Course content Course content
Computers and computer systems
Computers and computer systems

Start this free course now. Just create an account and sign in. Enrol and complete the course for a free statement of participation or digital badge if available.

Free course

Computers and computer systems

Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • understand what all the terms highlighted in bold in the text mean

  • understand the fundamental hardware components that make up a computer’s hardware and the role of each of these components

  • understand the difference between an operating system and an application program, and what each is used for in a computer

  • describe some examples of computers and state the effect that the use of computer technology has had on some common products

  • identify the principal components of a given computer system and draw a diagram after the style of Figures 6 and 12 to represent the data flows between them.

T224_1
Print Print

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to University-level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. You could either choose to start with an Access module, or a module which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification. Read our guide on Where to take your learning next for more information.

Not ready for formal University study? Then browse over 1000 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus371