Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases

Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: IBM Skills Network Team

What you'll learn

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.

Skills you'll gain

Databases

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

9 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

There are 5 modules in this course

Take the next step in your IT professional journey with this self-paced, beginner friendly course! This course covers the basics of software, cloud computing, web browsers, application development concepts, programming languages, and database fundamentals.

You will first be introduced to computing platforms and software applications. You’ll learn about the software lifecycle, software compatibility across different platforms, and software versioning. You'll also learn about installing and managing web browsers, using extensions and plug-ins, and keeping them secure and updated. Next you will learn about basic programming concepts, coding logic, and the different programming languages like Python. You’ll move on to data and database fundamentals and learn how to use, interface with, access and backup databases. After completing this course, you'll have a better grasp of software processes and feel more confident about using and securing applications. From mobile phone operating systems to workplace database applications, this course covers a wide range of software. Discover the benefits of cloud-based technologies and see how using the cloud can help businesses create and deploy applications faster. To solidify your understanding and put your skills to the test, the course includes numerous hands-on labs. It ends with a final project where you’ll showcase your newfound expertise and demonstrate your understanding of software, programming, and databases. Enroll now to take the next step in developing expertise in IT Fundamentals.

Do you know which computing platform is on your device? Are you using the right software for the task you're tackling? Are your software versions updated? This course will help you answer these questions by giving you a better understanding of the essentials of software and by showing you how to effectively manage programs and applications. In this module, you will learn about computing platforms, single- and cross-platform software, compatibility across platforms, and software versioning. You will learn about the differences between commercial and open source software, while also learning about different types of software and file formats.

What's included

11 videos2 readings2 assignments1 app item2 plugins

11 videosTotal 64 minutes

Course Introduction video3 minutesPreview module
Computing Platforms and Compatibility7 minutes
Commercial and Open Source Software 6 minutes
Software Licenses8 minutes
Software Installation Management6 minutes
Software Versions4 minutes
Using Your Windows Lab Workspace3 minutes
Microsoft Windows Server Lab Environment2 minutes
Mobile Applications & Stores5 minutes
Productivity, Business, and Collaboration Software7 minutes
Types of File Formats7 minutes

2 readingsTotal 12 minutes

Understanding Software Licenses, DRM, and EULAs10 minutes
Summary & Highlights2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 45 minutes

Practice Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications15 minutes
Graded Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications30 minutes

1 app itemTotal 60 minutes

Hands-on Lab: Install, Update & Remove Applications60 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 18 minutes

Helpful Tips for Course Completion3 minutes
Activity: Recognizing File Formats15 minutes

Do you know which web browser to use and how to configure it to work best for you? Is your web browser as secure as it might be, and do you need to use browser extensions or plug-ins? Do you want to know what the cloud is really all about, and do you understand how applications that you develop might be used and deployed by your users? This week, you will learn about common web browsers and browser settings, browser security, and browser extensions and plug-ins. You will learn about cloud computing, and you will also learn about application architecture models, application delivery methods, and the software development lifecycle (or SDLC). 

What's included

9 videos2 readings2 assignments1 app item2 plugins

9 videosTotal 65 minutes

Common Web Browsers6 minutesPreview module
Browser Installs and Updates6 minutes
Browser Plug-ins and Extensions7 minutes
Basic Browser Security Settings9 minutes
Browser Security Certificates and Pop-ups Settings8 minutes
Private Browsing and Client-side Scripting Settings8 minutes
Introduction to cloud computing and cloud deployment and service models6 minutes
Application Architecture and Delivery Methods4 minutes
Software Development Life Cycle8 minutes

2 readingsTotal 12 minutes

Understanding the Differences Between Community Cloud, DaaS, and VDI10 minutes
Summary & Highlights2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 45 minutes

Practice Quiz: Explore technology concepts and application architecture15 minutes
Graded Quiz: Explore technology concepts and application architecture30 minutes

1 app itemTotal 60 minutes

Hands-on Lab: Browser Pop-ups, Redirects, and Extensions60 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 45 minutes

Activity: Managing Browser Plug-ins and Extensions15 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Managing cookies and cache in a browser30 minutes

Understanding programming basics and the software development cycle is a crucial part of working with the software. Software developers must know how to code and understand how to identify and fix software problems. When writing code, software creators need to select the right data types, choose the best programming language for the software, and organize code most effectively. This week, you will learn about basic programming concepts and programming language categories. You will learn about programming logic components and organizational techniques. 

What's included

8 videos1 reading2 assignments3 app items1 plugin

8 videosTotal 50 minutes

Interpreted and Compiled Programming Languages5 minutesPreview module
Comparing Compiled and Interpreted Programming Languages6 minutes
Query and Assembly Programming Languages7 minutes
Scripting Languages & Use Cases - Windows and Linux7 minutes
Understanding Code Organization Methods7 minutes
Branching and Looping Programming Logic5 minutes
Introduction to Programming Concepts Part 16 minutes
Introduction to Programming Concepts Part 24 minutes

1 readingTotal 2 minutes

Summary & Highlights2 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 45 minutes

Practice Quiz: Basics of Programming15 minutes
Graded Quiz: Basics of Programming30 minutes

3 app itemsTotal 145 minutes

Hands-on Lab - Hello World in 11 Programming Languages60 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Basic Script within Windows60 minutes
Hands-on Lab: Programming Fundamentals with Python25 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Activity: Programming Logic and Organizational Methods15 minutes

This week you will learn about database fundamentals. During this module, you will learn about the different types of databases as well as the basic concepts of what makes a database a database. Next, you will be taught how to use and manage a database. Finally, you will learn how to interface with a database and know how and why backing up a database is important.