Beginner Computer Courses
Beginner computer courses can help you learn basic operating system navigation, file management, internet browsing, and word processing. You can build skills in spreadsheet creation, email communication, and online research techniques. Many courses introduce tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and various web applications, showing how these skills are applied in everyday tasks and professional settings.
Popular Beginner Computer Courses and Certifications
University of California, Davis
Skills you'll gain: Javascript, HTML and CSS, Event-Driven Programming, Scripting, Web Design and Development, Web Applications, Programming Principles, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Event Monitoring, Data Structures, Debugging
University of California, Santa Cruz
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Design, Software Design Patterns, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design, Programming Principles, C (Programming Language), Algorithms, Memory Management, Graph Theory, Artificial Intelligence, Data Structures, Simulations
Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Pandas (Python Package), Plot (Graphics), NumPy, Data Cleansing, Data Structures, Scientific Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Predictive Analytics, Data Visualization, Statistical Visualization, Debugging, Data Presentation, Data Manipulation, Code Reusability, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Python Programming, Simulations, Predictive Modeling, Data Analysis
The Linux Foundation
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Linux, Command-Line Interface, File Systems, Linux Administration, Linux Commands, User Accounts, Operating System Administration, System Configuration, Bash (Scripting Language), File Management, Unix Shell, User Provisioning, System Monitoring, Shell Script, Operating Systems, System Software, Patch Management, Software Installation, OS Process Management
Infosec
Skills you'll gain: Incident Response, Computer Security Incident Management, Incident Management, Endpoint Detection and Response, Cyber Operations, Cybersecurity, Cyber Security Policies, Security Management, Digital Forensics
University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Robotics, Network Routing, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Simulations, Predictive Modeling, Scenario Testing
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Computational Thinking, Animations, Video Game Development, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Storytelling, Game Design, Solution Design, Program Development, Coordination
University of Toronto
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Estimation, Robotics, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Linear Algebra
Rice University
Skills you'll gain: File I/O, Data Persistence, Development Environment, Data Access, Data Structures, Data Storage, Python Programming, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Scripting Languages, Debugging
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Virtual Environment, Digital Assets, E-Commerce, Video Game Development, Blockchain, Diversity and Inclusion, Emerging Technologies, Interoperability, Market Opportunities, Social Impact, Economic Development, Content Creation, Safety and Security
Skills you'll gain: LangGraph, AI Workflows, Agentic Workflows, AI Orchestration, Generative AI Agents, Agentic systems, LangChain, LLM Application, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Prompt Patterns, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Tool Calling, Responsible AI, Risking, Context Management, Software Development, Python Programming, Data Science
University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Algorithms, Tree Maps, Theoretical Computer Science, Analysis, Python Programming
In summary, here are 10 of our most popular beginner computer courses
- JavaScript Basics: University of California, Davis
- C++ For C Programmers, Part B: University of California, Santa Cruz
- Programming for Python Data Science: Principles to Practice: Duke University
- Linux for Developers: The Linux Foundation
- Cyber Incident Response: Infosec
- Motion Planning for Self-Driving Cars: University of Toronto
- Programming with Scratch: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- State Estimation and Localization for Self-Driving Cars: University of Toronto
- Python Data Representations: Rice University
- What is the Metaverse?: Meta
