EdX

Hardware and Operating Systems (edX)

Offered by IBM,
Hardware and Operating Systems (edX)

This course will help you develop the skills to install and set up an operating system and gain expertise on hardware components, including motherboard, CPU, hard drives and more. If you’re ready to enter the world of Information Technology (IT), you need job-ready skills. Understanding the fundamentals of computer hardware and operating systems is critical to any technology related job role like Technical Support or Software Development.

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This course introduces you to the brain of a computer—its operating system software, where you’ll become familiar with the fundamentals of the Microsoft Windows operating system. You’ll gain skills to describe internal key hardware computer components, including motherboard components, central processing unit (CPU) memory, hard drives, expansion slots, and more.
This course will equip you with the knowledge to identify the various hardware connections, including categories of ports, add-on peripherals such as mice, and other hardware components. And you’ll learn the basics, including standard workstation setup, commonly used operating system settings, screen capture commands, and best-in-class troubleshooting practices.
This course provides hands-on experience with a real-world inspired project to add to your portfolio, demonstrating your hardware and operating systems knowledge with troubleshooting malfunctioning computer systems.
This course is for anyone new to IT and computer hardware or who wants to start an IT support-related profession as a Help Desk Support Specialist, IT Support Specialist, Virtual Customer Service Agent, or Technical Support Representative. And those interested in showcasing their analytical and evaluation skills through hands-on practice labs to become job-ready with real-world skills.
This course is part of the Information Technology (IT) Support PC Professional Certificate.

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.
  • Describe workstation setup practices, operating system settings, and good troubleshooting practices.

Syllabus

Module 1: Computing Fundamentals and Operating Systems
Introduction to Computer Fundamentals
An Introduction to Operating systems
Features and Functions of an Operating system Part 1, Part 2
Common Computing Devices and Platforms
Activity: Operating System Terminology

Module 2: Hardware and Components
Identifying Hardware Components and Peripherals
Printers and Scanners
Optical Drives and External Storage

Module 3: Interfaces, Peripherals, and Connectors
Identifying Ports and Connectors
Identifying Graphic Devices
Identifying Audio Connectors
Wired and Wireless Connections
Peripheral and Printer Connections
Installation Types
Activity: Identifying Devices and Connectors

Module 4: Internal Computer Components
Internal Computer Components
Data Processing and Storage
Internal Storage
Display Cards and Sound Cards
Network Interface Cards
Cooling Fans
Activity: Identifying Internal Computer Components

Module 5: Workstation Evaluation, Setup, and Troubleshooting
Workstation Evaluation and Setup
Windows Operating System Configuration Part 1, Part 2
Activity: Setting Up Workstations and Changing Settings
Managing File and Folders
Activity: Navigating Files and Folders
Screen Capture and Tools
Introduction to Troubleshooting
Introduction to Business Continuity Principles

Module 6: Final Quiz and Hands-on Exercise: Linux Terminal

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