What is hardware, and why is it important to learn about?

When it comes to Computing, hardware refers to the physical parts of a device that users interact with such as a keyboard, hard drive, or monitor. This is in contrast to software, which are the operating systems, applications, and other virtual computing programs that help users carry out tasks. Hardware can be created and manufactured by big tech names, such as Microsoft or Apple, or by hobbyists and smaller companies using Arduino, embedded-systems software, and other tools. Learning about hardware is important to making computer-based technologies functional for our everyday lives, as well as critical for maintaining and repairing them.

What jobs can you get by learning about hardware?

Given the many applications of hardware studies—from security, to product design, to the IoT—jobs in hardware are varied depending on whatever specialty learners want to explore. Opportunities in Computer Hardware Engineering in particular can expect their field to grow a steady five percent through 2026 —as fast as average. However, Engineers going the IoT route can expect to enter a market estimated to reach a value of USD 1256.1 billion by 2025 . Related roles that can enjoy this lucrative market include Embedded Systems Engineer, Raspberry Pi Developer, Arduino Developer, and others.

How can online courses help you learn about hardware?

Hardware courses offered through Coursera equip learners with knowledge in hardware description languages such as VHDL and Verilog; design methods; embedded architectures; software that can manipulate hardware; 3D printing hardware; IoT applications; hardware security; and more. Lessons on hardware are taught by instructors from major tech names and universities, including University of Colorado, University of Illinois, EIT Digital, University of Maryland, and other organizations. Learners can enjoy exploring hardware with instructors specializing in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, and other disciplines. Course content on hardware is delivered via video lectures, hands-on projects, readings, quizzes, and other types of assignments.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn hardware?

The skills and experience you might need to already have before starting to learn hardware are understanding the basics of how software and hardware intersect in devices, computers, operating systems, embedded systems, and assorted data structures. You might want to have some engineering aspects in your background and skills or work experience in hardware components and operating systems. You might be familiar with how embedded devices are impacting manufacturing in the Internet of Things, and you might want to also know about wireless sensor networks.

What kind of people are best suited for work that involves hardware?

The kind of people best suited for roles in hardware are mainly people who are interested in computers, are technologically oriented, or have an engineering or computer science background, gained either in online courses, internships, or on-the-job training. Understanding hardware is for those who want to know about physical components, like computers, monitors, peripherals, 3D printing equipment, and embedded systems. The people best suited for roles in hardware may also likely have knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, C, C+, and Verilog, key languages for computer engineers.

What types of places hire people with a background in hardware?

Common career paths for someone in hardware are generally working for a technology company, manufacturing firms, or even a large institution like a college university or online distribution service. You may start either in software or hardware environments and then extend your background of engineering skills or computer science skills to move into areas of installation and maintenance of computers, servers, circuit boards, routers, printers, and similar areas.

What topics can I study that are related to hardware?

Some of the topics related to hardware that you can study include machine learning, cloud networks, systems architecture, network security, computer maintenance, and data storage. These topics may bring a fuller understanding to you when trying to tackle all the information available about hardware for computers and devices. When learning about hardware, you could spend equal amounts of time studying these and other topics related to the computer and system machinery industries.

What are the benefits of taking an online Hardware course?

Online Hardware courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Hardware skills. Choose from a wide range of Hardware courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Hardware courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Hardware, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Hardware Courses - Learn Hardware Online

Explore the Hardware Course Catalog

University of Pennsylvania
Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Analytical Skills, Computer Science, Python Programming, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Analysis, Computer Architecture, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Introduction to Power Semiconductor Switches
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Semiconductors, Thermal Management, Electronic Systems, High Voltage, Electronic Hardware, Electronic Components, Simulation and Simulation Software, Failure Analysis, Engineering Analysis
3.5
Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
UX and Interface Design for Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: User Research, User Experience Design, User Experience, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Usability, Verification And Validation, Persona (User Experience), Usability Testing, User Centered Design, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Embedded Systems, Wireframing, Prototyping, Unified Modeling Language
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Introduction to Computing Systems
Skills you'll gain: Computer Architecture, Computational Logic, Computer Systems, Programming Principles, System Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Embedded Systems, Computer Hardware, Digital Design, Algorithms
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Big Data Modeling and Management Systems
Skills you'll gain: Data Modeling, Data Infrastructure, Databases, Data Architecture, Big Data, Data Management, Database Management Systems, Real Time Data, NoSQL, Database Design, Data Processing, Data Storage, Relational Databases, Scalability, Virtual Environment
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Microsoft
Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems and Security
Skills you'll gain: Computer Systems, Business Software, Operating Systems, Generative AI, Business Systems, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Security, Servers, Computer Hardware, Information Systems Security, Data Storage, Patch Management, Artificial Intelligence
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
ISC2
Systems and Application Security
Skills you'll gain: Malware Protection, Endpoint Security, Mobile Security, Cloud Security, Application Security, Cloud Computing, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Security, Virtualization, Virtual Machines, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Containerization, Encryption
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google
Configuration Management and the Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Puppet (Configuration Management Tool), CI/CD, Containerization, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Docker (Software), Continuous Deployment, Continuous Integration, Kubernetes, Cloud Computing, DevOps, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Cloud Services, Configuration Management, Continuous Monitoring, Scalability, Virtual Machines, Public Key Infrastructure, Automation, Regression Testing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Design Software, Design Thinking, Hardware Troubleshooting, Conceptual Design, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Hardware, Manufacturing Processes, Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing and Production, Mechanical Design, Computer Graphics, Design, Innovation, Product Design, Digital Design, Community Development, Business Transformation, Industrial Design, Prototyping
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
CUDA Advanced Libraries
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Neural Networks, Applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Linear Algebra, Mathematical Software, Numerical Analysis, Machine Learning, Data Processing, Data Structures, Performance Tuning, Data Transformation, Algorithms
3
Rating, 3 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Big Data Integration and Processing
Skills you'll gain: Apache Spark, PySpark, Apache Hadoop, Data Integration, Big Data, Data Pipelines, Data Processing, Data Management, NoSQL, Analytics, Splunk, Database Systems, MongoDB, Pandas (Python Package), SQL, PostgreSQL
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: [object Object]
Microsoft
Microsoft Cloud Support Associate
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Cloud Management, Microsoft Azure, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Virtual Machines, Identity and Access Management, Cybersecurity, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Azure Active Directory, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, System Monitoring, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Disaster Recovery
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
797 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months