Course Overview

The Short course  in Information Technology is an introductory online course which aims to provide you with the foundation knowledge required to understand the components and operations of computer systems.

This online information technology course will give you an understanding of basic computer fundamentals and how they are implemented in modern hardware and software. From power supplies to memory, you will acquire an understanding of the components inside the case, what they look like, their function, and how they work together.  

In addition, the Short course  in Information Technology will provide you with an understanding of the underlying infrastructure behind the Internet, what the World Wide Web really is, how it evolved, how it works and gain an understanding of network security and the fundamentals of computer system protection.

Topics

  • History of computing
  • Modern computer systems
  • Hardware fundamentals
  • Computer system internals
  • Computer system expansion
  • The role of hardware and software
  • Computer system core components
  • Memory systems
  • Storage systems
  • Display systems
  • Operating systems and applications
  • Peripherals
  • Virtual machines
  • Office productivity
  • Word processing
  • Graphics and design
  • Web publishing
  • Introduction to HTML
  • Internet infrastructure
  • Internet protocols
  • Internet services
  • Using the internet
  • Network security
  • Privacy and personal security
  • Computer system protection
  • HTTP/FTP
  • Email and etiquette
  • Instant messaging
  • Internet telephony
  • P2P
  • Creating content for the Internet
  • Internet security and privacy

Assessment

Assignment-based

Course Duration

Course duration: Approximately 25 hours. As a guide, short course  courses can be completed within 5-10 weeks of part-time study. 

Distance Learning access: 2 month’s-learning access, with free extensions available.