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Rebecca Coutts and Valerie Scarlata

Dive into computer hardware fundamentals: components, memory, OS, file systems, command line, and networks. Enroll today.

What's inside

Syllabus

This lesson goes over the basic hardware components that make up a computer. We'll discuss how we measure these different components and how to compare the same type of component.
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In this lesson, we will take a closer look at the different types of memory used in computer hardware, along with the role of firmware, operating systems, and mobile operating systems.
This lesson will explore the command line and basic commands used to navigate filesystems. In addition, we will take a closer look at file systems and file formats.
In this lesson, we'll cover the different physical network connections and the differences in speed between them. We'll also investigate basic network protocols and network security.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers essential computer hardware components and concepts
Explores memory and storage types used in modern computer systems
Introduces basic command line commands and file system management
Covers fundamental network concepts, topologies, and protocols
Appropriate for beginners seeking an introduction to computer hardware principles

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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 Discover Hardware with these activities:
Review Key Hardware Components
Reviewing the basic hardware components of a computer will help you better understand subsequent lessons on memory, operating systems, and networks.
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  • Read and understand the course materials on hardware components.
  • Make flashcards or notes on the different components and their functions.
  • Test your knowledge by taking a practice quiz on hardware components.
Study Group Discussions
Engaging in study group discussions will provide opportunities to clarify concepts, share perspectives, and enhance your overall understanding.
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  • Form or join a study group with classmates.
  • Choose specific course topics to discuss each session.
  • Prepare and present questions or topics for discussion.
  • Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights.
  • Summarize key points and takeaways from each session.
Command Line Basics Tutorial
Completing a guided tutorial on command line basics will equip you with essential skills for navigating filesystems and performing common tasks.
Browse courses on Command Line Interface
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  • Choose a reputable online tutorial or course on command line basics.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, practicing the commands as you learn.
  • Create a cheat sheet or reference guide for quick access to common commands.
  • Apply your newfound skills by navigating a filesystem and performing basic operations.
Three other activities
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Computer Networking Fundamentals Book Review
Reviewing a comprehensive book on computer networking fundamentals will provide you with a solid foundation for the concepts covered in the course.
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  • Read and understand the chapters relevant to the course topics.
  • Highlight and annotate important concepts and definitions.
  • Summarize the key points of each chapter in your own words.
  • Discuss the book's content with classmates or online forums.
Network Diagram Project
Creating a network diagram will allow you to apply your understanding of network connections and protocols to a practical scenario.
Browse courses on Network Design
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  • Choose a real-world or hypothetical network scenario to design.
  • Identify the network components and their interconnections.
  • Use a network diagramming tool to create a visual representation of the network.
  • Label and annotate the diagram with relevant information.
  • Share your diagram with peers or industry professionals for feedback and evaluation.
Contribute to Open Source Hardware Projects
Contributing to open source hardware projects will provide practical experience in applying hardware concepts and collaborating with others.
Show steps
  • Identify open source hardware projects that align with your interests.
  • Review the project documentation and codebase.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute based on your skills.
  • Submit bug reports, feature requests, or code contributions to the project.
  • Collaborate with the project community to improve and refine the hardware design.

Career center

Learners who complete Discover Hardware will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator designs, develops, and maintains databases. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs and develops websites. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst protects computer systems and networks from security breaches. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Information Technology Specialist
An Information Technology Specialist provides technical support to computer users and maintains computer networks. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Computer Hardware Engineer
A Computer Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests computer hardware components. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Computer Scientist
A Computer Scientist researches and develops new computer technologies. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, installs, and maintains computer networks. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator installs, maintains, and repairs computer systems. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Software Developer
A Software Developer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Computer Support Specialist
A Computer Support Specialist provides technical support to computer users. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Data Center Technician
A Data Center Technician installs, maintains, and repairs computer hardware and software in a data center. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Computer Systems Analyst
A Computer Systems Analyst designs, develops, and implements computer systems. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
A Computer and Information Research Scientist conducts research on new computer technologies. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Network Architect
A Network Architect designs and implements computer networks. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.
Security Architect
A Security Architect designs and implements security measures for computer systems and networks. This course may be useful for someone in this career as it helps build a foundation in computer hardware fundamentals, including components, memory, operating systems, file systems, command line, and networks.

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Discover Hardware .
Classic text on computer architecture and organization, and provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the inner workings of computers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems from a programmer's perspective. It covers a wide range of topics, including computer architecture, operating systems, and networking.
Classic text on operating systems, and provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how operating systems work.
Classic text on computer networking, and provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how networks work.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital design and computer architecture. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how computers are designed and built.
Provides a comprehensive overview of assembly language programming. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how computers work at the assembly level.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems performance analysis. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about how to measure and improve the performance of computer systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of advanced computer architecture. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest trends in computer architecture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest trends in artificial intelligence.
Provides a comprehensive overview of deep learning. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest trends in deep learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of reinforcement learning. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest trends in reinforcement learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of natural language processing. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest trends in natural language processing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer vision. It useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest trends in computer vision.

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