Intro To Computers By Techknowsurge

Understanding how computers function

What you'll learn

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

Requirements

no prior knowledge needed for this corse

Description

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.Key components of the course include:Define what a computer is and their basic functionsExplain components of a modern computerDefine software terminology and the role of software plays in computingExplain types of computer storageDescribe a transistor, gates, and half-adderExplain the powers of two and how it applies to computersExplain how bits are measuredExplain how bits are used to represent characters and graphicsExplain how we measure sending bitsExplain how we measure performance of processorsGive examples of modern computers and explain the components in those computersUnderstand Where We Use ComputersFunctions of a computerHow computers process informationUnderstand how computers function in the world around useLearn it Right, Learn it Well, and Reap the RewardsSpending the time now to understand what a computer is and how it functions can lead to efficiency in studying future topicsWho Should Take this Course:Anyone wanting to get into a career in ITWhy take the course from me?Experience: I’ve been in the IT world since 2000, have a masters in computers, and over 20 industry standard certificationsKnow how to Teach: I was trained as an instructor by the USAF, have a bachelors in education, teaching since 1997, and well over 6,000 hours of classroom instruction time.I’ve been a hiring manager since 2010, I know what skill sets employers are looking for.TechKnowSurge’s Unique ApproachYour instructor has training and years of experience as an educator, as a technician, and as a leader. The course implements the following features:Microstep lectures and segmented videos that meters learning into bite size chunks. It also makes it easy to go back and review concepts when needed.Staged-Based Educational Model where information is covered multiple times in increasing amounts of complexity. The approach helps reinforce learning and creates a knowledge and skill set less likely to fade with time.Extensive coverage of topics to make sure topics are explained fullyWell-organized content. A tremendous amount of effort has been placed on what order content should be delivered to maximize learning and minimizing confusion.A focus on pedagogy. A funny name, but your instructor has a deep understanding of educational theory and what drives learning.Module overviews explaining what to expect for each module and sets a mindset for why the information is important to learn.Video intros, overviews, and summaries to explain the intention of each video, reinforce learning, and prepare you for success.High quality and engaging videos that use graphics, great explanations, and analogies to explain complex topics in an easy to understand way.Real world application. Step beyond just the theory. Your instructor has real world experience and will share that with you throughout the course.Employer insight, know what employers are looking for. Your instructor runs IT Departments and hires individuals just like you.Content and OverviewThis well organized course will has the following modules:Welcome and Getting Started: Prepare yourself for efficiently and successfully completing the course. You’ll get an overview of what the course is all about and what you should expect out of it.What Is a Computer: This module introduces the core concepts of computers and their components, beginning with the definition of a computer and its basic functions: input, processing, storage, and output. Students will explore the essential hardware components of modern computers, including the CPU, memory, storage devices, and I/O peripherals, while learning how these elements work together to perform tasks. The module also covers key software terminology, distinguishing between system and application software, and explains the critical role software plays in enabling hardware to function. Additionally, students will examine various types of computer storage, such as volatile (RAM) and non-volatile (HDD, SSD) storage, and their importance in data management and system performance.How Do Computers Work: This module provides a foundational understanding of the core elements that enable digital computing. Students will begin by exploring the function of transistors, the fundamental building blocks of all electronic devices, and learn how they switch and amplify electrical signals in a binary system. The module then introduces logic gates—such as AND, OR, and NOT gates—which are constructed from transistors to perform basic logical operations. Finally, students will delve into the concept of the half-adder, a simple yet critical digital circuit that performs binary addition using logic gates. By the end of this module, students will have a clear understanding of how these components interact to perform fundamental operations within modern computers.How Do Computers Use Bits: This module explores the fundamental concepts of binary mathematics, data measurement, and computer performance. Students will begin by examining the powers of two and their critical role in computing, from memory capacity to data processing. The module will then cover how bits, the smallest unit of data in computing, are measured and how they are used to represent characters (using ASCII or Unicode) and graphics (through pixels and color depth). Additionally, students will learn how data transmission is measured, focusing on bandwidth and bit rates, as well as how the performance of processors is quantified, using metrics such as clock speed and instructions per second. By the end of this module, students will have a solid grasp of how computers handle and process data and how their performance is evaluated.What Computes: In this module, students will explore various examples of modern computers, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, to understand their architecture and key components. The module will break down the critical hardware elements found in these devices. By examining the similarities and differences between these devices, students will gain insight into how different types of computers are optimized for specific tasks and environments. This module provides a hands-on look at modern computing devices and their internal structures, preparing students to understand the components that drive everyday technology.Wrap Up: Time to wrap up the course and provide any final thoughts.Instructor BioTechKnowSurge (Andrew Grimes) has been in the tech industry since 2000 and even longer as an Instructor. He started out as a Survival Instructor for the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1997. When he got out of the military, he started teaching computer classes. Wanting to advance his technical skills, he became a contractor working on a wide range of technologies while teaching technology college courses in the evening. Overtime, he became a hiring manager, director, and leaderHis background includes:Building a security program within 2 years to include becoming SOC 2 Type 2 compliantLeading and maximizing efficiency of IT, Security, and DevOps teamsManaging SaaS company infrastructure with millions of active usersManaging small, medium, and large IT InfrastructuresMigrating technologies to the cloudManaging multi-million dollar budgets and reducing overall budget spend year over yearUtilizing various project management techniques such as waterfall, scrum and Kanban to maximize efficiency and successBachelors in Workforce EducationMasters in Computer Resource and Information ManagementOver 6,000 hours of teaching experienceOver 20 industry standard certifications.Past student reviews:“Andrew is absolutely the best instructor I've had throughout the course of my education. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to all things network and IT-related. Because of the education he provided, I am now working in the network engineering field, and I could not have done it without his expert guidance.” ~Michael B.“Andrew was hands down my favorite instructor since enrolling” “He has great skills as an instructor, and I've learned a lot from his classes.” ~Jeff S.“As an instructor, he is thorough, articulate, patient and positive. He genuinely cares that his students fully comprehend the curriculum. I have a great deal of respect for Andrew. I can't recommend him highly enough.” ~Dan H.“I found Andrew to be one of the best Instructors” “He presents the information with real world applications, which helped to reinforce the concepts presented in the Cisco Certification track.” “I am truely thankful to have had him as my teacher.” ~Dan M.“Andrew is very knowledgeable and brings his practical business experience with him. He expresses himself very well and treats everyone with respect. He explains very complicated concepts in a manner that is easy to understand.” “It is without reservation that I would recommend Andrew as a business professional and/or teacher.” ~Adam C.“Andrew is an excellent instructor and more.” “Andrew is the kind of teacher that you never forget.” ~ William C.“Andrew Grimes is a first rate instructor who genuinely cares about the success of his students. I was fortunate to have Andrew as my instructor.” “I highly recommend Andrew as an instructor and IT professional.” ~Paul C.“Andrew is a great instructor who really cares whether his students grasp the concepts he teaches. He has a passion for teaching that many couldn't muster.” ~Patrick R.“He was a great teacher and I would gladly take a class under him again.” ~Joshua R.“…his style of teaching is accommodating for any level, that a student is starting off at, either beginning or advance in IT world.” ~Paul W.“He fosters a multidimensional environment of learning in which students of diverse abilities excel.” ~Mark B“Andrew Grimes was a great Data Networks and Telecommunications Instructor.” “I would highly recommend him to any who desires to further their education.” ~ Tommy S.

