Free Course:

Intro to Computers

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer systems. Designed for beginners, the course covers both the hardware and software aspects of modern computing. Students will learn the core principles behind how computers operate, including the components that make up a computer, the software that drives them, and the logic that underpin digital computing.

By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the foundational elements of computer systems, providing a strong basis for further exploration in computing, software development, and IT. This course is ideal for individuals seeking to build or enhance their knowledge of computers and how they work.

About This Course

Key components of the course include:

  • Define what a computer is and their basic functions
  • Explain components of a modern computer
  • Define software terminology and the role of software plays in computing
  • Explain types of computer storage
  • Describe a transistor, gates, and half-adder
  • Explain the powers of two and how it applies to computers
  • Explain how bits are measured
  • Explain how bits are used to represent characters and graphics
  • Explain how we measure sending bits
  • Explain how we measure performance of processors
  • Give examples of modern computers and explain the components in those computers

Understand Where We Use Computers

  • Functions of a computer
  • How computers process information
  • Understand how computers function in the world around use

Learn it Right, Learn it Well, and Reap the Rewards

Spending the time now to understand what a computer is and how it functions can lead to efficiency in studying future topics

Who Should Take this Course:

  • Anyone wanting to get into a career in IT

How to Take This Course!

Option #1 – Watch this course on YouTube. For convenience, I’ve included links to the videos down below

Option #2 – Take this course on Udemy. This is not a free option, but has the advantage of a full learning management system, no commercials, and completion certificates.

Here’s the link to the Udemy Course:

https://www.udemy.com/course/intro-to-computers-by-techknowsurge/?referralCode=DD124E4EE27D3F680C6C

Course Content

Module 0 – Welcome and Getting Started

Welcome https://youtu.be/mqf0u_U7h4s 0:0:41
Course Overview https://youtu.be/Kr5O8WmCCXQ 0:04:00

 

Module 1 – What is a Computer

Module Intro https://youtu.be/QiVL3fyAAnI 0:01:06
What Is a computer? https://youtu.be/WZ4Sv9xr0ik 0:05:56
Computer Components https://youtu.be/ydyG5tFIMgE 0:21:41
ACT: Computer Components Worksheet N/A
The Software Side of Hardware? https://youtu.be/n5GtROJ15Rs 0:04:01
DEMO: Operating Systems https://youtu.be/s1-GQ3GSde4 0:05:54
LAB: About My PC N/A
Drivers https://youtu.be/YUqpQ8680h8 0:06:16
LAB: Exploring Device Manager N/A
DEMO: Utilities https://youtu.be/xcsTbEGRqFo 0:04:08
LAB: Exploring Utilities N/A
DEMO: Application https://youtu.be/5rzoxepjS6k 0:01:27
LAB: Applications N/A
Storage https://youtu.be/Kk9lj5CSM0w 0:14:05
Network Storage https://youtu.be/yl8JbSsfXbY 0:03:11

 

Module 2 – How do Computers Work

Module Intro https://youtu.be/9V2ZdlmvfNg 0:01:55
History of Computers https://youtu.be/doHTqFlsiCc 0:07:08
Creating a Calculator https://youtu.be/a-tzTCNr5L8 0:05:22
Transistors https://youtu.be/Si_38sBT4_U 0:03:46
Gates https://youtu.be/ozhyhQDzdCw 0:06:59
ACT: Gates Worksheet N/A
Half-adder https://youtu.be/XbDyef0hJrA 0:11:42

 

Module 3 – How do Computers Use Bits

Module Intro https://youtu.be/5ngYIBwJbEs 0:02:01
Powers of 2 https://youtu.be/M7bO_OKT3h0 0:05:00
Bits, Nibbles, Bytes, and Octets https://youtu.be/pIn-qEiUZGs 0:06:08
Kilo, Mega, Giga, Tera, Peta https://youtu.be/YudMX81Depc 0:05:38
ACT: Calculating Bits and Bytes N/A
Bits Representing Characters https://youtu.be/BP4TUSDTt8o 0:05:06
ACT: Your Initials in Binary N/A
DEMO: Storing Characters https://youtu.be/pyEXsdkm6M0 0:05:58
Bits Representing Graphics https://youtu.be/RiXoQT7_IhY 0:07:29
Compressing Graphics https://youtu.be/pe-nOuazI5U 0:05:02
Raster vs Vector Graphics https://youtu.be/HHjeLaVXEuI 0:03:39
LAB: Creating a Bitmap N/A
Sending Bits https://youtu.be/rqpVfaom1Rk 0:02:27
LAB: Speed Test N/A
Processing Bits https://youtu.be/VQsgyeEd5VI 0:03:18
CPUs, Cores, and Hyper-Threading https://youtu.be/ibm2MODi3kI 0:09:26

 

Module 4 – What Computes

Module Intro https://youtu.be/PdmeZtrtlPc 0:01:20
Mainframes vs PCs vs MACs https://youtu.be/qLhmw5rdZRA 0:07:54
Workstations and Desktops https://youtu.be/Ul6dWxZ5UE0 0:05:30
Laptops https://youtu.be/VUFnArdJaH8 0:05:49
Raspberry Pi https://youtu.be/qOh8zr7L248 0:05:08
Tablets https://youtu.be/NLhyzTSF7rI 0:03:39
Smart Phones https://youtu.be/6FXmSb6Rg8M 0:05:46
E-Readers https://youtu.be/uoTQj_fsIl0 0:02:41
Gaming Consoles https://youtu.be/N2O_VgsBhj8 0:05:24
Virtual Reality Systems https://youtu.be/Y-dWuHkm0OA 0:02:31
Augmented Reality Systems https://youtu.be/wKP3lDEPAnQ 0:02:40
Internet of Things https://youtu.be/7hPjBYAMLcA 0:06:51
What is a Server Anyways https://youtu.be/buhB6ZYmqZs 0:10:53
Network Attached Storage (NAS) https://youtu.be/Vh2E5AJuNwQ 0:04:35
A Look Inside a Switch https://youtu.be/HAPjO5zUOG4 0:04:32

 

Module X – Wrap Up

Review https://youtu.be/wkVfgmGDolE 0:04:32
Course Wrap Up https://youtu.be/ze1VSTWAH5o 0:02:24

 

Help the Effort

Creating these videos takes a lot of time, effort, and money. There are costs to producing the videos, hosting the site, and buying the equipment, not to mention the 1,000’s of hours I’ve put into recording these videos. So far, I’ve asked for and recieved very little in return. Please consider helping keep the effort going by one of the following: