Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Microsoft

Access provided by Yamaha Motor Solutions India Pvt. Ltd

81,613 already enrolled

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,061 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.

1,061 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

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.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

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Assessments

17 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is available as part of

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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.

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

13 videos16 readings6 assignments2 plugins

13 videos Total 72 minutes

Introduction to the program 4 minutes
Course introduction: Introduction to Computers 3 minutes
Welcome to Generative AI for everyone 6 minutes
Understanding the Capabilities of Generative AI for Business Functions 9 minutes
Generative AI - Under the hood 8 minutes
The potential pitfalls and shortcomings of GEN AI 6 minutes
Threat landscape overview 5 minutes
Linked threats 5 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 systems 7 minutes
Module summary: Introduction to computers and operating systems 4 minutes

16 readings Total 165 minutes

Course syllabus: Introduction to Computers 10 minutes
How to be successful in this course 10 minutes
Skills measured: Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals 10 minutes
Generative AI Terminology 10 minutes
Generative AI in Business 10 minutes
Threat stats 10 minutes
Exercise: Explaining the threat landscape 30 minutes
Exemplar: Explaining the threat landscape 10 minutes
Additional resources: Threat landscape 5 minutes
Hardware versus software 10 minutes
Monitors and graphics cards: How visuals come to life 10 minutes
Additional resources: Introduction to computing devices 5 minutes
Types of operating systems 10 minutes
Proprietary and open-source software 10 minutes
Types of software: System, application and utility 10 minutes
Additional resources: Operating systems 5 minutes

6 assignments Total 100 minutes

Module quiz: Operating systems 30 minutes
General Knowledge Quiz 15 minutes
Self-review: Explaining the threat landscape 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Decoding the threat landscape: An IT perspective 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Introduction to computing devices 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Operating systems 15 minutes

2 plugins Total 20 minutes

Activity: Computer component match-up 10 minutes
Activity: Software type matching challenge 10 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 videos Total 37 minutes

Infrastructure and Servers 6 minutes
Risk mitigation: Backup frequency 6 minutes
What are computing environments? 6 minutes
Security in computing environments 6 minutes
What is maintenance and patching? 6 minutes
Patch management: pros, cons, and challenges 4 minutes
Module summary: Enterprise systems and security 5 minutes

9 readings Total 80 minutes

Types of servers, storage, and backups 10 minutes
Additional resources: Servers, storage and backup 5 minutes
Traditional versus cloud computing environments 10 minutes
Security in computing environments in depth 10 minutes
Additional resources: Computing environments 5 minutes
Types of maintenance 10 minutes
Optimizing your computer's performance 10 minutes
Vulnerability management 10 minutes
Additional resources: Maintenance and patches 10 minutes

4 assignments Total 75 minutes

Module quiz: Enterprise systems and security 30 minutes
Knowledge check: Servers, storage and backups 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Computing environments 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Maintenance and patching 15 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Storage and security needs for enterprise versus home users 10 minutes

1 plugin Total 10 minutes

Activity: Environment Characteristics Match-Up 10 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 videos Total 43 minutes

What is business software? 5 minutes
A day in the life of a business computer 5 minutes
How email changed the world 5 minutes
Email app functions 5 minutes
Growing your knowledge on storage 5 minutes
Processing data 4 minutes
Machine Learning and data 5 minutes
Artificial intelligence and machine learning 4 minutes
Module Summary: Business systems applications 5 minutes

10 readings Total 100 minutes

Common business software 10 minutes
Dealing with limitations 10 minutes
Cloud solutions for hardware limitations 10 minutes
Computers under pressure 10 minutes
Additional resources: Business sofware 10 minutes
Email security functions 10 minutes
Additional resources: Email apps 10 minutes
Data warehousing and data lakes 10 minutes
Machine learning in action 10 minutes
Additional resources: Storage solutions 10 minutes

5 assignments Total 85 minutes

Module quiz: Business systems applications 30 minutes
Activity: Practical solutions to hardware and software limitations 10 minutes
Knowledge check: Business software 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Email apps 15 minutes
Knowledge check: Storage solutions 15 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 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.