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Kevin Vaccaro
In this course, you will explore the several types of hardware components installed in computers and peripherals. The course also offers a detailed exploration of these components and their function as part of the computer and peripheral hardware. The career skills acquired in this course will begin your journey into information technology.
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of several types of memory and their installation.
- Categorize and install diverse types of storage devices.
Read more
In this course, you will explore the several types of hardware components installed in computers and peripherals. The course also offers a detailed exploration of these components and their function as part of the computer and peripheral hardware. The career skills acquired in this course will begin your journey into information technology.
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of several types of memory and their installation.
- Categorize and install diverse types of storage devices.
Read more
In this course, you will explore the several types of hardware components installed in computers and peripherals. The course also offers a detailed exploration of these components and their function as part of the computer and peripheral hardware. The career skills acquired in this course will begin your journey into information technology.
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of several types of memory and their installation.
- Categorize and install diverse types of storage devices.
- Explain and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
- Apply electronic principles and their relationship to the power supply.
- Explain the components and operation of multifunction devices/printers and settings.
Software requirements: CPU-Z (https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html)
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/0vz5nj/computer
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What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1: Motherboards/Ports and Cables
Welcome to Computer and Peripheral Hardware! In this course, we will cover the topics of: Motherboards/Ports and Cables, CPU and Power Supply, and Computer Storage. This module explores the basic components of the motherboard and its external ports. It examines omnibuses (or buses) in a computer that transfers data between components of the system. It also investigates types of computer storage.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: Motherboards/Ports and Cables
Welcome to Computer and Peripheral Hardware! In this course, we will cover the topics of: Motherboards/Ports and Cables, CPU and Power Supply, and Computer Storage. This module explores the basic components of the motherboard and its external ports. It examines omnibuses (or buses) in a computer that transfers data between components of the system. It also investigates types of computer storage.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of computer and peripheral hardware
Covers various hardware components, including motherboards, CPUs, storage devices, and power supplies
Suitable for beginners seeking to gain basic knowledge of computer hardware
Requires CPU-Z software, which may pose a barrier to some learners
Lack of hands-on labs may limit practical application
May require additional learning resources for a comprehensive understanding of hardware principles
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Reviews summary
Core computer hardware fundamentals
According to learners, this course offers an excellent foundation for understanding computer and peripheral hardware, particularly for beginners and those aspiring to IT support roles. Students consistently praise the clear and concise explanations presented across its well-organized modules, which cover essential topics such as motherboards, CPUs, memory, and storage. The summative assessment is also frequently noted as being fair and comprehensive. However, some learners with existing hardware knowledge found the content a bit basic and expressed a desire for more advanced troubleshooting or deeper practical application, noting that hands-on activities felt minimal. A few reviews also suggested updating content to reflect modern hardware trends and expanding coverage beyond basic peripherals.
Covers a broad range of essential computer components.
"The content covers a broad range of topics from motherboards to storage, and the CPU-Z requirement was a neat touch for hands-on exploration."
"The modules on CPU architecture and power supply were particularly well-explained."
"I particularly liked the detailed breakdown of motherboards and their various ports. The course does a good job of building foundational knowledge."
Provides a clear, accessible starting point for novices.
"Excellent course! As someone transitioning into an IT support role, this provided an incredibly clear and concise overview of essential hardware."
"Fantastic foundation for anyone looking to understand the core components of a computer. I had very little prior knowledge..."
"As a complete novice, this course was exactly what I needed. It broke down seemingly intimidating topics into easy-to-understand segments."
Some material could benefit from updates to reflect modern trends.
"While it provides a good foundation, I think some of the material on modern hardware trends could be updated."
"The content on peripheral devices was a bit lacking."
"Could use more depth on networking hardware and peripherals beyond just printers."
Could benefit from more practical scenarios and deeper dives.
"I felt some sections, like RAID configurations, could have gone into more practical detail for real-world application."
"I didn't feel there was enough hands-on work or real-world scenarios beyond just identifying components. The CPU-Z tool was mentioned, but it felt like an afterthought."
"My only minor critique is that some content could benefit from more visual demonstrations or lab simulations beyond just theoretical descriptions."
