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Explore computer fundamentals for understanding hardware and software. Learn about computer architecture, operating systems, and software applications.

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Find the best Computer course for your goals

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    M

    Microsoft

    Introduction to Computers

    Skills you'll gain: Business Software, Computer Hardware, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Data Storage Technologies, Computer Systems, Data Maintenance, Enterprise Security, System Software, Information Technology, Computer Architecture, Data Storage, System Configuration, Technical Support and Services, Microsoft Windows, Servers, Cybersecurity

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    918 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of London

    Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Debugging, Development Environment, Computer Systems, Web Applications, Arithmetic, Computer Literacy, Javascript, Network Security, Computer Networking, Program Development, Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, Problem Management, Computational Thinking, General Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Problem Solving

    Build toward a degree

    4.2
    Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.5K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    P

    Princeton University

    Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose

    Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java Programming, Java, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Simulations, Debugging

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.3K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    Computer Hardware and Software

    Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Computer Hardware, Hardware Architecture, Computer Systems, TCP/IP, Information Technology, General Networking, Computer Literacy, Network Protocols, Operating Systems, System Configuration, Software Installation, Computer Networking, File Systems

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    208 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

    Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software

    Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Office, Computer Hardware, Computer Literacy, Computer Graphics, Computer Systems, Graphics Software, Spreadsheet Software, File Management

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.8K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    P

    Princeton University

    Computer Architecture

    Skills you'll gain: Microarchitecture, Computer Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Computer Systems, Computer Engineering, Systems Architecture, Operating Systems, Performance Tuning, Scalability

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.7K reviews

    Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado System

    Computer Communications

    Skills you'll gain: TCP/IP, Local Area Networks, Routing Protocols, Network Routing, Digital Communications, OSI Models, Network Protocols, Communication Systems, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Security, Network Planning And Design, Network Architecture, General Networking, Computer Networking, Network Infrastructure, Network Performance Management, Wireless Networks, Telecommunications, Software-Defined Networking, Algorithms

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.4K reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • I

    IBM

    Introduction to Computer Vision and Image Processing

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Jupyter, Applied Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Supervised Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Computer Programming, Cloud Development, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Cloud Applications, Data Processing, Application Deployment, Algorithms

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.4K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    G

    Google

    The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting, TCP/IP, Network Architecture, Network Protocols, OSI Models, Network Routing, Network Infrastructure, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Security, Wireless Networks, Network Model, Data Integrity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    52K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    P

    Princeton University

    Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines

    Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Computer Science, Computer Architecture, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Computational Logic, Computational Thinking, Java Programming, Computer Hardware

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    730 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    R

    Rice University

    Fundamentals of Computing

    Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Event-Driven Programming, Algorithms, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Application Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Probability, Computer Programming, Bioinformatics, Interactive Design, Program Development, Big Data, Python Programming, Data Analysis, User Interface (UI), Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Science

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.1K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    H

    Hebrew University of Jerusalem

    Build a Modern Computer from First Principles: From Nand to Tetris (Project-Centered Course)

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Architecture, Computer Hardware, Computer Engineering, Computational Logic, Computer Programming, System Design and Implementation, Software Design, Debugging, Computer Programming Tools, Verification And Validation, Data Storage

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.7K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Computer learners also search

computer hardware
hardware
internet
salesforce
operating system
computer network
supercomputer
computing
1234…538

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular computer courses

  • Introduction to Computers: Microsoft
  • Introduction to Computer Science and Programming: University of London
  • Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose: Princeton University
  • Computer Hardware and Software: University of California, Irvine
  • Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Computer Architecture: Princeton University
  • Computer Communications: University of Colorado System
  • Introduction to Computer Vision and Image Processing: IBM
  • The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking: Google
  • Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines: Princeton University

Frequently Asked Questions about Computer

Browse the computer courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.

  • Introduction to Computers: Microsoft
  • Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose: Princeton University
  • The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking: Google
  • Introduction to Computer Vision and Image Processing: IBM
  • Computer Architecture: Princeton University
  • Interactive Computer Graphics: The University of Tokyo
  • Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Computer Hardware and Software: University of California, Irvine‎

These beginner-level courses provide accessible entry points into computing—no prior experience needed:

  • Introduction to Computers – Covers computer components, software, and digital tools.
  • Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose – A challenging but supportive intro to computer science concepts.
  • The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking – Offers hands-on training for help desk and tech support roles.‎

The Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization by the University of London spans approximately 13 weeks and focuses on:

  • Problem solving
  • Program development
  • Computer science fundamentals

It uses tools like Python, Excel, Power BI, and JavaScript.

Conversely, the Introduction to Computers course by Microsoft is a beginner-friendly 2-week course emphasizing:

  • Business software
  • Data storage technologies
  • Cybersecurity

It uses tools like Python, Excel, Power BI, and GitHub.

Both courses target data analysts but differ in duration and depth. Choose based on whether you prefer:

  • University of London's specialization for a more comprehensive and in-depth study of computing and programming
  • Microsoft's course for a quicker introduction to IT and enterprise security.‎

Start by identifying your area of interest—whether it’s computer science, IT support, programming, cybersecurity, or general digital literacy.

  • For an academic introduction to computer science, try Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University.
  • If you’re interested in tech support and networking, consider the Google IT Support Certificate.
  • For a broad overview of how computers work, explore Introduction to Computers and Office Productivity Software from HKUST.‎
  • A course teaches one topic or tool—like Introduction to Computers or Computer Architecture.
  • A Specialization combines multiple courses into a structured learning path—like Computer Forensics Specialization.
  • A Professional Certificate prepares you for job roles and includes career-ready content and capstone projects—like MathWorks Computer Vision Engineer or IBM Cybersecurity Analyst certificates.‎

Yes. You can start learning about computers on Coursera for free in two ways:

  • Preview the first module of many computer courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  • Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in computers, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Computer courses on Coursera cover a wide array of practical skills applicable to various technology-related tasks and professions:

  • Basic computer literacy, including understanding hardware and software components.
  • Operating systems usage, focusing on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
  • Internet skills, including using web browsers, email, and cloud services.
  • Data entry and basic data management.
  • Digital communication and online collaboration tools.
  • Basic troubleshooting and maintenance of personal computers.‎

Computer courses on Coursera are designed to accommodate learners at all skill levels:

  • Absolute beginners who need foundational skills such as using a computer or navigating the internet.
  • Intermediate users can learn more about software applications, data management, and online security.
  • More experienced users can refine their skills in specific software tools or learn advanced maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.

These courses provide step-by-step instructions to ensure everyone can follow along and build confidence in their computer skills. ‎

Gaining proficiency in computer skills through Coursera can open up a variety of career opportunities in virtually every industry:

  • Administrative roles, which often require proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and data management.
  • Support specialist positions, providing helpdesk or technical support.
  • Entry-level IT roles, such as computer technician or network administrator assistants.
  • Roles in digital marketing that utilize various online tools and platforms.
  • Freelance opportunities for data entry, virtual assistance, or computer maintenance services.

These skills are fundamental and widely applicable across job markets, enhancing employability and career flexibility. ‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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Certificates & Programs

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