Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

Welcome to your first module! After completing this module, you’ll be able to define what a computer is. You’ll learn about the four functions of computing, the parts of a computer associated with each of those functions, and the benefits of computing. Explore how to classify computing devices based on size and usage and describe the evolution of operating systems. Discover how computers communicate using notational (numeric) systems for processing and storing data, displaying onscreen text, hardware addresses, website colors, and web addresses. You’ll gain the practical knowledge needed to evaluate computing performance and storage. You’ll know the four ways to log into Microsoft Windows, be able to describe how to use the Start menu, Tiles, taskbar, and settings capabilities, and will be able to explain how to manage Windows on the desktop. You’ll round out your week with a lab where you’ll locate programs and navigate Windows to find important information about the computer and the Windows operating system.

Computer hardware is the set of physical parts that make up the interior of your computer. Peripherals are pieces of hardware that are added to the outside of a computer for it to work more efficiently. Both hardware and peripherals are used to take input, store data, display output, and execute commands. This week, you will learn about several types of hardware components and peripherals. You will learn about printers and scanners, input and output devices, external storage devices, and audio and video devices.

A computer’s multiple components, both internal and external, are constantly interacting with each other to receive input, perform requested computing functions, and provide output. As technology has evolved and connection methods have standardized, a vast array of external devices can now easily and successfully connect with computers and reliably perform their tasks. This week, you will learn how hardware and peripheral devices connect to form a functioning computer. You will learn about ports, interfaces, and connectors used by graphics, audio, networks, printers, and other peripheral devices. You will also learn about the types of installations these devices use to become operational.

Computer hardware, the physical part of a computer, is infrequently changed, while software and data are modified frequently. When you think of the term computer hardware, you probably think of what's inside your personal computer at home or your computer at work. However, computer hardware does not specifically refer to personal computers. Instead, it is all types of computer systems. Computer hardware is located in embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, CD players, DVD players, and many more devices. In this lesson, you’ll learn about common internal components of home and business computer systems.

Workstation setup, operating system configuration, and workstation troubleshooting are all in a day’s work for IT support. Whether the task is selecting a new computer for a colleague, reconfiguring an operating system for a coworker’s accessibility needs, or troubleshooting a file or directory visibility issue, IT support personnel need procedures that help them complete these tasks quickly, confidently, and correctly. This week, you’ll gain knowledge of workstation procurement and basic Windows operating system configuration and management. You’ll discover techniques that help you optimize file and folder organization and perhaps even help users locate hidden files. Learn timesaving keyboard commands to capture screens using Windows 10 workstations, macOS workstations, and Chromebooks. You will complete your learning with an overview of business continuity principles used for fault tolerance and disaster recovery.

In this module, you’ll assess your course knowledge through a final quiz based on the previous five modules.

Welcome to your bonus module! Although Microsoft Windows dominates the desktop operating system market, organizations also use computers that run Linux, macOS, and ChromeOS operating systems. And many organizations also support users who have devices that use iOS and Android mobile operating systems. When you complete this module, you’ll be able to explain why organizations support these alternative operating systems. You’ll be able to compare and contrast operating system log-in processes, network connection methods, onscreen navigation, menus, and features. You’ll also gain the knowledge needed to explain where each operating system stores device identifiers, version information, and system settings. Stretch and grow your Linux skills using the Linux lab.