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IBM

Software, Programming, and Database Basics

IBM via edX

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Overview

Looking to build core skills in software, programming, and databases to launch a career in IT support? This beginner-friendly course helps you to gain a job-ready understanding of these essential competencies that employers look for. During the course, you’ll explore a wide range of topics, from the operating system on your mobile phone to the cloud computing technology behind enterprise applications. You’ll gain a solid understanding of databases that power software and information systems, as well as web browsers, programming languages, software development processes, and key programming concepts. Plus, you’ll dive into essential database knowledge, including interfaces, backups, and practical use cases. You’ll also explore emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, chatbots, and modern analytics applications, and build an understanding of how these innovations are reshaping business operations. Plus, you’ll learn about data monetization strategies and discover how organizations are transforming data into a strategic asset for growth and innovation. As you work through the course, you’ll complete hands-on labs and interactive activities, which will sharpen your analytical thinking and build practical skills. If you’re looking to build IT support skills employers need, enroll now and enhance your resume in just a few weeks.

Syllabus

Course Syllabus

Module 0: Welcome

  • Video: Course Introduction
  • Reading: General Information
  • Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus
  • Reading: Grading Scheme
  • Reading: How to make the most from this course

Module 1: Computing Platforms and Software Applications

  • Computing Platforms and Compatibility
  • Commercial and Open Source Software
  • Software Licenses
  • Understanding Software Licenses, DRM, and EULAs
  • Software Installation Management
  • Software Versions
  • Using Your Windows Lab Workspace
  • Microsoft Windows Server Lab Environment
  • Hands-on Lab: Install, Update & Remove Applications
  • Mobile Applications & Stores
  • Productivity, Business, and Collaboration Software
  • Types of File Formats
  • Activity: Recognizing File Formats
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications
  • Graded Quiz: Computing Platforms and Software Applications

Module 2: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI

  • Common Web Browsers
  • Browser Installs and Updates
  • Browser Plug-ins and Extensions
  • Basic Browser Security Settings
  • Browser Security Certificates and Pop-ups Settings
  • Private Browsing and Client-side Scripting Settings
  • Activity: Managing Browser Plug-ins and Extensions
  • Hands-on Lab: Browser Pop-ups, Redirects, and Extensions
  • Introduction to Cloud Computing and Cloud Deployment, and Service Models
  • Understanding the Differences Between Community Cloud, DaaS, and VDI
  • Application Architecture and Delivery Methods
  • Software Development Life Cycle
  • What is a Chatbot?
  • AI Chatbots and Smart Assistants
  • Introduction to Generative AI
  • Machine Learning
  • Reading: AI Predictions and Suggestions
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI
  • Graded Quiz: Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI

Module 3: Basics of Programming

  • Interpreted and Compiled Programming Languages
  • Comparing Compiled and Interpreted Programming Languages
  • Query and Assembly Programming Languages
  • Hands-on Lab - Hello World in 11 Programming Languages
  • Query and Assembly Programming Languages
  • Scripting Languages & Use Cases - Windows and Linux
  • Hands-on Lab: Basic Script within Windows
  • Understanding Code Organization Methods
  • Branching and Looping Programming Logic
  • Activity: Programming Logic and Organizational Methods
  • Introduction to Programming Concepts Part 1
  • Introduction to Programming Concepts Part 2
  • Hands-on lab: Programming Fundamentals with Python
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Basics of Programming
  • Graded Quiz: Basics of Programming

Module 4: Database Fundamentals

  • Types of Data, Sources, and Uses
  • Database Fundamentals and Constructs
  • Database Roles and Permissions
  • Database Types
  • Interfacing with Databases
  • Hands-on Lab: Basic Database Operations
  • Database Management
  • Backing Up Databases
  • Hands-on Lab: Back-up and Restore a Database
  • Big Data and Its Applications
  • Reading: Modern analytics applications and Data Monetization strategies
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Database Fundamentals
  • Graded Quiz: Database Fundamentals

Module 5: Final Project and Final Quiz

  • Optional Hands-on Lab: Exploring Libre Office
  • Final Project Overview and Scenario
  • Hands-on Lab: Libre Office Calc Final Project
  • Graded Final Quiz

Module 6: Course Wrap-Up

  • Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps
  • Reading: Thanks from the Course Team
  • Reading: Course Rating and Feedback

Taught by

Skills Network

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4.5 rating at edX based on 14 ratings

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