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IBM

Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

Ready to dive into the world of hardware and operating systems? This beginner-friendly course builds essential entry-level skills needed for roles in IT support, networking, cybersecurity, and software development. During this course, you’ll explore core computing concepts and the four functions of computing. You’ll then dive into internal hardware such as CPUs, motherboards, GPUs, memory, interfaces, ports, and peripherals. Plus, you’ll look at how modern technologies such as virtualization (including host/guest OS and hypervisors), parallel-processing GPUs, IoT devices, and VR/AR systems are transforming today’s IT environments. You’ll get hands-on with operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms, and practice workstation setup, configuration, acquisition, and troubleshooting just like an IT professional. Plus, you’ll look at specialized devices like wearables and e-readers to gain practical technology insights. Throughout, interactive labs help reinforce your learning. Then, in a final project, you’ll apply your new skills in real-world scenarios. This course is also part of the series to help you prepare for CompTIA Tech+ and A+ certification exams.

Status: User Accounts
Status: Peripheral Devices
BeginnerCourse16 hours

Featured reviews

SR

Reviewed Sep 24, 2023

THE HARD WARE AND OPERATING SYSTEM IT IS USEFULL TO OUR FUTURE LIFE AND TECHNOLOGY LIKE HARD WARE INDUSTRY AND SOFT WARE INDUSTRY

KO

Reviewed Jul 10, 2022

i really enjoyed this course because of the text and video tutorials it offers , it makes learning easy for even a biginner

JM

Reviewed Sep 15, 2024

loved the challenge and how engaging this course is. It has a lot of useful information that is all applicable.

M

Reviewed Mar 20, 2024

This course is well-structured and a need to know. The lab works are well organized and easy to follow. A very good user interface. Good job by those who put this together.

A

Reviewed Sep 13, 2023

This course was an eye-opener and I enjoyed all the time spent learning. I really was impressed by how everything broke down easily, thank you Coursera.

PY

Reviewed Sep 12, 2024

I learn many things from this course and according to me this course material were too good to understand about the hardware and operating systems

KS

Reviewed Jun 12, 2025

This course is helped my accademics. I improved hardware and operating system knowledge. simulator desktop is more valuable for understand better. It gave prictically background as well.

LM

Reviewed Jun 4, 2022

V​ery helpful and educational. Short explanations makes it easier to remember the information. Great narrater.

AT

Reviewed Nov 8, 2022

Fantastic course. I learnt the basics of system setup, adjusting user settings for optimal experience and basic troubleshooting skills. I can't wait to proceed in this course.

RG

Reviewed Jul 16, 2022

very well organized, and I liked that videos were short but numerous enough to articulate the different facets individually

ES

Reviewed Oct 8, 2024

This course gives you the basic knowledge of everything you need to know. I love it and so excited to keep learning.

PO

Reviewed Aug 24, 2024

I was familiar with most of the material, but I also learned a few new things. The hand-on labs were my favorite since I got to apply what I knew in a safe environment.

All reviews

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