EdX

How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation (edX)

How Computers Work: Demystifying Computation (edX)

Explore the fundamentals of computing: computer architecture, binary logic, data processing, circuits & more. On this course, you’ll gain an understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level.

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You'll explore system architecture, along with how computers use binary and logic. Once you’ve examined the von Neumann model of computer architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle, you'll learn to build a range of simple circuits for maths, and then simulate various logic gates.
Ultimately you’ll complete the course with an understanding of the processes that underpin every modern computer – from supercomputers to smartphones, and everything in between.

What you'll learn
Over the following four weeks, you will:

  • Explain how transistors can act as digital switches and be combined to create logic gates
  • Produce truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates, individually or combined
  • Explain how computers use binary arithmetic
  • Describe how logic gates can be combined to produce digital circuits that can perform a calculation
  • Describe Von Neuman Architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle

Syllabus

This course will cover:

  • How computers use binary arithmetic
  • How transistors can act as digital switches and be combined to create logic gates
  • Creating truth tables for AND, NOT and OR gates, individually or combined
  • How logic gates can be combined to produce digital circuits that can perform a calculation
  • Von Neuman Architecture and the Fetch-Execute cycle
Go to Class
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