We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Introduction to Computers

Microsoft

This course has been designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in IT support. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone looking to kickstart your career in the tech industry, it will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field of IT support.

Read more

This course has been designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in IT support. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone looking to kickstart your career in the tech industry, it will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field of IT support.

In this course, you’ll explore computer systems and the security threats that computer users have to deal with. You'll learn about key components like the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals. You’ll cover how these components interact with the operating system, including CPU processes, memory management, and the role of device drivers. Finally, you’ll explore essential concepts defining hardware and software relationships for a comprehensive understanding of system functionality.

After completing this course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify the key components of a computer system, encompassing hardware elements such as

CPU, memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and peripherals.

• Describe the interaction between computer system components and the operating system,

including how the CPU processes instructions, memory management, and the role of device

drivers.

• Discuss the essential concepts that define the relationship between security, hardware and

software, fostering a comprehensive understanding of system functionality.

This is also a great way to prepare for the Microsoft MS-900 exam. By passing the MS-900 exam, you’ll earn the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to computers and operating systems
This module provides you with a foundational understanding of computer systems, focusing on the intricate relationship between hardware and software. The module starts off by informing you about the current threat landscape of the computing world, giving insight into some of the challenges faced by computer support specialists. You'll explore key hardware components, operating systems, and software types, including their development and functionality. The module covers essential concepts such as memory management, system updates, and network communication, culminating in practical activities to reinforce learning. This comprehensive module is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to understand and interact effectively with computer technology.
Read more
Enterprise systems and security
In this module you will consider servers, storage and backups, computing environments and the process of maintenance and patching in the context of enterprise systems and security.
Business systems applications
This module provides you with an introduction to software in the business context that facilitates the performance of various tasks, enhancing productivity. The limitations of both software and hardware are discussed as well as possible solutions to these limitations.
Final project and assessment: Introduction to computing
In this module you'll step into the role of an IT consultant, helping a business set up its computer system. From picking the right hardware and software to planning how it all connects, you'll design a practical solution that meets the business's unique needs. This hands-on project allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you gained throughout the course, providing a real-world taste of computer system design and configuration.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
You will study how to identify a computer system's key hardware components, such as CPU, memory, storage devices, input/output devices, and peripherals
You will learn the intricate relationship between computer system components and the operating system, as well as how instructions are processed by the CPU and the role of memory management and device drivers
You will secure your knowledge of essential concepts about the relationship between hardware, software, and security, which will help you understand system functionality
You will participate in hands-on exercises to practice your skills, such as learning how to design and configure an efficient computer system
You will have the opportunity to eam the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification by passing the MS-900 exam
You will learn about different types of software and hardware and how they work together to perform various tasks in a business context

Save this course

Save Introduction to Computers to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

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 Introduction to Computers with these activities:
Review computer science basics
Brush up on the concepts that will prepare you for this course
Show steps
  • Review essential concepts such as data types, variables, and operators
  • Solve practice problems to apply your understanding
Volunteer at a local computer repair shop or IT non-profit
Gain hands-on experience while supporting your community
Browse courses on IT Support
Show steps
  • Identify volunteer opportunities at local organizations
  • Assist with basic computer repairs, troubleshooting, and IT support tasks
Volunteer to mentor students interested in IT
Share your knowledge and gain valuable experience by mentoring others
Show steps
  • Connect with students through mentorship programs or platforms
  • Provide guidance, technical support, and career advice to mentees
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice troubleshooting computer hardware
Enhance your understanding of computer systems by working through practical exercises
Browse courses on Hardware Troubleshooting
Show steps
  • Identify common hardware issues and their potential causes
  • Diagnose and resolve hardware problems using simulation tools
Follow tutorials on enterprise systems and security
Gain insights from experts by following step-by-step guides
Show steps
  • Explore tutorials on topics such as servers, storage, and security
  • Apply knowledge gained to practical examples
Develop a resource collection for IT support
Build a valuable resource that you can refer to in your future IT support career
Show steps
  • Identify valuable resources such as technical documentation, online forums, and tools
  • Organize the resources into a structured and accessible format
  • Continuously update and improve the resource collection as new information becomes available
Design a system configuration for a small business
Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by creating a system configuration
Browse courses on System Design
Show steps
  • Select appropriate hardware and software components
  • Gather requirements and assess business needs
  • Design the system architecture and network topology
  • Document the system configuration for future reference
Participate in IT support competitions
Test your skills and gain recognition by participating in IT competitions
Show steps
  • Identify relevant competitions and research their requirements
  • Prepare for the competitions by practicing and studying
  • Participate in the competitions and demonstrate your abilities

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Computers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Introduction to Computers.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser