Software, Programming, and Database Basics from edX

Maintaining and updating software is an important activity for a Technical Support role. There are many types of software, and understanding software can be overpowering. This course introduces the fundamentals of software and how to manage software from an information technology (IT) perspective. You'll be introduced to various types of software, ranging from the operating system running on your mobile phone to the applications that run databases on your computer at work. You'll also learn about cloud computing, web browsers, software development, programming languages, and database fundamentals.

After completing this course, you will better understand software processes and gain confidence in using and securing software applications. You will also review installing and managing web browsers, extensions, and plug-ins and keeping web browsers secure and updated.

Additionally, you'll discover how cloud-based technologies help businesses create and deploy applications faster. This course provides several real-world inspired hands-on labs and activities to demonstrate your skills in programming with Python and working with a database.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Classify, install, configure and manage software including mobile platforms.
Discuss cloud computing and web browser concepts.

Explain software development models, techniques, and concepts.
Describe fundamental database management concepts.

Classify, install, configure and manage software including mobile platforms.
Discuss cloud computing and web browser concepts.
Explain software development models, techniques, and concepts.
Describe fundamental database management concepts.

Syllabus

Module 1: Computing Platforms and Software Applications

Computing Platforms and Compatibility

Commercial and Open Source Software

Software Licenses

Software Installation Management

Software Versions

Productivity, Business, and Collaboration Software

Hands-on Lab: Getting Started with Excel Online

Types of File Formats

Activity: Recognizing File Formats

Module 2: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Applications, and Cloud Computing

Common Web Browsers

Browser Installs and Updates

Browser Plug-ins and Extensions

Basic Browser Security Settings

Browser Security Certificates and Pop-ups Settings

Private Browsing and Client-side Scripting Settings

Activity: Managing Browser Plug-ins and Extensions

Introduction to Cloud Computing and Cloud

Deployment and Service Models

Application Architecture and Delivery Methods

Software Development Life Cycle

Module 3: Basics of Programming

Interpreted and Compiled Programming Languages

Comparing Compiled and Interpreted Programming Languages

Query and Assembly Programming Languages

Understanding Code Organization Methods

Branching and Looping Programming Logic

Activity: Programming Logic and Organizational methods

Introduction to Programming Concepts Part 1

Introduction to programming Concepts Part 2

Hands-on lab: Programming Fundamentals with Python

Module 4: Database Fundamentals

Types of Data, Sources, and uses

Database Fundamentals and Constructs

Database Roles and Permissions

Database types

Interfacing with Databases

Database Management

Backing Up Databases

Hands-on Lab: Basic Database Operations

Module: Final Quiz

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores software types, including web browsers and operating systems, which is standard in IT support

Emphasizes managing and updating software, which is crucial for IT professionals

Covers basic programming with Python and database fundamentals, expanding learners' skillset beyond software management

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 Software, Programming, and Database Basics with these activities:

Review Python Syntax

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Refresh your understanding of Python syntax to prepare for the programming exercises in this course.

Browse courses on Python

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Review online tutorials or documentation on Python syntax.
Write a simple Python program to practice using variables, operators, and control flow.

Read 'Software Architecture for Developers'

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Gain a deeper understanding of software architecture concepts and principles.

View Head First Software Architecture: A Learner's... on Amazon

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Read through the chapters and take notes on key concepts.
Apply the principles to your own software development projects.

Solve Python Coding Challenges

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Practice your Python coding skills by solving coding challenges.

Browse courses on Python

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Find a platform that offers Python coding challenges, such as LeetCode or HackerRank.
Start solving challenges that align with the topics covered in the course.
Review solutions and learn from your mistakes.

Five other activities

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Explore Cloud Computing Platforms

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Expand your understanding of cloud computing platforms by following tutorials and documentation.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing

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Choose a cloud computing platform, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Find tutorials or courses that provide hands-on experience with the platform's services.
Create an account and experiment with the platform's features.

Attend a Software Design Workshop

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Enhance your software design skills by attending a workshop led by experienced professionals.

Browse courses on Software Design

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Research and find a workshop that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
Actively participate in the workshop, ask questions, and take notes.

Participate in a Coding Competition

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Challenge yourself and test your problem-solving abilities in a competitive coding environment.

Browse courses on Competitive Programming

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Choose a coding competition platform, such as HackerRank or Codeforces.
Practice solving coding challenges to prepare for the competition.
Participate in the competition and aim to solve as many problems as possible.

Build a Python Project

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Develop a Python project that utilizes the concepts you learned in the course, such as working with data, creating GUIs, or automating tasks.

Browse courses on Python

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Define the scope and goals of your project.
Design the architecture of your application.
Implement the core functionality of your project.
Write tests to ensure the reliability of your code.
Deploy your project to a hosting platform.

Mentor Junior Developers

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Reinforce your knowledge by guiding and assisting junior developers in their learning journey.

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Identify a junior developer who would benefit from your mentorship.
Establish a regular meeting schedule to provide guidance and support.
Share your knowledge and experience to help them grow in their technical skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Software, Programming, and Database Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of software systems. This course would help build a foundation for a career in software engineering by providing an understanding of software fundamentals, including programming languages, software development models, and database fundamentals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Software Developer

Software Developers use their knowledge of programming languages and software engineering to design, develop, test, and maintain computer software. This course would help build a foundation for a career in software development by introducing the fundamentals of software, including programming languages, software development models, and database fundamentals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the management and maintenance of databases. This course would help build a foundation for a career in database administration by providing an understanding of database fundamentals, including database types, database roles and permissions, and database management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. This course would help build a foundation for a career in web development by providing an understanding of web browsers, cloud computing, and programming languages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems, including hardware, software, and networks. This course would help build a foundation for a career in systems analysis by providing an understanding of software fundamentals, including programming languages, software development models, and database fundamentals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain computer programs. This course would help build a foundation for a career in computer programming by providing an understanding of programming languages, software development models, and database fundamentals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, develop, and maintain cloud computing systems. This course would help build a foundation for a career in cloud engineering by providing an understanding of cloud computing, including cloud deployment and service models, and application architecture and delivery methods.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer software and hardware. This course would help build a foundation for a career as a Technical Support Specialist by providing an understanding of software fundamentals, including software installation management, productivity software, and cloud computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. This course may be useful for IT Managers by providing an understanding of software fundamentals, including software installation management, productivity software, and cloud computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business requirements and develop solutions to improve business processes. This course may be useful for Business Analysts by providing an understanding of software fundamentals, including productivity software, and cloud computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst

Quality Assurance (QA) Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets quality standards. This course may be useful for QA Analysts by providing an understanding of software development models, techniques, and programming languages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of a project team. This course may be useful for Project Managers by providing an understanding of software development models and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. This course may be useful for Data Scientists by providing an understanding of database fundamentals, including data types, sources, and uses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Tester

Software Testers test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets quality standards. This course may be useful for Software Testers by providing an understanding of software development models, techniques, and programming languages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers design the user interface for websites, apps, and other digital products. This course may be useful for UX Designers by providing an understanding of web browsers, cloud computing, and programming languages.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer