How Computers Work

  • 4.6
Approx. 10 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of how computers work, from hardware to software.

Key Learning Points

  • Understand the basic components of a computer system
  • Learn about computer memory and storage
  • Explore computer networking and communication
  • Gain insight into how software and hardware work together

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the basic components of a computer system
  • Learn how software and hardware work together
  • Gain insight into computer networking and communication

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • No prior knowledge of computer science or programming required
  • A basic understanding of how to use a computer

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced
  • Video lectures
  • Interactive quizzes

Similar Courses

  • Computer Science 101
  • Introduction to Computer Programming

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Bill Gates
  • Steve Jobs

Related Books

Description

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!

Outline

  • Abstraction
  • 1.0.1 What is computer science and how can it help us?
  • 1.1.1 Abstraction
  • 1.1.2 Abstraction in data representations
  • 1.1.3 Notional machines
  • 1.1.5 CPU and memory
  • 1.1.7 Summary
  • 1.0.3 Further Reading
  • 1.1.4 Abstraction
  • State, modularity and applications
  • 2.1.1 The deep secret of computer science
  • 2.1.3 State
  • 2.1.5 An e-commerce site
  • 2.1.7 Why does turning it off and on again work?
  • 2.2.1 A notional machine: files
  • 2.2.3 Modularity
  • 2.2.4 Applications
  • 2.2.6 Debugging
  • 2.3.4 Summary
  • 2.2.5 Looking inside applications
  • 2.1.4 State
  • 2.2.2 Files
  • 2.2.7 Debugging an application problem
  • 2.3.3 Summative quiz
  • Networks
  • 3.1.1 Networks
  • 3.1.2 The internet
  • 3.2.1 Security threats
  • 3.2.3 Encryption
  • 3.2.4 Security defenses
  • 3.2.5 The perils of the password: Interview with Sarah Wiseman
  • 3.2.8 Summary
  • 3.1.3 Networks
  • 3.2.6 Security: what have you learned?
  • 3.2.7 Case study: debugging a web load error
  • How the web works
  • 4.0.2 What is a website?
  • 4.1.1 Websites
  • 4.1.2 Networks and the Web
  • 4.1.3 Security and the Web
  • 4.1.4 State and the Web
  • 4.1.5 Clients and servers
  • 4.1.6 Embedding and APIs
  • 4.1.7 Your data
  • 4.2.5 MOOC Summary
  • 4.2.4 Further Learning
  • 4.0.1 Motivating problem
  • 4.1.8 Websites
  • 4.2.3 Summative quiz

Summary of User Reviews

This course on how computers work has received positive reviews from users who found it informative and engaging. Many users praised the instructor's clear explanations and use of real-life examples to illustrate complex concepts.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The use of real-life examples to illustrate complex concepts

Pros from User Reviews

  • Instructor's clear explanations
  • Engaging and informative content
  • Valuable insights into the inner workings of computers
  • Hands-on activities to reinforce learning
  • Great for beginners and those with some technical background

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the pace too slow
  • Not enough practical applications for advanced users
  • Some technical jargon may be confusing for beginners
  • No certificate of completion for free users
  • Limited interaction with the instructor and other students
English
Available now
Approx. 10 hours to complete
Dr Marco Gillies
University of London, Goldsmiths, University of London
Coursera

Instructor

Dr Marco Gillies

  • 4.6 Raiting
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