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Discover Hardware

Rebecca Coutts and Valerie Scarlata

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

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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.

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

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Discover Hardware . These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Technician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Research Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

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 .

Computer Organization and Design, Enhanced