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

Welcomehttps://youtu.be/mqf0u_U7h4s0:0:41
Course Overviewhttps://youtu.be/Kr5O8WmCCXQ0:04:00

 

Module 1 – What is a Computer

Module Introhttps://youtu.be/QiVL3fyAAnI0:01:06
What Is a computer?https://youtu.be/WZ4Sv9xr0ik0:05:56
Computer Componentshttps://youtu.be/ydyG5tFIMgE0:21:41
ACT: Computer Components WorksheetN/A
The Software Side of Hardware?https://youtu.be/n5GtROJ15Rs0:04:01
DEMO: Operating Systemshttps://youtu.be/s1-GQ3GSde40:05:54
LAB: About My PCN/A
Drivershttps://youtu.be/YUqpQ8680h80:06:16
LAB: Exploring Device ManagerN/A
DEMO: Utilitieshttps://youtu.be/xcsTbEGRqFo0:04:08
LAB: Exploring UtilitiesN/A
DEMO: Applicationhttps://youtu.be/5rzoxepjS6k0:01:27
LAB: ApplicationsN/A
Storagehttps://youtu.be/Kk9lj5CSM0w0:14:05
Network Storagehttps://youtu.be/yl8JbSsfXbY0:03:11

 

Module 2 – How do Computers Work

Module Introhttps://youtu.be/9V2ZdlmvfNg0:01:55
History of Computershttps://youtu.be/doHTqFlsiCc0:07:08
Creating a Calculatorhttps://youtu.be/a-tzTCNr5L80:05:22
Transistorshttps://youtu.be/Si_38sBT4_U0:03:46
Gateshttps://youtu.be/ozhyhQDzdCw0:06:59
ACT: Gates WorksheetN/A
Half-adderhttps://youtu.be/XbDyef0hJrA0:11:42

 

Module 3 – How do Computers Use Bits

Module Introhttps://youtu.be/5ngYIBwJbEs0:02:01
Powers of 2https://youtu.be/M7bO_OKT3h00:05:00
Bits, Nibbles, Bytes, and Octetshttps://youtu.be/pIn-qEiUZGs0:06:08
Kilo, Mega, Giga, Tera, Petahttps://youtu.be/YudMX81Depc0:05:38
ACT: Calculating Bits and BytesN/A
Bits Representing Charactershttps://youtu.be/BP4TUSDTt8o0:05:06
ACT: Your Initials in BinaryN/A
DEMO: Storing Charactershttps://youtu.be/pyEXsdkm6M00:05:58
Bits Representing Graphicshttps://youtu.be/RiXoQT7_IhY0:07:29
Compressing Graphicshttps://youtu.be/pe-nOuazI5U0:05:02
Raster vs Vector Graphicshttps://youtu.be/HHjeLaVXEuI0:03:39
LAB: Creating a BitmapN/A
Sending Bitshttps://youtu.be/rqpVfaom1Rk0:02:27
LAB: Speed TestN/A
Processing Bitshttps://youtu.be/VQsgyeEd5VI0:03:18
CPUs, Cores, and Hyper-Threadinghttps://youtu.be/ibm2MODi3kI0:09:26

 

Module 4 – What Computes

Module Introhttps://youtu.be/PdmeZtrtlPc0:01:20
Mainframes vs PCs vs MACshttps://youtu.be/qLhmw5rdZRA0:07:54
Workstations and Desktopshttps://youtu.be/Ul6dWxZ5UE00:05:30
Laptopshttps://youtu.be/VUFnArdJaH80:05:49
Raspberry Pihttps://youtu.be/qOh8zr7L2480:05:08
Tabletshttps://youtu.be/NLhyzTSF7rI0:03:39
Smart Phoneshttps://youtu.be/6FXmSb6Rg8M0:05:46
E-Readershttps://youtu.be/uoTQj_fsIl00:02:41
Gaming Consoleshttps://youtu.be/N2O_VgsBhj80:05:24
Virtual Reality Systemshttps://youtu.be/Y-dWuHkm0OA0:02:31
Augmented Reality Systemshttps://youtu.be/wKP3lDEPAnQ0:02:40
Internet of Thingshttps://youtu.be/7hPjBYAMLcA0:06:51
What is a Server Anywayshttps://youtu.be/buhB6ZYmqZs0:10:53
Network Attached Storage (NAS)https://youtu.be/Vh2E5AJuNwQ0:04:35
A Look Inside a Switchhttps://youtu.be/HAPjO5zUOG40:04:32

 

Module X – Wrap Up

Reviewhttps://youtu.be/wkVfgmGDolE0:04:32
Course Wrap Uphttps://youtu.be/ze1VSTWAH5o0:02:24

 

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 received very little in return. Please consider helping keep the effort going by one of the following: