Introduction

This course is an introduction for non-computer science students (see Introduction to Computer Science for computer science students). Instead this course is a gentler, lighter survey course without delving too much into technical details. It will also examine computers from the perspective on how they influence society.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites are courses it is suggested you understand before you attempt this course. If you're having a hard time understanding the material in this course, make sure you understand these prerequisites first.

• There are no prerequisites! (You should be able to follow along no matter how little experience you have in this subject.)

Lessons

1. Introduction
   • What is a computer?
   • History of computers
   • Computer types
   • Hardware and software
   • Basic operations
   • Data sizes and speeds
2. Inside a computer case
   • Motherboard
   • Processor
   • Memory
   • Disks
3. Peripherals
   • Input Devices
   • Output Devices
   • Future Peripherals
4. System software
5. Application software
6. Personal
7. Networks
8. Security
9. Internet
10. Development
11. Databases
12. Artificial intelligence

What Next?

Once you have completed this course, you have learned enough to take these courses:

• Computer Skills
• Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³)
• IT Fundamentals
• Introduction to Computer Science