How Computers Work
Discover what a computer really is, how the parts work together, and how binary powers everything.
- 50
Lesson 1
What is a computer?
Uncover the true definition of a computer and explore the fundamental Input-Process-Output-Storage model.
- 55
Lesson 2
Hardware vs Software
Understand the difference between the physical components you can touch and the digital code that runs on them.
- 60
Lesson 3
Input and Output
Explore how computers interact with the outside world using diverse input sensors and output devices.
- 75
Lesson 4
The CPU
Step inside the brain of the computer and discover how the Central Processing Unit executes instructions.
- 75
Lesson 5
Memory and Storage
Distinguish between volatile high-speed RAM and non-volatile long-term storage like SSDs and hard drives.
- 80
Lesson 6
Binary Basics
Master the language of 1s and 0s and learn how computers represent numbers, letters, and pixels with switches.
- 100
Lesson 7
Final Challenge
Put everything you have learned together in a comprehensive systems architecture assessment!