Understanding Computer Systems

CO212 Online course

Understand how the components of a computer system interact with each other on this online course for computing teachers.

Key stage 3 Key stage 4

Free online course Approximately 8 hours of self-study

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.

Outcomes

You will 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 device
• 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

This course is part of the Subject knowledge certificate

Subject knowledge certificate

Our professional development programme, Computer Science Accelerator, is designed to help you develop or refresh your subject knowledge and leads to a nationally recognised certificate.

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View facilitation period(s):

What does this mean?

You can join and complete this course at any time. During facilitation periods a course facilitator will join the course to provide additional support, answer questions and respond to queries.

• 7 February—4 March 2022

This course is from Teach Computing and delivered by Raspberry Pi Foundation

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