Computer and Peripheral Hardware (Coursera)

Offered by Illinois Tech,
Computer and Peripheral Hardware (Coursera)

In this course, you will explore the several types of hardware components installed in computers and peripherals. The course also offers a detailed exploration of these components and their function as part of the computer and peripheral hardware. The career skills acquired in this course will begin your journey into information technology.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Identify basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of several types of memory and their installation.
  • Categorize and install diverse types of storage devices.
  • Explain and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
  • Apply electronic principles and their relationship to the power supply.
  • Explain the components and operation of multifunction devices/printers and settings.

What you'll learn

  • Identify basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
  • Explain and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of several types of memory and their installation.

Syllabus

Module 1: Motherboards/Ports and Cables
Welcome to Computer and Peripheral Hardware! In this course, we will cover the topics of: Motherboards/Ports and Cables, CPU and Power Supply, and Computer Storage. This module explores the basic components of the motherboard and its external ports. It examines omnibuses (or buses) in a computer that transfers data between components of the system. It also investigates types of computer storage.

Module 2: CPU and Power Supply
This module investigates the fundamentals of the central processing unit, or CPU, and its architecture. It explores differences in types of processors, and the application of electronic principles in relation to the power supply.

Module 3: Computer Storage
This module addresses the types of computer storage including computer memory, cache, the hard drive, and RAID, or redundant array of inexpensive disks. It explores the similarities and differences associated with each type. The material also explores uses for each type.

Summative Course Assessment
Module 4
This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course. Be sure to review the course material thoroughly before taking the assessment.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Storage in Azure (Coursera) Coursera
Whizlabs

Storage in Azure (Coursera)

This course is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in engineering or science, along with Storage in Azure Course is the second course of the Exam Prep AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate Specialization. This course assists learners with the knowledge of the Basics of Azure Storage Accounts.

Nov 2nd 2026
2 Weeks
Foundations of Computer Science (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Foundations of Computer Science (Coursera)

Welcome to Introduction to Programming: Visual Basic. In the course sequence you will learn to write programs that utilize both procedural and object oriented techniques to solve business problems. In the first course in the sequence we will provide you with a solid foundation in the computer science topics that are important to understand when programming Visual Basic. In courses two through four, we will role up our sleeves and start coding in Visual Basic. In these courses you need to have access to a computer that is running Windows, macOS or Linux with the .NET 5 installed. We will show you how to install .NET 5.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Embedded Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera) Coursera
EIT Digital

Embedded Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera)

This course is intended for the Bachelor and Master's students, who like practical programming and making IoTs applications! In this course we will talk about two components of a cyber physical system, namely hardware and operating systems. After completing this course, you will have the knowledge of both hardware components and operating systems. You are able to plan and use embedded operating systems in resource-constraint devices for Internet-of-Things (cyber physical system) applications.

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks
Personnel & Third-Party Security (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Irvine

Personnel & Third-Party Security (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn all about the process of implementing effective education, training, and awareness programs. You will also study the role personnel security plays in protecting an organization’s assets, intellectual property, and physical assets. You will also be introduced to the steps required for effective Vendor Risk Management (VRM), including: due diligence, contracting, monitoring & accessing, and termination. Throughout the course, you will engage with current case studies that illustrate the key concepts in your lessons. You will also have the chance to submit assignments in which you will apply the material in a practical application.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Interagir com sistemas operativos (Coursera) Coursera
Google

Interagir com sistemas operativos (Coursera)

Neste curso, através de uma combinação de palestras em vídeo, demonstrações e experiências práticas, vai adquirir conhecimentos acerca dos componentes principais de um sistema operativo e como realizar tarefas críticas, como gerir software e utilizadores e configurar hardware. Vamos terminar com um exemplo de como este conteúdo pode surgir no contexto de uma entrevista.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Irvine

Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems (Coursera)

The explosive growth of the “Internet of Things” is changing our world and the rapid drop in price for typical IoT components is allowing people to innovate new designs and products at home. In this first class in the specialization you will learn the importance of IoT in society, the current components of typical IoT devices and trends for the future. IoT design considerations, constraints and interfacing between the physical world and your device will also be covered. You will also learn how to make design trade-offs between hardware and software. We'll also cover key components of networking to ensure that students understand how to connect their device to the Internet.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
How Computers Work (Coursera) Coursera
University of London,Goldsmiths, University of London

How Computers Work (Coursera)

Computers are everywhere, they aren't just the desktops and laptops we use for work but the phones in our pockets and even the watches on our wrists are also computers. You probably use a computer every day and in fact you are reading this on a computer! Just because we use computers all the time, doesn't mean that we understand them, or find them easy to use. Computer Science is the science of computers, it is the field of knowledge that experts use to understand computer systems. Knowing a little computer science will help you understand the computers all around you.

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera) Coursera
IBM

Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems (Coursera)

Organizations need workers who can help others with computer hardware, software, and connectivity issues. Healthcare organizations are still converting to digitized systems, requiring more IT support. Workers are retiring, and organizations are contracting workers through IT consultancies rather than in-house IT technicians. With remote and hybrid work here to stay, organizations must provide employees with the devices and support they need to remain connected and productive. Additionally, IT support roles are often a steppingstone that enables employees to grow into higher-paying IT careers.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Virtual Reality (Coursera) Coursera
University of London,Goldsmiths, University of London

Introduction to Virtual Reality (Coursera)

This course will introduce you to Virtual Reality (VR). The course will teach you everything from the basics of VR- the hardware and the history of VR- to different applications of VR, the psychology of Virtual Reality, and the challenges of the medium. The course is designed for people who are new to VR as a medium. You may have experienced some virtual reality before, and may have some hardware- but this course is suitable to individuals who have never experienced VR and those who do not have much hardware- we will explain Mobile VR as well as devices such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software (Coursera) Coursera
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST

Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn the following essential computer skills for the digital age: major hardware components of a computer system; different types of software on a computer system; photo Editing using GIMP; and word processing applications, including MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
CompTIA Exam Prep (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

CompTIA Exam Prep (Coursera)

This course is geared towards anyone looking to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam. This certification focuses predominately on computer support or helpdesk. This course gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by many in their preparation of the CompTIA A+ certification exam. We’ll learn about the exam process, expectations, and tip & tricks that can be used in passing the exam. Using these approaches, regardless of your skill levels in the topics and objective areas of the exam.

Oct 26th 2026
3 Weeks