Best IT Courses for Beginners: 15 Top Picks for 2025

Information Technology (IT) is a fantastic field to enter, whether for your career path or personal enjoyment. However, there are many different areas within IT, and it can be hard to know where to start if you're a beginner.

That’s why we’ve created this list of 15 courses that we think will be the best starting point for an absolute beginner. From the barebones fundamentals to cyber security and AI, if you’re new to IT these courses should have you covered.

Rather than worrying about where to begin, simply follow the path below and look through our picks for the 15 best IT courses for beginners.

Are you ready? Let’s start. 

What Is IT?

Information Technology (IT) is the study and use of computer systems for storing, sending, and receiving information. It’s a varied field, and there are many different areas you can specialize in, including:

• Hardware
• Operating systems
• Network administration
• Network architecture
• Cyber security
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Cloud services
• Database management
• Web development
• Software development
• Machine learning

How to Learn IT: Using the Best IT Courses for Beginners Online

IT is a broad field covering many different areas. You should start by learning foundational IT concepts and then the fundamentals of hardware, troubleshooting, and operating systems. 

Then, you can begin exploring more advanced topics like networking and cyber security while considering where you may want to specialize. 

We’ve presented the courses below in the order in which it would make sense to learn all these topics. 

Learning IT isn’t difficult, but it requires planning and dedication. That’s why one of the best things you can do to increase your chance of success is to join a program like StationX’s Master's Program. 

We are one of the leading cyber security online learning platforms, and you can access all of our courses as well as mentorship and a community of other IT learners and enthusiasts who can help keep you motivated and on track. 

Foundational IT Courses

If you’re new to IT, you’ll want to nail the fundamentals before specializing. 

Foundational IT courses cover the basics needed to prepare you for further specialization. They also give you basic computational skills and foundational knowledge required for many non-specialist jobs that use computer systems today.

1.CompTIA Tech+ Certification Course (FC0-U71)

Get started in tech with this beginner-friendly course designed to prepare you for the new CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) certification. Previously known as ITF+, this course teaches essential IT skills through practical demonstrations, quizzes, and clear video lessons.

This course covers everything from setting up a PC or mobile device to understanding software development and database basics. Whether you're pursuing a tech career or just want to master your own devices, this 5-hour course is your first step toward technical confidence.

Hardware and Troubleshooting Courses

The two courses below, delivered by well-respected best-selling IT author Mike Meyers, and Steve Nicholson, an Information Security professional with decades of experience in I.T., will give you a solid foundation in essential IT topics—including hardware and troubleshooting fundamentals—and prepare you for sitting your CompTIA A+ exams.

An A+ certification can help you get hired for many entry-level IT jobs, such as Help Desk Technician or Desktop Support Technician, which can get you started on your IT career path.

2. CompTIA A+ Course: CompTIA A+ Core 1 Objectives (220-1101)

This online course covers everything you need to know to pass the Core 1 CompTIA A+ exam. Core 1 covers a wider breadth of subjects than Core 2 and focuses more on computer hardware and devices, including the physical aspects of networking as well as cloud computing and basic troubleshooting methodology. 

This course covers all the A+ Core 1 domains and features 15+ hours of video lessons, PDFs, and quizzes.

3. CompTIA A+ Course: CompTIA A+ Core 2 Objectives (220-1102)

This course follows the first and covers everything you need to know to pass the Core 2 CompTIA A+ exam. While Core 1 covers more of the underlying hardware, Core 2 covers software, including operating systems and security. It also delves deeper into the software implementation side of networking, while Core 1 focuses more on physical networking devices and cable routing.

It features 17+ hours of video lessons, quizzes, and downloadable PDFs, and covers all the A+ Core 2 domains.

Networking Fundamentals Courses

Networking is all about how data gets from A to B in a network system, and understanding networking fundamentals means understanding everything from network topology to network security, IP addressing, networking protocols, and so on.

The courses below will cover enterprise-level networking skills required for corporate environments. These skills go well beyond what is expected for simple home use and are essential for any IT professional.

4. CompTIA Network+ Study Guide: Master N10-009 Objectives

CompTIA’s Network+ certification is often recommended or required for IT or cyber security jobs, and it’s considered the go-to for establishing that you know the fundamentals of computer networking.

