The Visible Computer Course

Brush up on your knowledge of computer hardware and software with this course on PC components, OS types, super users and more.

1 hour, 19 minutes

Course description

What, exactly, is a computer? Before you start working with sensitive equipment, it’s important to brush up on what it is and what you can expect from each piece. Refresh your knowledge of primary PC components, external connections, operating systems, users and super users, Windows, macOS, Linux and more. What is a distro? What’s the difference between Windows’ Administrator and Linux’s Root? A little knowledge goes a long way!

Syllabus

Touring Linux

Video - 00:08:00
The free and popular Linux OS is taking over the world, and its customization via distributions is perfect for IoT devices, routers, servers and even desktops.
Touring the macOS

Video - 00:06:00
Though macOS is completely different operating system from Windows, the two actually have a lot in common.
Windows Editions and Versions

Video - 00:12:00
Microsoft Windows has gone through many versions over the years, and the CompTIA A+ expects you to know the different versions and editions that Microsoft offers.
Why Windows?

Video - 00:08:00
Some Microsoft Windows features such as domains and active directory are so popular that even macOS and Linux systems have built-in tools to access Microsoft Windows networks.
Users and Super Users

Video - 00:05:00
Get to grips with the details of operating system security and superusers with this course.
What is an Operating System?

Video - 00:09:00
We use computers to get work done via programs called applications, while the operating system supports the applications, hardware and storage devices inside our computers.
What is a Computer?

Video - 00:07:00
What are the parts and the functions of a computer, and what do all these devices have in common?
Inside the PC

Video - 00:08:00
Mike explores the inside of a PC case, pointing out the typical components you’ll find.
External Connections

Video - 00:11:00
In this episode, Mike reviews the major external connections, including USB, network, power, video and audio.
Primary PC Components

Video - 00:05:00
Mike takes you on a tour of the primary PC components, including the computer case, monitor and various peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, speakers and more.

Meet the author

Mike Meyers

Mike Meyers, affectionately called the "Alpha Geek," is the industry's leading authority on CompTIA certifications. He is the president and co-founder of Total Seminars, LLC, a provider of PC and network repair seminars, books, videos and courseware for thousands of organizations throughout the world. Mike has been involved in the computer and network repair industry since 1987 as a technician, instructor, author, consultant and speaker. He has sold over a million IT and certification books, including the best-selling CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide and CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide. He has personally taught thousands of students, including U.S. senators, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, members of the United Nation, every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, many branches of the Department of Justice, hundreds of corporate clients and academic students at every level.
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Associated NICE Work Roles

All Infosec training maps directly to the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity to guide you from beginner to expert across 52 Work Roles.

  • All-Source Analyst
  • Mission Assessment Specialist
  • Exploitation Analyst

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