What is a computer?
Build a clear first model of what every computer does.
10 min · beginnerLevel 0 · Module 1
How Computers Work
Learn how computers represent information and follow instructions.
What you will learn
- What is a computer?
- CPU, RAM, storage
- Input/output devices
- Bits and bytes
- Binary numbers
- Hexadecimal
- Machine instructions
- CPU instruction cycle
- Processes and programs
Prerequisites:None
Start here
Lessons · 77 min
CPU, RAM, and storage
Understand the processor, working memory, and long-term storage as a team.
9 min · beginnerInput and output devices
See how computers receive information from the world and communicate results.
8 min · beginnerBits and bytes
See how a computer represents choices, numbers, and text using only two states.
8 min · beginnerBinary numbers
Read and write base-two numbers using place values.
8 min · beginnerHexadecimal
Use base sixteen as a compact, readable shorthand for binary data.
8 min · beginnerMachine instructions
Learn how processors carry out small encoded commands.
8 min · beginnerCPU instruction cycle
Trace how a processor fetches, decodes, executes, and records an instruction.
9 min · beginnerProcesses and programs
Distinguish stored program code from a running instance of that code.
9 min · beginner
What you will cover
Module units
What is a computer?
A planned unit covering What is a computer?.
CPU, RAM, storage
A planned unit covering CPU, RAM, storage.
Input/output devices
A planned unit covering Input/output devices.
Bits and bytes
A planned unit covering Bits and bytes.
Binary numbers
A planned unit covering Binary numbers.
Hexadecimal
A planned unit covering Hexadecimal.
Machine instructions
A planned unit covering Machine instructions.
CPU instruction cycle
A planned unit covering CPU instruction cycle.
Processes and programs
A planned unit covering Processes and programs.