How long does it take to complete this course?

It takes about 17 hours to complete. At around 10 hours a week, that's roughly 2 weeks of work, with time spread across lessons, readings, and quizzes. The course also includes guided exercises and a final project, so the workload isn't just watching lessons.

Is this course more focused on theory or hands-on learning?

It's more concept-first than project-heavy. Most of the learning comes through lessons and readings, with quizzes, short activities, and a final design task used to reinforce what you've learned. That suits learners who want clear explanations before more technical practice.

Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Microsoft

89,685 already enrolled

Included with

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,082 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,082 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Identify key computer components including CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals
Explain how operating systems manage processes, memory, and hardware interactions
Describe enterprise systems including servers, storage, and computing environments
Understand how security, hardware, and software work together in IT systems

Skills you'll gain

Category: Computer Systems
Category: Servers
Category: AI literacy
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Generative Model Architectures
Category: Computer Architecture
Category: Data Storage Technologies
Category: OS Process Management
Category: Patch Management
Category: Data Warehousing
Category: Hybrid Cloud Computing
Category: Computer Hardware
Category: Enterprise Application Management
Category: Cloud Computing
Category: IT Infrastructure
Category: Data Storage

Tools you'll learn

Category: Generative AI
Category: Operating Systems
Category: Business Software
Category: System Software

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

16 assignments

Taught in English

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 from Microsoft

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.

Ever wondered how we moved from basic desktop computers to machines that can "think"? In this module, you will dive into the heart of modern computing. You will explore how foundational hardware and Operating Systems serve as the launchpad for the AI revolution. By understanding how high-performance GPUs fuel today’s Generative AI, you will bridge the gap between physical circuitry and the future of intelligent technology.

What's included

13 videos16 readings5 assignments2 plugins

13 videosTotal 72 minutes

Introduction to the program4 minutes
Course introduction: Introduction to Computers3 minutes
Welcome to Generative AI for everyone6 minutes
Understanding the Capabilities of Generative AI for Business Functions9 minutes
Generative AI - Under the hood8 minutes
The potential pitfalls and shortcomings of GEN AI6 minutes
Threat landscape overview5 minutes
Linked threats5 minutes
What is a computer and what is inside it?5 minutes
How does a computer operate?6 minutes
What is an operating system and what does it do?5 minutes
Popular operating systems7 minutes
Module summary: Introduction to computers and operating systems4 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

5 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Mastering Generative AI Architectures and Applications15 minutes
Knowledge check: Decoding the threat landscape: An IT perspective15 minutes
Knowledge check: Introduction to computing devices15 minutes
Knowledge check: Operating systems15 minutes
Module quiz: Operating systems30 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 20 minutes

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

Behind every great tech company is a rock-solid infrastructure. In this module, you will master the backbone of the digital world: servers, storage, and backups. You will take control of on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, learning to protect data like a pro. By the end of this module, you will be equipped to lead strategic Patch Management and build the "Business Continuity" plans that keep global enterprises running, no matter what.

What's included

7 videos9 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

7 videosTotal 37 minutes

Infrastructure and Servers6 minutes
Risk mitigation: Backup frequency6 minutes
What are computing environments?6 minutes
Security in computing environments6 minutes
What is maintenance and patching?6 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

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

Get ready to step into the engine room of modern business operations. You will explore the powerful tools that keep teams connected and data moving, from Enterprise Messaging to complex Data Warehousing. You will discover how backend Business Intelligence (BI) functions turn raw information into winning strategies. This is where you learn to navigate the cloud-based ecosystems that define the 2026 workplace.

What's included

9 videos10 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

9 videosTotal 43 minutes

What is business software?5 minutes
A day in the life of a business computer5 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 data5 minutes
Artificial intelligence and machine learning4 minutes
Module Summary: Business systems applications5 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

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

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

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

It’s time to bring it all together and prove what you can do! In this final capstone module, you will synthesize everything you’ve learned about hardware, cloud, and AI into one cohesive vision. You will take on the role of a lead architect, designing a comprehensive system solution from the ground up. This is your opportunity to show that you can solve real-world business challenges with cutting-edge technical strategy.

What's included

2 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

2 videosTotal 7 minutes

Course recap: Introduction to Computing5 minutes
Congratulations2 minutes

3 readingsTotal 50 minutes

About the final project and assessment10 minutes
Exercise: Designing a business computer setup30 minutes
Next steps10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

Self-review: Designing a business computer setup30 minutes
Course quiz90 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Reflect on learning10 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Exemplar: Designing a business computer setup15 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(288 ratings)

Microsoft

303 Courses2,543,968 learners

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Microsoft

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Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

The instructor was excellent in explaining concepts. I loved the Sam Scoops analogy that was smartly mixed in through the modules.

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2024

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Introduction to computing is nice course.

Frequently asked questions

You'll learn how computers, operating systems, and everyday security fit together in real IT and business settings. It starts with core parts like the CPU, memory, and storage, then expands into backups, maintenance, and common business software. You'll apply that through guided activities and a final project where you plan a computer setup for a business role.

No, prior IT experience isn't required. The course begins with what key computer components do and how the operating system manages them, then builds into security, storage, and business tools. Basic comfort using a computer will help, but it doesn't assume technical support experience.

Yes, it's a good fit if you're new to computer systems or exploring entry-level IT support. The course starts with simple concepts and uses short lessons, readings, quizzes, and practice activities before moving into business and security scenarios. If you're looking for advanced troubleshooting or repair training, it'll likely feel too introductory.

Yes, but the practical work is mostly guided rather than lab-heavy. You'll work through exercises on topics like identifying threats, matching computer components, and diagnosing performance issues, then finish with a project that asks you to design a business computer setup. That gives you chances to apply each topic without needing a complex technical setup.

You'll cover how hardware, software, and operating systems work together, along with the security issues that affect everyday computer use. The course also looks at servers, backups, computing environments, maintenance, email apps, and storage choices in a business setting. Overall, it helps you understand how computer systems support both individual users and workplace needs.

After finishing, you should be able to explain how core computer parts work together, describe what an operating system does, and recognize common security risks. You should also be able to compare basic backup, storage, and software options for a workplace scenario. For example, you could outline a suitable computer setup for a specific employee role and explain the main choices.

Choose this course if you want computer basics explained in a workplace context, not just as a list of hardware terms. It connects core topics like operating systems and security to backups, business software, email, and a final system design exercise, so the material stays tied to real business use. If you want a broad beginner course that can also support later MS-900 review, this is a better fit than a narrowly hardware-only introduction.

Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Build your subject-matter expertise

There are 4 modules in this course

Introduction to computers and operating systems

What's included

Enterprise systems and security

What's included

Business systems applications

What's included

Final project and assessment: Introduction to computing

What's included

Earn a career certificate

Instructor

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

Learner reviews

Frequently asked questions

What will I actually learn in this computer basics course?

Do I need any IT background before starting this course?

Is this course beginner-friendly for learning about computers?