Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Microsoft

What you'll learn

Learn about computer components like CPU, memory, and storage.
Learn how computer system components, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices, interact with the operating system.
Gain insight into security, hardware, and software relationships.

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Assessments

17 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

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.

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.

What's included

12 videos16 readings6 assignments2 discussion prompts2 plugins

12 videosTotal 67 minutes

Course introduction: Introduction to Computers2 minutesPreview module
Welcome to Generative AI for everyone6 minutes
Understanding the Capabilities of Generative AI for Business Functions9 minutes
Generative AI - Under the hood7 minutes
The potential pitfalls and shortcomings of GEN AI6 minutes
Threat landscape overview4 minutes
Linked threats4 minutes
What is a computer and what is inside it?4 minutes
How does a computer operate?6 minutes
What is an operating system and what does it do?4 minutes
Popular operating systems6 minutes
Module summary: Introduction to computers and operating systems3 minutes

16 readingsTotal 165 minutes

Course syllabus: Introduction to Computers10 minutes
How to be successful in this course10 minutes
Skills measured: Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals10 minutes
Generative AI Terminology10 minutes
Generative AI in Business10 minutes
Threat stats10 minutes
Exercise: Explaining the threat landscape30 minutes
Exemplar: Explaining the threat landscape10 minutes
Additional resources: Threat landscape 5 minutes
Hardware versus software10 minutes
Monitors and graphics cards: How visuals come to life10 minutes
Additional resources: Introduction to computing devices5 minutes
Types of operating systems10 minutes
Proprietary and open-source software10 minutes
Types of software: System, application and utility10 minutes
Additional resources: Operating systems5 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 100 minutes

Module quiz: Operating systems30 minutes
General Knowledge Quiz15 minutes
Self-review: Explaining the threat landscape10 minutes
Knowledge check: Decoding the threat landscape: An IT perspective15 minutes
Knowledge check: Introduction to computing devices15 minutes
Knowledge check: Operating systems15 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 20 minutes

What do you hope to learn?10 minutes
What elements of the threat landscape have you been exposed to before?10 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 20 minutes

Activity: Computer component match-up10 minutes
Activity: Software type matching challenge10 minutes

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.

What's included

7 videos9 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

7 videosTotal 37 minutes

Infrastructure and Servers5 minutesPreview module
Risk mitigation: Backup frequency5 minutes
What are computing environments?5 minutes
Security in computing environments5 minutes
What is maintenance and patching?5 minutes
Patch management: pros, cons, and challenges4 minutes
Module summary: Enterprise systems and security5 minutes

9 readingsTotal 80 minutes

Types of servers, storage, and backups10 minutes
Additional resources: Servers, storage and backup5 minutes
Traditional versus cloud computing environments10 minutes
Security in computing environments in depth10 minutes
Additional resources: Computing environments5 minutes
Types of maintenance10 minutes
Optimizing your computer's performance10 minutes
Vulnerability management10 minutes
Additional resources: Maintenance and patches10 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 75 minutes

Module quiz: Enterprise systems and security30 minutes
Knowledge check: Servers, storage and backups15 minutes
Knowledge check: Computing environments15 minutes
Knowledge check: Maintenance and patching15 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Storage and security needs for enterprise versus home users10 minutes

1 pluginTotal 10 minutes

Activity: Environment Characteristics Match-Up10 minutes

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.

What's included

9 videos10 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

9 videosTotal 42 minutes

What is business software?5 minutesPreview module
A day in the life of a business computer4 minutes
How email changed the world5 minutes
Email app functions5 minutes
Growing your knowledge on storage 5 minutes
Processing data 4 minutes
Machine Learning and data4 minutes
Artificial intelligence and machine learning3 minutes
Module Summary: Business systems applications4 minutes

10 readingsTotal 100 minutes

Common business software10 minutes
Dealing with limitations10 minutes
Cloud solutions for hardware limitations10 minutes
Computers under pressure10 minutes
Additional resources: Business sofware10 minutes
Email security functions10 minutes
Additional resources: Email apps10 minutes
Data warehousing and data lakes 10 minutes
Machine learning in action10 minutes
Additional resources: Storage solutions10 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 85 minutes

Module quiz: Business systems applications30 minutes
Activity: Practical solutions to hardware and software limitations10 minutes
Knowledge check: Business software15 minutes
Knowledge check: Email apps15 minutes
Knowledge check: Storage solutions15 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Have you ever received spam or malicious emails? What was your experience?10 minutes

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.