May be too basic for those with prior hardware knowledge.
"The course is okay, but it feels a bit basic for anyone with existing knowledge. I was hoping for more advanced troubleshooting or deeper dives..."
"For a complete beginner, it's probably fine, but I already knew most of the concepts presented. The explanations were clear, but the pace was a bit slow for me."
"It's a decent course to get started with hardware, but I felt some parts were a bit superficial. For example, while RAID was mentioned, its practical implementation or common issues weren't explored deeply."
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 Computer and Peripheral Hardware with these
activities:
Read 'Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach' by Hennessy and Patterson
Show steps
Delve into a comprehensive textbook to gain a deeper understanding of computer hardware architecture and its principles.
View
Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the recommended textbook.
-
Read and study the chapters relevant to the course topics.
-
Complete the practice exercises and review questions to test your comprehension.
Show all one activities
Read 'Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach' by Hennessy and Patterson
Show steps
Delve into a comprehensive textbook to gain a deeper understanding of computer hardware architecture and its principles.
View
Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the recommended textbook.
- Read and study the chapters relevant to the course topics.
- Complete the practice exercises and review questions to test your comprehension.
Show all one activities
Career center
Learners who complete Computer and Peripheral Hardware will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware components, such as motherboards, CPUs, and storage devices. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of computer hardware, which will be essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of hardware components, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Computer Technician
Computer Technician
Computer Technicians install, maintain, and repair computer hardware and software. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware and software, how to troubleshoot and repair them, and how to provide customer service.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of computer networking, which will be essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of network hardware and software, how to troubleshoot and repair them, and how to provide customer service.
Information Technology Specialist
Information Technology Specialist
Information Technology Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware and software, how to troubleshoot and repair them, and how to provide customer service.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write code that controls the operation of computers. This course may be useful for Computer Programmers who want to learn more about the hardware that their code runs on. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn more about the hardware that their websites run on. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about the hardware that their databases run on. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts who want to learn more about the hardware that their systems run on. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close out projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn more about the hardware that their projects will use. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and develop solutions to improve them. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about the hardware that their solutions will run on. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test software and hardware to ensure that they meet requirements. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts who want to learn more about the hardware that they will be testing. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software and hardware products. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about the hardware that their products will run on. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers sell computer hardware and software products. This course may be useful for Sales Engineers who want to learn more about the products that they sell. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support to customers who have questions about computer hardware and software products. This course may be useful for Customer Service Representatives who want to learn more about the products that they support. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Data Entry Clerk
Data Entry Clerk
Data Entry Clerks enter data into computer systems. This course may be useful for Data Entry Clerks who want to learn more about the hardware that they use. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware, how they work together, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0vz5nj/computer
Reading list
We've selected 14 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
Computer and Peripheral Hardware.
Classic textbook on computer architecture. It provides a deep understanding of the principles of computer design, from the basics to the latest advancements.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer organization and design. It covers the principles of computer hardware and software, and how they interact to create a functional computer system.
Provides a unique perspective on computer hardware and software. It explains how computers work from the ground up, using a simple and intuitive approach.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern processor design. It covers the principles of superscalar processors, which are the most common type of processor used in computers today.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer graphics. It covers the principles of computer graphics, including rendering, lighting, and animation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the design of CMOS radio-frequency integrated circuits. It covers the principles of RFIC design, including noise, power, and linearity.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of solid state physics. It covers the principles of solid state physics, including band theory, semiconductors, and superconductors.
Save
Provides a gentle introduction to quantum computing. It covers the principles of quantum computing, including qubits, gates, and algorithms.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography and network security. It covers the principles of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, and hashing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of operating system concepts. It covers the principles of operating systems, including processes, threads, memory management, and file systems.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks. It covers the principles of computer networks, including network protocols, routing, and network security.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data structures and algorithms. It covers the principles of data structures, including arrays, linked lists, and trees.
Provides a comprehensive overview of discrete mathematics. It covers the principles of discrete mathematics, including set theory, logic, and graph theory.
Provides a comprehensive overview of linear algebra. It covers the principles of linear algebra, including vectors, matrices, and linear transformations.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/0vz5nj/computer
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