Network Basics on Microsoft Windows from Coursera

Designed for beginners who are interested in networking, IT support, or other IT roles, and you’d like to gain job-ready computer science skills that will elevate your resume to potential employers, Network Basics on Microsoft Windows is for you! Designed for beginners, this hands-on, guided project is perfect for anyone new to networking and features four easy-to-follow, hands-on, mentored labs.

In this guided project, you’ll learn how to locate network and internet settings, the machine's IP address, and the router's default gateway address. You’ll be able to identify protocols used by web browsers and websites and locate a computer's public and private IP addresses. You will learn to identify the protocols and ports associated with various rules used by Microsoft Windows Defender. Round out your lab experience by discovering how easily you can use terminal commands via the Microsoft Windows Command-Line Utility (CLI) to locate IP addresses, ping the gateway, trace data routes, and obtain network performance statistics.

Earn a shareable certificate! After completing the guided project labs, you can assess your knowledge using a graded quiz available here on Coursera. Score 80% or higher to earn your Guided Project certificate.

With this guided project completed, gain additional networking–related knowledge when you enroll in Introduction to Networking and Storage. Complete that course to earn a shareable badge that attests to your Microsoft Windows Networking skills. This course is part of the Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization.

The IT and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization provides prerequisite skills for almost all IT careers, including technical support specialist, data analyst, data scientist, software engineer, systems administrator, and IT manager. With this specialization, you'll acquire hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and cloud computing knowledge and skills that prepare you for an entry-level IT role.

No previous experience is necessary for this lab. Learn without limitations.

What's inside

Syllabus

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Designed for learners seeking knowledge in networking, IT support, and other roles in IT

Aimed at providing practical skills

Suitable for beginners new to networking

Provides hands-on experience through guided projects and labs

Taught by the IBM Skills Network Team, recognized for their work in IT

Reviews summary

Practical windows network basics for beginners

According to students, Network Basics on Microsoft Windows is a highly effective introductory course, especially for those new to IT and seeking job-ready networking skills on Windows. Learners consistently praise the hands-on labs and practical exercises, finding them invaluable for solidifying understanding of network concepts and command-line tools like ping and tracert. The course's clear explanations make it beginner-friendly. However, some with existing IT knowledge found the content too basic and wished for more advanced topics or deeper exploration beyond foundational concepts.

Teaches essential network tools on Microsoft Windows.

"The instructor broke down complex topics... The focus on Microsoft Windows was exactly what I needed for my IT support role."

"I now understand IP configuration much better. This course delivered exactly what it promised: basic network skills."

"It focuses heavily on Windows, which is great if that's what you need. I found the section on Windows Defender protocols particularly insightful."

"I learned how to quickly find network information and use basic command line tools effectively. The labs were well-structured..."

Perfect starting point for newcomers to networking.

"This course is incredibly helpful for anyone starting in IT... Highly recommend for beginners!"

"Absolutely brilliant for a beginner! The instructor broke down complex topics into easily digestible parts."

"A very solid introduction to networking concepts specifically tailored for Windows... For someone completely new, it's fantastic."

"This course is perfect for IT support... It really helps to build confidence for anyone working with Windows networks."

"Fantastic beginner course! Highly recommend for aspiring IT professionals."

Offers practical exercises to solidify understanding.

"The hands-on labs were perfect for solidifying my understanding of network basics on Windows. I especially liked the clear explanations..."

"The guided labs were excellent and provided practical experience. For someone completely new, it's fantastic."

"Absolutely brilliant for a beginner! The practical exercises using the Command Prompt were invaluable."

"The hands-on components were great for learning. I appreciated how it walked me through identifying different network settings..."

"The project-based approach meant I was actively learning rather than passively watching. It covers exactly what you need to know."

May be too basic for those with prior IT experience.

"My only minor critique is that it's quite basic, so if you already have some IT background, you might find it a bit slow."

"It's okay as a very, very basic introduction. I was hoping for a bit more depth, perhaps into subnetting or more advanced troubleshooting scenarios..."

