Discover what’s inside the devices you use every day — learn the fundamentals of personal computers, laptops, and mobile devices including their components, assembly, and basic troubleshooting.
Computers are everywhere — your smartphone is a mini-computer, a server is a super-computer, and everything from cars to smart TVs contains one. Having a basic understanding of these devices and how they work is critical for success in today’s digital world and is a great starting point for any IT career. Computer Hardware Basics explores the fundamentals of computers and mobile devices, the components that comprise them, how they work, and basic troubleshooting tools and techniques. The course walks learners through PC assembly step by step — from opening the case and installing the motherboard, drives, and adapter cards through to completing the build — before covering laptop components, wireless configuration, preventive maintenance, and mobile device hardware.
Curriculum Chapters
- 1. Personal Computers
- General and Fire Safety
- Personal Computers and Safety
- Computer Disassembly
- Open the Case and Connect the Power Supply
- Install Motherboard Components
- Install Drives and Adapter Cards
- Install Cables and Complete Assembly
- 2. Laptops
- Laptop Components
- Laptop Wireless Configuration
- Preventive Maintenance for Laptops
- 3. Other Mobile Devices
- Mobile Device Overview
- Other Mobile Device Hardware
Skills You Will Learn
Apply general and fire safety procedures when working with computer hardware. Identify the internal components of a personal computer and explain their functions. Safely disassemble and reassemble a desktop PC, including connecting the power supply, installing motherboard components, drives, adapter cards, and cables. Identify and describe laptop components including SODIMMs, display types, and input devices. Configure laptop wireless connectivity and apply preventive maintenance practices. Describe mobile device types and identify mobile device hardware components including displays, batteries, and connectivity options.
Technologies Used
PC components (desktops, laptops, mobile devices)
Wireless configuration tools
Basic hardware troubleshooting tools & techniques
Course Details
Course Type: Free self-paced
Time: 6 Hours
Modules: 3
Labs: 3
Level: Beginner
Prerequisites
None.
Certification & Career
Career and Certification alignment: No target certification exam for this course. Upon completion, earners receive the Computer Hardware Basics Cisco digital badge plus three module-level sub-badges for Personal Computers, Laptops, and Mobile Devices. This course is a recommended starting point for the IT Essentials course and entry-level IT support roles.
Achievements & Badges
Upon completion, earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge plus three module-level sub-badges for Personal Computers, Laptops, and Mobile Devices. Share your verified achievements on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: Cisco verifies the earner of this badge successfully completed the Computer Hardware Basics course. The holder of this student-level credential has foundational knowledge of computers and mobile devices, how they work, and the basic concepts and skills needed to install components to build, repair, and upgrade personal computers, as well as basic troubleshooting tools and techniques.
Ready to Start This Course?
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