and engage in discussions to learn from security experts and practitioners.
  • Stay informed about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and solutions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend Cybersecurity Meetups and Conferences
Connect with professionals in the field, learn about industry trends, and expand your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming cybersecurity meetups and conferences.
  • Attend and actively participate in discussions to engage with experts.
  • Network with attendees to build connections and learn from their experiences.
Configure Security Logs and Alerts
Gain hands-on experience in configuring security logs and alerts to detect and respond to potential threats.
Browse courses on Log Management
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with different types of security logs.
  • Create and configure security logs in a test environment.
  • Set up alerts to notify you of suspicious events.
  • Simulate security incidents and test the effectiveness of your logs and alerts.
Create a Security Guide
Develop a comprehensive guide that outlines the security measures, policies, and procedures to protect your business's systems and data.
Show steps
  • Identify and document potential threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Design and implement security measures to mitigate identified risks.
  • Develop incident response plans and procedures.
  • Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented security measures.
Build a Cybersecurity Toolkit
Gather and curate a collection of essential cybersecurity tools and resources to enhance your learning and professional growth.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity Tools
Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable cybersecurity tools for various tasks.
  • Create a centralized repository for these tools and resources.
  • Continuously update and expand your toolkit as you learn new techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts identify and assess security risks, and develop and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course forms part of a series of courses that offers a good starting point for this career and provides a strong foundation by introducing the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describing the various threats that can originate in the computing landscape. It also covers the process of maintenance and patching in the context of enterprise systems and security, which is essential for protecting against these threats.
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are responsible for the overall management of an organization's information systems and technology. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the various components of a computer system and explaining how they interact with an operating system. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describes the various business computing environments, giving the CIO a good understanding of the systems and technologies they oversee.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the various components of a computer system and explaining how they interact with an operating system. It also covers the process of maintenance and patching in the context of enterprise systems and security, which is essential for ensuring the reliability and security of computer systems.
Computer Systems Analyst
The Computer Systems Analyst role involves the planning, implementation, and management of computer systems. This course on Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security provides a strong foundation for this role by introducing the various components of a computer system and explaining how they interact with an operating system. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describes the various business computing environments, giving the analyst a good understanding of the systems they work with.
Information Systems Manager
Information Systems Managers plan and direct the activities of an organization's information systems department. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the various components of a computer system and explaining how they interact with an operating system. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describes the various business computing environments, giving the manager a good understanding of the systems and technologies they oversee.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and software. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the various components of a computer system and explaining how they interact with an operating system. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describes the various business computing environments, giving the specialist a good understanding of the systems they support.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are responsible for the overall management of an organization's technology strategy and operations. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the various components of a computer system and explaining how they interact with an operating system. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describes the various business computing environments, giving the CTO a good understanding of the systems and technologies they oversee.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the various components of a computer system and explaining how they interact with an operating system. It also covers the process of maintenance and patching in the context of enterprise systems and security, which is essential for ensuring the reliability and security of computer networks.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describing the various threats that can originate in the computing landscape. It also covers the process of maintenance and patching in the context of enterprise systems and security, which is essential for protecting against these threats.
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describing the various threats that can originate in the computing landscape. It also covers the process of maintenance and patching in the context of enterprise systems and security, which is essential for protecting against these threats.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's computer systems and controls. This course provides a good foundation for this role by introducing the various components of a computer system and explaining how they interact with an operating system. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape and describes the various threats that can originate in the computing landscape, which are important considerations for IT Auditors.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. This course may be useful for this role by providing an introduction to computers and operating systems, which can be helpful for understanding the underlying technologies that websites are built on. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape, which is important for developing secure websites.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be useful for this role by providing an introduction to computers and operating systems, which can be helpful for understanding the data landscape and how data is stored and processed. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape, which is important for protecting data from threats.
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course may be useful for this role by providing an introduction to computers and operating systems, which can be helpful for understanding the underlying technologies that software applications are built on. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape, which is important for developing secure software applications.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course may be useful for this role by providing an introduction to computers and operating systems, which can be helpful for understanding the underlying technologies that databases are built on. It also covers the basics of the cybersecurity landscape, which is important for protecting databases from threats.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer architecture and operating systems. It classic textbook commonly used in academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Comprehensive reference guide to computer and information security. It provides detailed coverage of all aspects of computer and information security, including security policies, procedures, and technologies.
Comprehensive study guide for the CISSP certification exam. It provides detailed coverage of all ten domains of the CISSP exam.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security. It is particularly useful for those who want to understand the latest network security technologies and trends.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of building secure and reliable systems. It is particularly useful for those who want to understand the security and reliability of computer systems.
Provides an overview of social engineering techniques and how they can be used to compromise computer systems. It provides an in-depth look at how attackers think and operate. Though more focused on social engineering, many of the concepts apply to cybersecurity in general.
Provides an overview of enterprise systems architecture. It is particularly useful for those who want to understand how enterprise systems are designed, deployed, and managed.

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