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CS50's Understanding Technology

This is CS50's introduction to technology for students who don’t (yet) consider themselves computer persons. Designed for those who work with technology every day but don’t necessarily understand how it all works underneath the hood or how to solve problems when something goes wrong, this course fills in the gaps, empowering you to use and troubleshoot technology more effectively. Through lectures on hardware, the Internet, multimedia, security, programming, and web development, this course equips you for today’s technology and prepares you for tomorrow’s as well.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Internet
Multimedia
Security

Web development
Programming

Internet
Multimedia
Security
Web development
Programming

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Ideal for learners who do not have a background in computer science or technology

Covers a wide range of technology topics, including multimedia, Internet, security, software coding, and web development

Empowers learners to effectively troubleshoot and use technology

Taught by the renowned David J. Malan

Part of HarvardX's suite of online courses, indicating quality and rigor

Module-based format may not meet the needs of learners who prefer a more structured approach

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Reviews summary

Accessible intro to technology

Learners say this course is a good place to start their CS50 journey, especially if they're new to computer science. Reviewers say the material is easy to follow and well-organized. They say the instructors are engaging and make the material accessible, even for beginners. Many reviewers say they would recommend this course, especially for those who want to learn the basics of technology. Overall, learners say this course is a well-rounded introduction to technology and a good value for those new to the field.

Many learners recommend this course.

"I'll recommend it to all beginners, intermediate and advanced students and tutors as well."

"I would recommend both. this harvard course in particular is great if you're a newbie to tech."

"Comparing to the google course, this course is great!"

Content is well-organized and easy to follow.

"Lessons last about an hour and are well organized."

"The course, an offering from the renowned CS50 team, excels in breaking down intricate technological topics into accessible and engaging modules."

"The structure of the course is organized in a logical and efficient way."

Instructors make the material accessible and fun.

"The way David teaches is quite engaging and you'd really enjoy it."

"The instructors' approach is both informative and entertaining."

"The prof teaches very well and knows how to keep the student engaged."

Suitable for learners of all levels.

"Perfect place to start for every beginner learning Computer Science."

"True to its name, the course was really for beginners."

"If you are a complete newbie to tech, must go for this course."

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 CS50's Understanding Technology with these activities:

Review High School Algebra

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Brush up on your algebra skills to strengthen your foundation for the course's mathematical concepts.

Browse courses on Algebra

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Review your high school algebra notes or textbooks
Solve practice problems to test your understanding
Seek help from a tutor or online resources if needed

Form a Study Group

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Establish a regular study group to collaborate with peers on assignments and review course materials.

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Reach out to classmates and find those with similar schedules and learning styles
Determine the frequency and duration of your meetings
Set up a meeting space or platform for your study sessions

Read 'JavaScript: The Good Parts'

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Supplement your course learning by reading a book that focuses on the essential concepts of JavaScript.

View A Million And One Random Digits on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'JavaScript: The Good Parts'
Allocate time for daily reading and note-taking
Engage in discussions about the book's concepts with your peers or online communities

Five other activities

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Udemy Course: Python Crash Course

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Enhance your Python skills through a structured and comprehensive guided tutorial.

Browse courses on Python

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Sign up for the Udemy Course: Python Crash Course
Follow along with the video lessons and complete the hands-on exercises
Refer to the course materials for further clarification and support

Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) Tutorials

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Utilize the vast resources of MDN to explore tutorials and examples related to web development.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Go to the Mozilla Developer Network website
Browse or search for tutorials on specific topics you want to learn about
Follow along with the tutorials and experiment with the code examples

Codewars Challenges

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Practice solving coding challenges to solidify your understanding of coding concepts and problem-solving techniques.

