![[Featured Image] Cybersecurity analyst working on creating a firewall to secure the network.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3AUaFq4JpATHurg81SAUj0/6f34db2e2a38d9ea77d350f89447ea60/GettyImages-76530721__2_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
What Is a Firewall?
Learn about the role firewalls play in safeguarding networks and devices from cyber threats.
March 21, 2023
Article
IT Support
Explore the key skills and qualifications needed for a career in information technology. Learn how professionals in roles such as IT support specialist play a crucial part in keeping organizational technology systems running smoothly.
![[Feautured image] Two IT support technicians discuss IT issues in front of a large monitor.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7J9Qh1Xr191CdF3ty1tv7O/11d5e37698ad30d554ee7b650fbfc7de/GettyImages-1171809330.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image]: An IT associate wearing an orange top sits at a desktop computer, exploring information about free IT certifications.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/114Z6JxwjZjEfnfTQpSqrl/5ba0afe55a2a28bcf6087b27ab6db79d/pexels-rfstudio-3059745.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Explore popular IT support courses
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Generative AI, Data Storage Technologies, Cybersecurity, Productivity Software, Computer Systems, Microsoft Teams, Security Strategy, Collaborative Software, Network Security, Network Protocols, Cloud Security, Microsoft Power Automate/Flow, Application Security, Data Storage, Business Software, Network Monitoring, Computer Networking, Computer Hardware, Cloud Computing
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Systems Administration, Computer Networking, IT Infrastructure, OSI Models, Desktop Support, Information Systems Security, Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support, Routing Protocols, Computer Hardware, Network Security, Cybersecurity, Microsoft Windows, Network Administration, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, File Systems, Interviewing Skills, Applicant Tracking Systems, Resilience
Status: Free Trial
Skills you'll gain: Desktop Support, Technical Support, Computer Hardware, Software Installation, Help Desk Support, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Customer Support, Computer Architecture, Computer Networking, Microsoft Windows, Technical Communication, Linux, Virtual Machines
![[Featured Image]: IT Business Analyst, working at a desktop computer, evaluating the company's current technology.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1iR3izwqxhutloa99XeX8C/641d59ca0dc9de9d6229a398022a5f70/GettyImages-980654204_IT_project_management__8_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A remote customer service agent is checking their tablet while at home.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7AUOu6uojX2rTimV8xWlfU/8c4f03fb1232d5e31c370a4a0851fe32/iStock-1282867879.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image]: Two professionals with a master's in information technology review a computer system to ensure it operates properly.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4bZPGGH5fclShkZcvvUeYc/3ec56ff6e580899baff6b7e3dc230900/GettyImages-2099147743.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Desk receptionist sitting at a workstation.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4sLdU6LPzqg3BEH5EweRxH/3aac6f4e7f236820fa0eb0e33a638b45/GettyImages-1073867510.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A person with long, curly hair tied back in a ponytail shakes the hand of another person wearing a red sweater.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6OEog9cLy1bkEOzZXP5GUN/1434cc3e98f37a856eb6327e10b8398e/iStock-910008876.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Two members of an IT management team discuss technology systems.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/qnb5ru6YWJeSN2Xm7AJuD/573029b9c87cd867be08447eb9ba6060/iStock-542298764_super.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A customer service agent sits at their desk in front of a desktop computer, talking to a customer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1sfGvb4th4WplQzYcfBUYN/5c3a1900371202779b562a020eb22d34/iStock-1192079984__1_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A customer service agent is sitting at their office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/21IYS86baQBpwW52oFUzQb/839ea7f6b132a6fd119aec145d89f654/Rohit_Ravi_India_201129_0234.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A cloud computing professional considers the benefits of Azure certification.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5wYAN5ANYVC1YeUp6FiFtg/f846de8d5a1a3de3998180d62dfa2cea/GettyImages-1221631785_front_end_languages.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
In today's data-driven world, professionals skilled in IT disciplines are in high demand across many industries. A career in this fast-growing field provides opportunities to use technical skills to drive meaningful business impact. Explore the diverse career paths, essential skills, and job types within IT to start your journey in this exciting and rewarding domain.
Interested in entry-level IT? Find out more about what information technology is and common entry-level roles.
Interested in CompTIA A+? Read about the CompTIA A+ certification, and explore other certifications for IT professionals.
Interested in solutions and support? Dive into a solutions engineer's daily work and learn more about what a technical support engineer does.
Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of IT support, CompTIA A+, and technical support courses for beginners and experienced professionals.
