Curious about hardware and operating systems? This beginner-level course is designed to build foundational skills for careers in IT support, networking, cybersecurity, and software development.

You'll start by learning the basics of computing and its four core functions. Then, you'll explore internal hardware components like CPUs, motherboards, GPUs, memory, ports, and peripherals. The course also covers how emerging technologies—such as virtualization (including host/guest OS and hypervisors), parallel-processing GPUs, IoT devices, and VR/AR—are reshaping modern IT environments.

You'll gain hands-on experience with operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms. You'll also practice setting up, configuring, acquiring, and troubleshooting workstations—just like a real IT professional. Specialized devices like wearables and e-readers are included to broaden your practical tech knowledge.

Interactive labs throughout the course reinforce your learning, and a final project lets you apply your skills in real-world scenarios.

This course is part of a broader series designed to help you prepare for the CompTIA Tech+ and A+ certification exams.

Prerequisites

A basic understanding of Basic understanding of computers and their operating systems is recommended.

Related Specialization

This course is part of the IBM Technical (IT) Support Professional Certificate. If you’re keen to learn how to leverage GenAI in digital marketing, we recommend you enrol for the full specialization and work through the courses in order. Within a short time, you’ll have job-ready skills and practical experience on your resume that will boost your career!

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals

Introduction to Computing Fundamentals
Common Computing Devices and Platforms
Understanding How Computers Talk
Reading: Octal Notation Systems
An Introduction to Operating Systems
Getting Started with Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows Server Lab Environment
Hands-on Lab: Microsoft Windows Navigation Basics
Summary & Highlights
Practice Quiz: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals
Graded Quiz: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals

Module 2: Computing Devices and Peripherals

Identifying Hardware Components and Peripherals
Hands-On Lab: Exploring Installed Hardware and System Information
Input and Pointing Devices
Hands-On Lab: Using Device Manager for the Keyboard and Pointing Devices
Hard Drives
Optical Drives and External Storage
Hands-On Lab: Using Disk Management for Managing Disk Drives
Display Devices
Reading: Introduction to E-Readers
Printers and Scanners
Audio and Visual Devices
Introduction to IoT and Wearable Devices
Activity: Identifying Hardware Devices
Summary & Highlights
Practice Quiz: Computing Devices and Peripherals
Graded Quiz: Computing Devices and Peripherals

Module 3: Interfaces and Connectors

Identifying Ports and Connectors
Identifying Graphic Devices
GPU and Its Applications
Hands-on Lab: Locating and Analyzing GPU Specifications in Windows
Identifying Audio Connectors
Introduction to Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Wired and Wireless Connections
Peripheral and Printer Connections
Hands-On Lab: Installing a Local Printer
Installation Types
Activity: Identifying Devices and Connectors
Summary & Highlights
Practice Quiz: Interfaces and Connectors
Graded Quiz: Interfaces and Connectors

Module 4: Internal Computer Components

Internal Computer Components
Data Processing and Storage
Internal Storage
Display Cards and Sound Cards
Hands-On Lab: Using Device Manager for Monitor and Display Adapters
Network Interface Cards
Hands-On Lab: Using Device Manager for Network Adapters and Disk Drives
Cooling and Fans
Activity: Identifying Internal Computer Components
Summary & Highlights
Practice Quiz: Internal Computer Components
Graded Quiz: Internal Computer Components

Module 5: Workstation Evaluation, Setup, and Troubleshooting

Installing Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System Configuration
Microsoft Windows 10 Management and Performance
Managing Files and Folders
Activity: Navigating Files and Folders (Walk through simulation)
Lab: Using File Explorer to Manage Files and Folders
Practice Quiz: Microsoft Windows Workstation Setup and Management
Evaluating Computing Performance and Storage
Workstation Evaluation and Setup
Instructional Lab: Evaluating Computer Systems
Activity: Setting Up Workstations and Changing Settings
Screen Capture and Tools
Introduction to Troubleshooting
Advanced Microsoft Windows 10 Management and Utilities
Hands-On Lab: Using System Settings to Troubleshoot Internet Connection Issues
Introduction to Business Continuity Principles
Summary & Highlights
Practice Quiz: Introduction to Workstation Evaluation, Management, and Troubleshooting
Graded Quiz: Workstation Evaluation, Setup, and Troubleshooting

Module 6: Final Project and Final Quiz

Glossary for Computing Fundamentals
Final Project
Final Project Submission and Evaluation
Graded Quiz: Final Quiz

Course Wrap Up

Congrats and Next Steps
Optional: IBM Technical Support Professional Certificate
Optional: Professional Certificate: Overview of Courses
Thanks from the Course Team

Certificate and Badge

How to Claim Your Certificate
Badge

Bonus Module - Exploring Additional Desktop and Mobile Operating Systems

Exploring Linux Operating System Essentials
Hands-on Lab: Getting Started with Linux Terminal
Getting Started with macOS
Networking and Performance macOS Essentials
ChromeOS Operating System Essentials
Introduction to Mobile Devices - iOS
Introduction to Mobile Devices - Android
An Overview of Virtualization
Reading: Guest and Host Operating Systems

What You'll Learn

Demonstrate an understanding of operating systems fundamentals.
Recognize desktop and laptop hardware components and devices.
Identify commonly used interfaces and peripherals.
Explain basic workstation setup, locate operating system settings, and identify good troubleshooting practices
Design secure integration approaches for wearable and smart technologies by applying robust device management practices and cybersecurity frameworks

Recommended Skills Before Taking this Course

Basic computer literacy. Also note that this platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari.

Hardware and Operating Systems Fundamentals

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