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Create a free Codewars account
Find a challenge that aligns with your current learning goals
Attempt to solve the challenge on your own
Review solutions provided by the community and discuss your approaches with peers

Concept Summary Video

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Create a concise and visually engaging video that explains a challenging concept related to web development.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Identify a specific web development concept that you want to explain
Gather relevant information and organize your content
Create a storyboard or outline for your video
Record and edit your video using a screen capture tool and video editing software

Personal Website Development

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Build your own personal website to apply the concepts and skills you are learning in the course.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Choose a domain name and web hosting provider
Design the layout and structure of your website
Develop the front-end and back-end code for your website
Test and deploy your website

Career center

Learners who complete CS50's Understanding Technology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts implement and manage the security measures that protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course can help one become an Information Security Analyst because security is one of the core concepts covered. It can also help someone break into the field because they will have a deep understanding of threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities. Such an understanding is essential for working effectively as an Information Security Analyst and defending against a wide variety of cyber threats and security incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, test, and maintain software for use within an organization or for external customers. This course can help one become a Software Developer because the course covers programming, which is a key part of software development. Completing this course can help one build a foundation in programming, making them a more attractive candidate for positions in software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites, ensuring they are visually appealing, functional, and easy to navigate. This course can help one become a Web Developer because it covers web development, which is the foundation of the role. The course provides an overview of the tools, techniques, and languages used to build a website, preparing one to succeed as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks, ensuring they are reliable and secure. This course can help one become a Network Administrator because it covers the internet, which is central to networks. The course helps one understand the principles and protocols used in computer networks and should make one more competitive when applying for Network Administrator jobs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain the databases used by organizations to store and manage data. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Database Administrator because it provides an overview of databases and data management. The course's focus on technology will help one build a foundational understanding of the subject.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists install, maintain, and repair computer systems and networks, and may also provide technical support to users. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Computer Support Specialist because one can gain an understanding of many of the core concepts of computer systems and technologies. This knowledge can be very helpful in troubleshooting and solving computer issues faced by many Computer Support Specialists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain documentation about computer systems, software, or other technical products. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Technical Writer because it provides an overview of technology that is essential for the job. The course can help one develop the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical audiences, which is key for a Technical Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers research, design, and test user interfaces for websites, software, and other products. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a User Experience (UX) Designer because it covers concepts of multimedia, which is important for UX design. An understanding of how users interact with technology is critical, and this course can provide such an understanding and help one excel as a User Experience (UX) Designer.

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

Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst

Quality Assurance (QA) Analysts test software applications to ensure they meet quality standards and work as intended. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst because it covers security and programming, two key areas of software testing. The course can provide one with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and resolve bugs and other issues, helping them contribute effectively as a Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst.

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

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and recommendations for businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Data Analyst because it provides an overview of multimedia and the internet, which can be helpful for data analysis. The course also covers programming, which may be necessary for some data analysis tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and track projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Project Manager because it covers the internet, which is essential for project management today. The course can help one understand how to use technology to communicate with stakeholders, manage resources, and track progress effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts bridge the gap between business and IT, helping organizations to define and implement technology solutions. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Business Analyst because it provides an overview of multimedia and the internet, which are essential for business analysis. The course can help one understand how to analyze business needs and how to use technology to meet those needs effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

IT Consultant

IT Consultants advise organizations on how to use technology to improve their operations and achieve their business goals. This course may be useful for someone looking to become an IT Consultant because it provides an overview of web development, which is an important technology for businesses. The course can help one understand the principles and practices of web development, making them a more valuable asset to organizations as an IT Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Product Manager

Product Managers define and oversee the development and launch of new products and services. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Product Manager because it covers multimedia, which is an important aspect of many products. The course can help one understand the role of multimedia in product development and how to use it to meet customer needs effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers help customers to understand and purchase complex technology products and services. This course may be useful for someone looking to become a Sales Engineer because it covers the internet, an important aspect of many technology products and services. The course can help one understand the principles and practices of the internet, making them a more effective communicator with customers as a Sales Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Reading list

We've selected 25 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 CS50's Understanding Technology.

Systems Psychodynamics

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Great introduction to technology for those who don't have a background in computer science. It covers a wide range of topics, including hardware, the Internet, multimedia, security, programming, and web development.

CS50's Understanding Technology

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Accessible intro to technology

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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