This course covers all Network+ topics and should give you a broad understanding of fundamental networking concepts. This can act as a base for building more specific networking expertise as you continue your IT journey.

It’s delivered by Kevin Wallace (CCIEx2 No. 7945 Lifetime Emeritus, Collaboration and Enterprise Infrastructure) and Charles Judd (BS in Network Security, Technical Instructor and Content Developer). It provides 17+ hours of videos and quizzes covering everything you need to know to learn networking fundamentals and attain your Network+ certification. It covers all fundamental networking areas, from network architectures to virtualization, routing, and risk management.

5. Cisco Packet Tracer Labs Crash Course for CCNA Prep

Gain the skills needed to earn your CCNA certification through real-world Cisco Packet Tracer labs. While many courses teach concepts, this course gets your hands dirty by actually creating virtual networks. 

Throughout the course, you’ll configure Cisco routers and switches using CLI, gain hands-on experience with core CCNA protocols, and build the skills needed to administer Cisco solutions in professional IT environments.

With 2.5 hours of hands-on video labs, downloadable resources, and guided walkthroughs, this crash course gives you the practical foundation needed to design real enterprise networks.

Linux Courses

Linux is one of the most important operating systems in the IT world, powering everything from servers and cloud infrastructure to security tools and embedded systems. It’s also a favorite among developers and system administrators for its flexibility, performance, and open-source nature.

The courses below will introduce you to Linux fundamentals and progressively build your skills so you can navigate, configure, and troubleshoot Linux-based systems with confidence.

6. Linux Online Training: Level Up in 5 Days

This course, instructed by well-respected Linux author and trainer Jason Cannon, is designed to cut through the noise and get you up to speed with the most crucial Linux concepts and Terminal commands. The best part? It’ll take you just 45 minutes per day for five days to complete.

When you’re through, you should know how to do some of the most important things in any Linux OS. You even get a free bonus checklist and video that teaches you how to install WordPress on Ubuntu Linux.

7. Learn Linux Quickly: Command Line Essentials

The previous course can get you up and running in Linux, but if you want to master the OS, you’ll have to master its command line. That’s why Jason Cannon made this course, which complements the previous one by focusing on Terminal commands.

At the end of the course, you’ll know how to use the command line to perform the most common Linux tasks and how to teach yourself by using Linux’s documentation system. 

You won’t have to remember everything immediately because the course includes a Linux command-line cheat sheet.

Windows Courses

Windows remains one of the most widely used operating systems in enterprise environments, making it essential for IT professionals to understand both desktop and server versions of the platform.

Whether you're supporting end users running Windows or managing infrastructure with Windows Server 2019, these courses will help you build real-world skills in system configuration, user and group management, storage solutions, and Active Directory.

8. Learn Active Directory Part 1: Windows Server Training 2019

These next courses, delivered by IT and cyber security expert Professor K, will teach you how to install and configure Windows Server 2019 and manage various aspects of its implementation, such as configuring storage and roles. Because this is a practical topic, the courses feature tutorial videos and hands-on labs, which are a great way to learn Active Directory.

With over 7 hours of video content and hands-on labs, this course gives you real-world experience managing a Windows Server environment. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone looking to build foundational skills in Active Directory and Windows Server 2019 administration.

9. Learn Active Directory Part 2: Windows Server Training 2019

After completing Part I, which covers the basics of setting up and managing a Windows Server, Part II of Professor K’s Windows Server course covers more advanced, hands-on topics such as monitoring, recovery, and certificates.

This course includes over 6 hours of video instruction and builds directly on the foundation laid in Part I. You’ll deepen your understanding of Windows Server administration through real-world scenarios and hands-on labs focused on advanced server roles, web services, and disaster recovery.

10. Learn Active Directory Part 3: Windows 10 Pro for Workstations

Once you have a functioning Active Directory network, it’s time to learn how to attach workstations to it. An IT manager or support needs to be able to secure workstations, ensure they have access to shared drives, and stay up to date with the latest software and patches.

This third course in the series teaches you everything you need to know about installing, configuring, and maintaining Windows workstations in a network.

After taking this course, you’ll know how to use Windows OS efficiently and how to maintain, secure, and troubleshoot it in a Windows Server domain environment.

Cloud Courses

Nowadays, more and more information technology, networking, and cyber security services take place in the cloud, so it’s no surprise that cloud computing is one of the most lucrative fields in IT alongside cyber security. Whether you’re working with Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Server (AWS), Google Cloud, or any other vendor-specific cloud platform, grasping the fundamentals of cloud IT is crucial.

11. CompTIA Cloud+ Certification Course: CV0-003

This course is taught by Tom Carpenter, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at Certified Wireless Network Professionals (CWNP), in association with best-selling IT author Mike Meyers. It covers all the domains of the CompTIA Cloud+ exam.

Featuring 15 hours of video lessons as well as PDFs, quizzes, and follow-along labs, the course is vendor-neutral, which means you’ll be able to take the knowledge and skills it provides to any cloud platform. You’ll learn to implement cloud security controls, execute workload migrations, allocate cloud resources, troubleshoot connectivity and security issues, and more.

12. AZ-104 Training: Azure Administrator Associate

This course prepares you for the Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification, which validates your ability to manage cloud services covering storage, networking, compute, identity, and governance. It’s ideal for IT professionals looking to develop or prove their skills in administering Azure-based environments.

Featuring over 18 hours of video content, quizzes, and downloadable resources, this course is mapped to the official AZ-104 objectives. It’s a solid path toward certification and equips you with the skills to manage core Azure services in any enterprise environment.

Cyber Security Basics Courses

Cyber security is a lucrative, booming IT industry involving subjects and skills as diverse as network security, ethical hacking, risk assessment, and cryptography. Cyber security practitioners are in high demand, too, because companies are always willing to pay to keep their systems and data safe from cyber threats.

13. CCST Cybersecurity Course: Get your CCST Certification

Cisco has released foundational certifications in networking and security under the name Cisco Certified Support Technician. This CCST Cybersecurity Course covers everything you need to know to pass their entry-level cyber security exam. This particular exam and course don’t start with the same knowledge expectations as someone pursuing something like CompTIA’s Security+, making it ideal for IT beginners.

This course is filled with lab exercises and quizzes to give you real, applicable knowledge and skills in cyber security, perfect for those new to IT or in junior IT roles. 

Artificial Intelligence Courses

While we don’t foresee AI replacing cyber security or IT jobs, with ever-improving large language models (LLMs), AI is certainly being taken up in IT roles. It can improve efficiency and eliminate menial tasks from your workload, allowing you to attend to more pressing IT problems and solutions. 

14. Practical ChatGPT Course: Complete Bootcamp

You can use ChatGPT, OpenAI’s chatbot, to streamline IT procedures and complete workloads quicker and more efficiently. But first, you need to know how to use it to make the most of it. While anyone can prompt an AI chatbot, it takes skill to get the best results.

This course, which includes videos explaining how to use ChatGPT for different purposes, such as an AI YouTube Assistant, Email Writer, Career Adviser, and so on, gives concrete AI prompting examples that can be adapted for your own IT workloads.

IT Career Courses

Breaking into the IT industry—or advancing within it—takes more than just technical skills. Knowing how to craft a strong resume, prepare for technical interviews, and navigate the job market is just as important.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your career, the courses below are designed to help you stand out in a competitive IT job market and land the roles you’re aiming for.

15. Complete Career in IT Course

Embarking on a career in IT can be daunting without a clear roadmap. This course is designed to equip you with the essential tools and strategies to navigate the IT job market confidently. 

Whether you're transitioning into IT or aiming to advance your current position, this course offers practical insights into job searching, resume crafting, and mastering interview techniques.

With a blend of video lessons, downloadable resources, and real-world examples, this course aims to bridge the gap between your current skills and the demands of the IT industry, setting you on a path to a successful and fulfilling career.

Conclusion

These are the best IT courses online for beginners. They will not only provide you with the foundational IT knowledge and skills you need to start your career but also give you exposure to the different specializations and career paths within the greater IT landscape. 

If you want the best value for money, consider joining the StationX Master's Program. Here, you’ll be able to access not only every one of these courses but also over 30,000 other courses, labs, and projects. 

Plus, you’ll get access to our mentorship program and a community of like-minded people motivated to help each other on their IT learning path.

Also, many of these courses are included in our learning bundles, where you will get lifetime access for a one-time purchase. See some of our bundles below.

Frequently Asked Questions