6 Free Resources to Start Learning IT Today
April 3, 2026 · GSM.elevate() Team · 4 min read
The Best Starting Point is a Free One
One of the biggest myths in tech education is that you need to pay for a bootcamp or degree to get started. You don’t. Some of the best learning resources in IT are completely free. You just need to know where to look.
Not everyone is trying to land a job in IT, either. Some people just want to feel more confident using their computer, managing their files, or understanding what’s happening when something breaks. That’s a perfectly good reason to be here, and these resources serve that goal too.
Here are six that we recommend to every new member of the GSM.elevate() community.
1. GCFGlobal (Digital Literacy)
gcfglobal.org/en/topics/digitalliteracy
If you’re starting from “I want to understand how my computer actually works,” GCFGlobal is the place. Their free courses cover the basics: using your operating system, managing files, staying safe online, understanding email, and navigating common software. The lessons are clear, visual, and designed for people who don’t think of themselves as “tech people.”
Best path: General digital skills. Getting comfortable with technology at your own pace.
2. Professor Messer
Professor Messer’s video courses cover CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ objectives in clear, structured lessons. They’re the gold standard for free certification prep. Watch them at your own pace, take notes, and come to class with questions.
Best path: Networking, cybersecurity, and IT support careers. If you’re planning to earn CompTIA certifications, start here.
3. TryHackMe
TryHackMe turns learning into hands-on labs you complete in your browser. No setup required. Their free tier covers networking basics, Linux fundamentals, and introductory cybersecurity. The gamified format keeps it engaging, and you’ll be working in real terminal environments from day one.
Best path: Cybersecurity and penetration testing. If you want to learn by doing rather than watching, this is your best bet.
4. Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco offers free introductory courses through their Skills for All platform. The networking fundamentals course is especially strong. It’s the same material used in college programs, but available to anyone. Includes interactive diagrams and quizzes.
Best path: Network engineering and administration. The Cisco name also carries weight on a resume if you continue toward their certification track.
5. freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp’s project-based curriculum takes you from zero to building real web applications. You learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more by actually building things. The community forums are active and helpful when you get stuck.
Best path: Web development and software engineering. Great for anyone who wants to build websites, tools, or applications.
6. The Odin Project
The Odin Project takes a different approach to web development. Instead of hand-holding tutorials, it teaches you how to learn by pointing you to the best existing resources, then having you build real projects. It covers full-stack web development with either Ruby on Rails or Node.js paths.
Best path: Web development, especially if you prefer learning through building and want a deeper understanding of how things work under the hood.
Which Resource Fits You?
| What you want to do | Start with |
|---|---|
| Get comfortable using your computer | GCFGlobal |
| Break into IT support or help desk | Professor Messer (A+) |
| Work in networking | Professor Messer (Network+) + Cisco |
| Get into cybersecurity | Professor Messer (Security+) + TryHackMe |
| Build websites and web apps | freeCodeCamp or The Odin Project |
| Explore and get inspired | All of them |
How to Use These Without Getting Overwhelmed
The trap with free resources is trying to do everything at once. Pick one. Spend a week with it. If it clicks, keep going. If not, try another.
Here’s a simple starting path:
- Figure out your goal: even if it’s just “I want to understand computers better”
- Pick one resource from the table above
- Spend a week with it before deciding if it’s for you
- Ask questions in our Discord when you get stuck
- Show up to a Thursday class and bring what you’ve learned
The resources are free. The community is free. The only investment is your time.