"Too basic for me. I already knew most of the concepts covered, and the labs were very simple. I think the course needs to clarify that it is ONLY for complete novices."

"It's a good starting point but definitely needs to be supplemented with other resources if you want to go deeper into networking."

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 Network Basics on Microsoft Windows with these activities:

Connect with experienced IT professionals

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Expand your professional network by seeking guidance from experienced IT professionals who can provide valuable insights and support.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Attend industry events and conferences.
Join online forums and discussion groups.
Reach out to professionals in your field via LinkedIn or email.

Configure network settings on a Windows computer

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Solidify your understanding of network configuration by practicing how to set up and manage network settings on a Windows computer.

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Connect a computer to a network via Ethernet cable.
Access the network settings menu through the Control Panel.
Configure the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

Attend a workshop on advanced networking topics

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Expand your knowledge of networking by attending a workshop that delves into advanced topics, such as network security or cloud networking.

Browse courses on Networking

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Research and identify workshops that cover advanced networking topics.
Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
Attend the workshop, actively participate in discussions, and take notes.

Four other activities

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Use Wireshark to analyze network traffic

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Enhance your troubleshooting skills by learning how to use Wireshark to capture and analyze network traffic, aiding in the identification of potential issues.

Browse courses on Network Analysis

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Download and install Wireshark on your computer.
Set up a network capture and filter specific traffic.
Analyze captured packets to identify patterns and anomalies.

Create a network troubleshooting guide

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Deepen your grasp of network troubleshooting by creating a comprehensive guide that documents common issues, their potential causes, and suggested solutions.

Browse courses on Network Troubleshooting

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Gather information on various network troubleshooting techniques.
Organize the information into a logical structure with clear headings and subheadings.
Provide specific examples of troubleshooting scenarios and explain the steps taken to resolve them.
Proofread and refine your guide for clarity and accuracy.

Contribute to open-source networking projects

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Gain practical experience in networking by contributing to open-source projects, collaborating with others to enhance your knowledge and skills.

Browse courses on Open-Source

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Identify open-source networking projects that align with your interests.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Make contributions to the project, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.

Share your knowledge by mentoring junior IT professionals

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Enhance your understanding of networking concepts by explaining them to others, fostering a deeper comprehension and solidifying your knowledge.

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior IT professionals.
Prepare materials and resources to facilitate the mentoring process.
Provide guidance, support, and feedback to your mentees.

Career center

Learners who complete Network Basics on Microsoft Windows will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks, including maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting. This course can help you build a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role. You will learn how to locate network and internet settings, identify protocols used by web browsers and websites, and use terminal commands to troubleshoot network issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the maintenance and operation of computer systems, including servers, desktops, and networks. This course can help you build a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role. You will learn how to locate network and internet settings, identify protocols used by web browsers and websites, and use terminal commands to troubleshoot network issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and networks. This course can help you build a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role. You will learn how to locate network and internet settings, identify protocols used by web browsers and websites, and use terminal commands to troubleshoot network issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course can help you build a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role. You will learn how to locate network and internet settings, identify protocols used by web browsers and websites, and use terminal commands to troubleshoot network issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain computer software. This course can help you build a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role. You will learn how to locate network and internet settings, identify protocols used by web browsers and websites, and use terminal commands to troubleshoot network issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Hardware Developer

Hardware Developers design, develop, and maintain computer hardware. This course can help you build a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role. You will learn how to locate network and internet settings, identify protocols used by web browsers and websites, and use terminal commands to troubleshoot network issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Developer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design, develop, and maintain cloud-based solutions. This course can help you build a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role. You will learn how to locate network and internet settings, identify protocols used by web browsers and websites, and use terminal commands to troubleshoot network issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve business problems. This course may be useful for building a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the maintenance and operation of databases. This course may be useful for building a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access and attacks. This course may be useful for building a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of an organization's IT department. This course may be useful for building a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for computer software and hardware. This course may be useful for building a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain computer software. This course may be useful for building a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. This course may be useful for building a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. This course may be useful for building a foundation in networking concepts and skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer