Introduction to Computers
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Introduction to Computers
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructor: Microsoft
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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
Tools you'll learn
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- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
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 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
5 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Module quiz: Operating systems•30 minutes
- Mastering Generative AI Architectures and Applications•15 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
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 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
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 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 software•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
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 videos•Total 7 minutes
- Course recap: Introduction to Computing•5 minutes
- Congratulations•2 minutes
3 readings•Total 50 minutes
- About the final project and assessment•10 minutes
- Exercise: Designing a business computer setup•30 minutes
- Next steps•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 120 minutes
- Self-review: Designing a business computer setup•30 minutes
- Course quiz•90 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
- Reflect on learning•10 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
- Exemplar: Designing a business computer setup•15 minutes
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Microsoft
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Microsoft
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Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
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Reviewed on Jul 28, 2024
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Reviewed on Jun 25, 2024
Details of the course in videos, readings, quizzes, and availability to review and retry; sets up a student to succeed. Thank you
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025
Nice course for someone who is having the basic knowledge about computers of don't have any knowledge.
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.
More questions
Financial aid available,