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Software, Programming, and Databases Fundamentals

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BeginnerCourse

Learn the basics of computer science and information technology in this comprehensive course. Designed for beginners, it covers technical support, application deployment, and software development. You'll explore cloud computing, web browsers, and delve into artificial intelligence, building a strong foundation. Start your tech journey today with practical skills and real-world applications.

Language

  • English

Topic

  • Computer Science & Information Technology

Industries

  • Information Technology

Skills You Will Learn

  • Technical Support, Application Deployment, Software Development, Cloud Computing, Web Browsers, Artificial Intelligence

Offered By

  • IBMSkillsNetwork

Estimated Effort

  • 20 hours

Platform

  • SkillsNetwork

Last Update

  • September 15, 2025
About this Course
Curious about technical support and IT but not sure where to start? Explore IT fundamentals and gain job-ready skills in this introductory course. These beginner-friendly materials provide you with the basics you need to jump-start your career in IT or help you converse knowledgeably with your development team peers regarding software, programming, and databases. 
  
Topics you investigate include the operating system running on your mobile phone to cloud computing technology underpinning enterprise software applications. You'll also learn about databases which fuel the flow of information in software, web browsers, software development processes, programming languages, and fundamental programming concepts. 
  
You'll explore advanced topics like artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, chatbots, and modern analytics tools. You'll also delve into strategies for monetizing data and understand how organizations are using data as a strategic asset to drive innovation and growth.

Along the way, you'll gain practical experience through hands-on labs. In the final project, you'll apply your knowledge in a way that integrates your skills in software, programming, databases, and emerging technologies.
  
Enroll today to build the core IT skills you need to launch your career—and take the first step toward a future in tech!

Course Syllabus


Module 0: Welcome
  • Video: Course Introduction
  • Reading: Course Overview
  • Reading: How to Make the Most from This Course
  • Reading: General Information
  • Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus
  • Reading: Grading Scheme  
Module 1: Computing Platforms and Software Applications 
  • Computing Platforms and Compatibility 
  • Commercial and Open Source Software 
  • Software Licenses 
  • Understanding Software Licenses, DRM, and EULAs 
  • Software Installation Management 
  • Software Versions 
  • Using Your Windows Lab Workspace 
  • Microsoft Windows Server Lab Environment
  • Hands-on Lab: Install, Update, and Remove Applications 
  • Mobile Applications and Stores 
  • Productivity, Business, and Collaboration Software 
  • Types of File Formats 
  • Activity: Recognizing File Formats 
  • Summary and Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications
  • Graded Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications 
Module 2: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI
  • Common Web Browsers 
  • Browser Installs and Updates 
  • Browser Plug-ins and Extensions 
  • Basic Browser Security Settings 
  • Browser Security Certificates and Pop-Ups Settings 
  • Private Browsing and Client-Side Scripting Settings 
  • Activity: Managing Browser Plug-ins and Extensions 
  • Hands-on Lab: Browser Pop-Ups, Redirects, and Extensions 
  • Introduction to Cloud Computing and Cloud Deployment, and Service Models 
  • Understanding the Differences Between Community Cloud, DaaS, and VDI 
  • Application Architecture and Delivery Methods 
  • Software Development Life Cycle 
  • What Is a Chatbot?
  • AI Chatbots and Smart Assistants 
  • Introduction to Generative AI 
  • Machine Learning 
  • Reading: AI Predictions and Suggestions
  • Summary and Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI
  • Graded Quiz: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI

Module 3: Basics of Programming 
  • Interpreted and Compiled Programming Languages 
  • Comparing Compiled and Interpreted Programming Languages 
  • Query and Assembly Programming Languages 
  • Hands-on Lab: Hello World in 11 Programming Languages 
  • Query and Assembly Programming Languages
  • Scripting Languages and Use Cases: Windows and Linux 
  • Hands-on Lab: Basic Script Within Windows 
  • Understanding Code Organization Methods 
  • Branching and Looping Programming Logic 
  • Activity: Programming Logic and Organizational Methods 
  • Introduction to Programming Concepts: Part 1  
  • Introduction to Programming Concepts: Part 2
  • Hands-on Lab: Programming Fundamentals with Python 
  • Summary and Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Basics of Programming
  • Graded Quiz: Basics of Programming 

Module 4: Database Fundamentals 
  • Types of Data, Sources, and Uses 
  • Database Fundamentals and Constructs 
  • Database Roles and Permissions 
  • Database Types 
  • Interfacing with Databases 
  • Hands-on Lab: Basic Database Operations 
  • Database Management 
  • Backing Up Databases 
  • Hands-on Lab: Back-Up and Restore a Database
  • Big Data and Applications 
  • Reading: Modern Analytics Applications and Data Monetization Strategies
  • Summary and Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Database Fundamentals 
  • Graded Quiz: Database Fundamentals 

Module 5: Final Project and Final Quiz 
  • Optional Hands-on Lab: Exploring Libre Office
  • Final Project Overview and Scenario
  • Hands-on Lab: Libre Office Calc Final Project
  • Graded Final Quiz

Module 6: Course Wrap-Up  
  • Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps
  • Reading: Thanks from the Course Team
  • Reading: Course Rating and Feedback

What you will learn:
  • Classify, install, and administer software applications and tools, including those used on mobile operating systems.
  • Apply foundational concepts in cloud computing, web browsers, and software development, including cloud services, browser technologies, and software development models, techniques, and best practices.
  • Explain and utilize core database concepts using the principles of database management and perform basic operations to interface with and maintain databases.
  • Recognize the role of artificial intelligence in modern software ecosystems, and explain how AI enables intelligent tools such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative applications to solve real-world problems.

Recommended Skills Before Taking this Course

Basic computer literacy

Instructors

Rav Ahuja

Global Program Director, IBM Skills Network

Rav Ahuja is a Global Program Director at IBM. He leads growth strategy, curriculum creation, and partner programs for the IBM Skills Network. Rav co-founded Cognitive Class, an IBM led initiative to democratize skills for in demand technologies. He is based out of the IBM Canada Lab in Toronto and specializes in instructional solutions for AI, Data, Software Engineering and Cloud. Rav presents at events worldwide and has authored numerous papers, articles, books and courses on subjects in managing and analyzing data. Rav holds B. Eng. from McGill University and MBA from University of Western Ontario.

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