Computer Maintenance · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 1 of 5 · 10 guided hours

Computer Hardware Fundamentals

Know what is inside a computer, what each part does and how to work on it safely.

Learning objectives

  • Identify the main components of desktops and laptops
  • Compare storage and memory types
  • Follow hardware safety practices

Topics

  • motherboard, CPU and RAM
  • storage: HDD, SATA SSD, NVMe
  • power supplies and batteries
  • ports and connectors
  • electrostatic discharge
  • electrical safety

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 Core Components

    Learn what each main part of a computer does.

    motherboardCPURAMpower supply

  2. Lesson 2 Storage and Memory

    Compare storage types and understand how much memory a computer needs.

    hard disk driveSATA SSDNVMe SSDcapacity and speed

  3. Lesson 3 Hardware Safety

    Protect yourself, the equipment and the owner's data.

    unpluggingelectrostatic dischargepower supplies and batteriesdata responsibility

Practical activity

Open a lab desktop safely, identify every component and record its specifications.

Expected outcomes

  • Confident component identification
  • Safe working habits

Assessment

Component identification practical and safety checklist.

Free taster lesson Computer Hardware Fundamentals Read a free self-study lesson on this topic in the Free Course Library.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.