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IT FundamentalsComputers and Digital Skills

Start from zero. Find out how computers, files, networks and the cloud really work, get comfortable on the command line, and see what people in tech actually do all day.

  • 13 modules, 85 lessons
  • About 45 hours
  • 13 projects and a capstone
  • Module 1 is free
Start Module 1 FreeSee the Syllabus

Aligned to CompTIA Tech+ and DigComp 2.2 · Lessons save for offline

By the end, you’ll be able to

  • Explain how a computer turns input into output, and describe the main kinds of computer and what each is for.
  • Read a device's specifications and choose a device that fits a need and a budget.
  • Install, update and remove software safely, and explain the difference between open-source, free and paid software.
  • Organise files and folders, and move around and manage files from the command line on Windows and on Mac or Linux.
  • Explain how a home network and the internet carry data, and fix common connection problems.
  • Decide what belongs on your device and what belongs in the cloud, and keep a working backup.
  • Use documents, spreadsheets, email and video calls well, and share files with the right permissions.
  • Explain what data, databases, programming and AI are, and use AI assistants critically.
  • Troubleshoot a problem methodically and ask for help in a way that gets it solved.
  • Describe what the main roles in tech involve day to day.

The syllabus

Tap a module to see its lessons

1How computers work6 lessons · about 1 hourFree

What a computer really is, the kinds there are, where they came from, and how they count.

  1. What is a computer?
  2. Input, processing, output and storage
  3. Kinds of computer
  4. A short history of computing
  5. Binary: how computers count
  6. Bits, bytes and data sizes
Module projectModule check

Project: A "device diary": every computer you used today, and what each one did

2Inside the machine7 lessonsPro

The parts inside every device, and how to read a spec sheet without guessing.

  1. The processor
  2. Memory and storage are not the same
  3. Hard drives and SSDs
  4. Graphics and screens
  5. Ports, cables and wireless
  6. Reading a spec sheet
  7. Choosing a device
Module projectModule check

Project: Choose a laptop for a given budget and need, and explain why

3Operating systems and software7 lessonsPro

What an operating system does, and how to install, update and remove apps safely.

  1. What an operating system does
  2. Windows, macOS and Linux
  3. Android and iOS
  4. Installing and removing apps safely
  5. Updates, and why they matter
  6. File types and default apps
  7. Licences: open source, free and paid
Module projectModule check

Project: Set up a practice computer for a new user

4Files, folders and the command line9 lessonsPro

Keep files in order, then move around and manage them by typing commands.

  1. Files and folders
  2. The folder tree and paths
  3. Using a file manager
  4. Meet the command line
  5. Where am I, and what's here?
  6. Moving around: cd
  7. Making and copying files and folders
  8. Moving, renaming and deleting
  9. No undo: working safely
Module projectModule check

Project: Tidy a messy practice computer from the command line

5Networks and the internet7 lessonsPro

How your data gets from your phone to a website and back, and what to do when it doesn’t.

  1. What a network is
  2. Routers, modems and Wi-Fi
  3. IP addresses
  4. DNS, the internet's contacts list
  5. How a web page reaches you
  6. Bandwidth, speed and mobile data
  7. When the internet is "down"
Module projectModule check

Project: Diagnose three "the internet is down" problems in the network lab

6Local and the cloud6 lessonsPro

What lives on your device, what lives on someone else’s computer, and how not to lose either.

  1. Local and cloud storage
  2. Sync is not backup
  3. Software, platforms and infrastructure as a service
  4. Data centres: where the cloud lives
  5. Cost, privacy and working offline
  6. The 3-2-1 backup rule
Module projectModule check

Project: A backup plan for a small shop

7Everyday productivity7 lessonsPro

Documents, spreadsheets, email and calls, done well, and shared with the right people.

  1. Writing and formatting documents
  2. Spreadsheets: cells, rows and formulas
  3. Presentations that people follow
  4. Email that gets answered
  5. Calendars and video calls
  6. Sharing and permissions
  7. Keyboard shortcuts that save hours
Module projectModule check

Project: A one-page budget and the email that sends it

8Data and databases, the basics5 lessonsPro

What data is, how tables hold it, and how to ask a table a question.

  1. Data and information
  2. Structured and unstructured data
  3. Tables, records and fields
  4. What a database does
  5. Asking a table a question
Module projectModule check

Project: Turn a paper sign-up sheet into a tidy table

9How software gets made6 lessonsPro

What programmers do all day, from steps on paper to a first tiny program.

  1. What programmers actually do
  2. Algorithms: steps in order
  3. Flowcharts and pseudocode
  4. Programming languages
  5. Your first tiny program
  6. Version control, in a sentence
Module projectModule check

Project: A flowchart and a tiny program for a daily task

10AI and new technology6 lessonsPro

What AI is and isn’t, how to use it well, and how to check what it tells you.

  1. What AI is, and isn't
  2. Machine learning in plain words
  3. Using an AI assistant well
  4. Checking what AI tells you
  5. Smart devices and the Internet of Things
  6. AR, VR and what's next
Module projectModule check

Project: An AI fact-check: three answers, checked against good sources

11Staying safe and well6 lessonsPro

The safety habits everyone needs, and looking after yourself at a screen.

  1. Passwords and two-factor sign-in
  2. Spotting phishing
  3. Updates and antivirus
  4. Your digital footprint
  5. Screen time, posture and eyes
  6. Accessibility features everyone can use
Module projectModule check

Project: A safety check-up of a practice phone

12Troubleshooting6 lessonsPro

A method that solves most tech problems, and how to ask for help when it doesn’t.

  1. A method for any problem
  2. Restart, and why it works
  3. Common problems and fixes
  4. Searching for answers well
  5. Asking for help: a good support request
  6. Writing it down
Module projectModule check

Project: Solve and write up three support tickets

13Roles in tech7 lessonsPro

What people in support, cloud, software, data, security and design do day to day.

  1. The map of tech roles
  2. Support and networking
  3. Cloud and infrastructure
  4. Software development
  5. Data and AI
  6. Security
  7. Design and product
Module projectModule check

Project: A one-page learning plan for your next step

Some of what you’ll build

  • Module 4

    Tidy a messy practice computer from the command line

  • Module 6

    A backup plan for a small shop

  • Module 12

    Solve and write up three support tickets

Module 1 takes about an hour. It’s free.

Start Module 1 Free