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.

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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.

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