Overview

Section 1: welcome and getting started

Lecture 1 Welcome

Lecture 2 Course Overview

Lecture 3 Syllabus

Lecture 4 Meet your instructor

Section 2: What is a Computer?

Lecture 5 Module Intro

Lecture 6 What Is a computer?

Lecture 7 Computer Components

Lecture 8 ACT: Computer Components Worksheet

Lecture 9 The Software Side of Hardware?

Lecture 10 DEMO: Operating Systems

Lecture 11 LAB: About My PC

Lecture 12 Drivers

Lecture 13 LAB: Exploring Device Manager

Lecture 14 DEMO: Utilities

Lecture 15 LAB: Exploring Utilities

Lecture 16 DEMO: Application

Lecture 17 LAB: Applications

Lecture 18 Storage

Lecture 19 Network Storage

Lecture 20 LAB: Storage Drives

Section 3: How Do Computers Work?

Lecture 21 Module Intro

Lecture 22 History of Computers

Lecture 23 Creating a Calculator

Lecture 24 Transistors

Lecture 25 Gates

Lecture 26 ACT: Gates Worksheet

Lecture 27 Half-adder

Lecture 28 ACT: Half-Adder Worksheet

Section 4: How Do Computers Use Bits

Lecture 29 Module Intro

Lecture 30 Powers of 2

Lecture 31 Bits, Nibbles, Bytes, and Octets

Lecture 32 Kilo, Mega, Giga, Tera, Peta

Lecture 33 ACT: Calculating Bits and Bytes

Lecture 34 Bits Representing Characters

Lecture 35 ACT: Your Initials in Binary

Lecture 36 DEMO: Storing Characters

Lecture 37 Bits Representing Graphics

Lecture 38 Compressing Graphics

Lecture 39 Raster vs Vector Graphics

Lecture 40 LAB: Creating a Bitmap

Lecture 41 Sending Bits

Lecture 42 LAB: Speed Test

Lecture 43 Processing Bits

Lecture 44 CPUs, Cores, and Hyper-Threading

Lecture 45 LAB: Your Processors Speed

Section 5: What Computes

Lecture 46 Module Intro

Lecture 47 Mainframes vs PCs vs MACs

Lecture 48 Workstations and Desktops

Lecture 49 Laptops

Lecture 50 Raspberry Pi

Lecture 51 Tablets

Lecture 52 Smart Phones

Lecture 53 E-Readers

Lecture 54 Gaming Consoles

Lecture 55 Virtual Reality Systems

Lecture 56 Augmented Reality Systems

Lecture 57 Internet of Things

Lecture 58 What is a Server Anyways

Lecture 59 Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Lecture 60 A Look Inside a Switch

Lecture 61 What Computes Worksheet

Section 6: Wrap up

Lecture 62 Review

Anyone wanting to get into a career in IT