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Understanding Computer Systems

Understand how components of a computer system interact with each other on this online course for teachers supported by Google.

12,998 enrolled on this course

A girl plugging a HDMI cable into a Raspberry Pi
  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • Accreditation

    AvailableMore info
The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Learn what really happens when you turn a computer on

Understanding how a computer works after you press the power button is key to working with technology effectively. On this course, you will explore what happens inside the machine and learn how computers turn inputs into outputs.

You will learn what the computer operating system does and why you need it. You will also compare software and hardware, understand the importance of the central processing unit (CPU), and address factors that affect computer performance.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 2 seconds What happens inside your computer from the moment you press the power button? What’s an operating system, and what’s the difference between RAM and ROM? Over three weeks, you’ll learn about the function of computer hardware, including input and output devices. You’ll explore different types of software and learn about some security considerations. This free course contains peer led discussions and trainer interaction. You’ll also get feedback on your knowledge as you progress. You can learn wherever and whenever you want. This course covers many of the computer systems requirements from the GCSE Computing syllabus. And whether you’re a teacher with students of your own or simply curious about how your computer works, this course will help you to understand the basics of computer architecture.

Skip to 0 minutes and 42 seconds Sign up now at RPF.io/computersystems.

What topics will you cover?

This course explores what happens when your computer turns on. Learn about how the components of a computer work together from the moment you press the “on” button, to the software, hardware and CPU.

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe the difference between hardware and software
  • Assess the importance of operating systems and virtual memory
  • Describe and compare storage, input, and output devices
  • Discuss factors affecting the performance of a system
  • Identify the functions of the hardware in a computer system
  • Explore different types of software such as application, system, and utility
  • Investigate how devices interact with the operating system and other software

Who is the course for?

This course is for GCSE computing teachers as well as teachers from other countries at an equivalent level.

Who will you learn with?

Hey, my name is Mac. I am a Learning Manager at The Raspberry Pi Foundation. I love teaching and digital making, especially when I get to do them both at the same time.

Who developed the course?

Raspberry Pi Foundation

The Raspberry Pi Foundation works to put the power of digital making into the hands of people all over the world, so they are capable of understanding and shaping our increasingly digital world.

National Centre for Computing Education

This course is part of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). Funded by the Department for Education and partners, we aim to change the way computing is taught in schools across England, and enable more young people to benefit from studying this important subject.

If you are a teacher in England you can get free upgraded access to this course, and use it towards NCCE certification. To do this, you must join the course through the Teach Computing website

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

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Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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